RO Evidence Collection & Preservation 2

Question 1

When documenting shell casings at a range incident scene, what is the correct order of steps before physically collecting them?

Accepted Answer

Photograph in place, measure distances, mark positions, then collect

Answer

Evidence must be photographed and mapped in place before collection to preserve spatial relationships.

Question 2

Which packaging material is MOST appropriate for collecting a firearm that may bear latent fingerprints?

Accepted Answer

Paper bag or cardboard box

Answer

Paper packaging allows moisture to escape, preventing degradation of biological evidence and latent prints that plastic can destroy.

Question 3

A range officer discovers a bullet lodged in a wooden target backer. The best method to remove the bullet for evidence is:

Accepted Answer

Cut the surrounding wood to preserve the bullet without tool contact on the bullet itself

Answer

Cutting the surrounding material avoids tool marks on the bullet that could interfere with ballistic comparison.

Question 4

Gunshot residue (GSR) evidence on a shooter's hands is best preserved by:

Accepted Answer

Placing paper bags over the hands and securing at the wrists

Answer

Paper bags over the hands prevent GSR loss from air currents and contact while avoiding the moisture buildup that plastic causes.

Question 5

Which of the following actions would MOST compromise the integrity of a chain of custody?

Accepted Answer

Leaving evidence unattended and unsecured between transfers

Answer

Any gap in custody—where evidence is unattended—creates an opportunity for tampering and breaks the chain of custody.

(RO) Certified Range Officer Practice Test