State Trooper Investigation Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'cognitive interview' technique used in witness interviews?
- A structured method using mental context reinstatement and multiple retrieval strategies to enhance memory recall (Correct answer)
- A polygraph examination of witnesses
- A high-pressure interrogation technique
- An interview conducted while witnesses are hypnotized
Correct answer: A structured method using mental context reinstatement and multiple retrieval strategies to enhance memory recall
The cognitive interview uses psychological principles to help witnesses recall more information accurately.
The cognitive interview uses four techniques: mental reinstatement of context, report everything, recall in different orders, and change perspectives, increasing accurate recall by 25-35%.
Question 2: What is the Reid Technique of interrogation and what are its criticisms?
- A structured approach involving behavior analysis and confrontational questioning, criticized for potentially generating false confessions (Correct answer)
- A physical intimidation method banned in the United States
- A technique that only uses written questions
- A method involving a polygraph during questioning
Correct answer: A structured approach involving behavior analysis and confrontational questioning, criticized for potentially generating false confessions
The Reid Technique is widely used but criticized for its confrontational approach.
The Reid Technique involves non-accusatory interviews followed by accusatory interrogation. Critics argue its confrontational approach can produce false confessions, especially from vulnerable populations.
Question 3: What is the legal requirement for conducting a photo lineup?
- The lineup must be fair with fillers resembling the suspect, ideally administered by someone who doesn't know which photo is the suspect (Correct answer)
- Only the suspect's photo needs to be shown
- The witness must identify the suspect within 30 seconds
- Photo lineups are only valid for felony cases
Correct answer: The lineup must be fair with fillers resembling the suspect, ideally administered by someone who doesn't know which photo is the suspect
Photo lineups must be fair and non-suggestive with proper fillers and blind administration.
Proper procedures require at least five similar fillers, double-blind administration when possible, clear instructions that the suspect may not be present, and documentation of confidence level.
Question 4: What is the 'dying declaration' exception to the hearsay rule?
- It allows statements made by a person believing they are about to die to be admitted as evidence (Correct answer)
- It permits officers to read a suspect's last will
- It requires that all dying persons be interviewed
- It protects medical personnel from liability
Correct answer: It allows statements made by a person believing they are about to die to be admitted as evidence
A dying declaration is admissible because the solemnity of impending death is believed to ensure truthfulness.
The dying declaration exception allows statements from a person who believes death is imminent to be admitted as evidence. The rationale is that a person facing death has no motivation to lie.
Question 5: What is digital forensics and when should a trooper request it?
- The recovery and analysis of electronic evidence from computers, phones, and other devices (Correct answer)
- Scanning fingerprints into a computer database
- Using GPS to track suspects in real time
- Converting paper reports into digital files
Correct answer: The recovery and analysis of electronic evidence from computers, phones, and other devices
Digital forensics involves specialized recovery and examination of electronic evidence.
Digital forensics encompasses identification, preservation, recovery, analysis, and presentation of evidence from electronic devices. Critical: do not power devices on/off and use Faraday bags for mobile devices.
Question 6: What is the significance of 'modus operandi' in criminal investigations?
- It describes the learned behaviors and methods a criminal uses, useful for linking cases (Correct answer)
- It is the legal term for the criminal charge
- It refers to the motive behind a crime
- It describes the crime scene layout
Correct answer: It describes the learned behaviors and methods a criminal uses, useful for linking cases
MO analysis helps link crimes to the same offender and can reveal patterns.
Modus operandi refers to the methods a criminal uses when committing offenses. Unlike signature, MO is learned and evolves. Analyzing it helps link crimes and develop suspect profiles.
State Trooper Investigation Procedures 2
What is the 'cognitive interview' technique used in witness interviews?