SDPD - San Diego Police Department Crime Scene Investigation Questions and Answers

Question 1

An officer is the first to arrive at a residential burglary scene. After confirming no suspects are present and no medical attention is needed, what is the officer's most immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Secure the scene by establishing a perimeter and controlling access.

Answer

Conduct a detailed interview with the homeowner about what was stolen.

Answer

Begin dusting for fingerprints around the point of entry.

Answer

Collect obvious evidence, such as broken glass, into evidence bags.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of maintaining a crime scene log?

Accepted Answer

To document every individual who enters and exits the secured crime scene.

Answer

To provide a detailed inventory of all evidence collected.

Answer

To record the initial statements provided by witnesses and victims.

Answer

To create a rough sketch of the crime scene layout.

Question 3

When handling a firearm discovered at a crime scene, which of the following is the most appropriate initial action for an officer to take to preserve evidence?

Accepted Answer

Use gloves and pick up the weapon by the textured surfaces, such as the checkered grip or slide serrations.

Answer

Insert a pen into the barrel to lift the weapon without touching the grip.

Answer

Immediately unload the weapon and place the ammunition in a separate bag.

Answer

Place the firearm in a sealed plastic bag to prevent loss of trace evidence.

Question 4

While securing an outdoor assault scene, an officer notices a distinct footwear impression in a patch of dirt. Dark clouds are gathering, and it looks like it is about to rain. What is the officer's best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Find a cardboard box or other object to cover the impression and protect it from the elements.

Answer

Immediately attempt to create a plaster cast of the impression before it gets wet.

Answer

Take a close-up photograph with a measuring scale next to it.

Answer

Use their foot to create a deeper impression so it will not wash away as easily.

Question 5

The concept of "chain of custody" is fundamental to evidence handling. What is its primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

To create a chronological paper trail of every person who has handled a piece of evidence.

Answer

To create an itemized list of evidence for the property room.

Answer

To document the forensic tests that will be performed on each piece of evidence.

Answer

To ensure evidence is transported to the lab by the highest-ranking officer.

Question 6

Which of the following is the primary investigative reason for immediately separating witnesses at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

To prevent them from contaminating each other's recollection of the events.

Answer

To make it more efficient for detectives to conduct interviews later.

Answer

To protect them from potential retaliation from a suspect.

Answer

To determine who has the most important information to share.