Evidence Collection and Preservation Flashcards
6 cards from real SHERIFF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Evidence Collection and Preservation flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of maintaining a 'chain of custody' for a piece of evidence?
Answer: To document the evidence's history and ensure its integrity for court.
The chain of custody is a chronological paper trail showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence. Its purpose is to prove to the court that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered in any way, ensuring its integrity and admissibility.
How should a deputy properly collect and package a piece of clothing that is wet with blood?
Answer: Allow it to air-dry completely before packaging it in a paper bag.
Wet biological evidence, like blood, must be air-dried before being packaged to prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial growth that can degrade or destroy the DNA. After drying, it should be placed in a paper bag, not plastic, as plastic traps moisture and accelerates degradation.
The first responding officer to a crime scene has a primary responsibility to:
Answer: Establish a perimeter and control access to the scene.
The first officer's most critical duty upon arrival is to secure the scene. This involves establishing a perimeter and controlling access to prevent the destruction or contamination of potential evidence before the investigation can begin.
When recovering a firearm as evidence at a crime scene, how should it be handled?
Answer: By the textured surfaces of the grip or trigger guard.
To preserve potential fingerprints, DNA, and other trace evidence, a firearm should be handled by the textured surfaces, such as the checkered grips or trigger guard, where prints are less likely to be found. It must also be rendered safe and its condition documented before being moved.
Latent fingerprints on a non-porous surface, such as a glass bottle, are most commonly developed and lifted using:
Answer: Fingerprint powder and tape
Fingerprint powder adheres to the moisture and oils left behind in a latent print on a non-porous surface. After dusting, the developed print can be lifted with special tape and placed on a contrasting card for preservation and analysis.
When seizing a smartphone as evidence, what is a critical first step to prevent data from being remotely wiped or altered?
Answer: Isolating it from communication networks (e.g., using a Faraday bag).
Placing a digital device in a Faraday bag or setting it to airplane mode (if accessible) isolates it from cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth networks. This prevents remote commands, such as a remote wipe, from reaching the device and destroying potential evidence.