TCOLE Criminal Investigations 3

Question 1

What is 'exculpatory evidence' in a criminal investigation?

Accepted Answer

Evidence that tends to prove the suspect's innocence or negate guilt

Answer

Exculpatory evidence is any evidence tending to disprove guilt or support the defendant's innocence, and under Brady v. Maryland prosecutors are legally required to disclose it to the defense.

Question 2

Under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, an arrested person must be brought before a magistrate no later than how many hours after arrest?

Accepted Answer

48 hours

Answer

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17 requires that an arrested person be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, but no later than 48 hours after arrest.

Question 3

When an officer discovers a crime scene that may also be a biohazard, the officer's first priority should be to:

Accepted Answer

Secure the scene, limit access, and notify appropriate hazmat personnel

Answer

Officer and public safety is always the first priority — securing the scene and notifying hazmat personnel protects responders while preserving evidence integrity.

Question 4

A 'show-up' identification procedure involves:

Accepted Answer

Presenting a single suspect to a witness shortly after the crime occurred

Answer

A show-up is when a single suspect is presented to a witness, typically near the crime scene and shortly after the offense, for immediate identification purposes.

Question 5

Which legal doctrine allows illegally obtained evidence to be admitted if investigators can show it would have been discovered through lawful means anyway?

Accepted Answer

Inevitable discovery doctrine

Answer

The inevitable discovery doctrine allows illegally obtained evidence to be admitted when the prosecution can demonstrate it would have been discovered through independent lawful investigative means.

TCOLE - Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Practice Test

TCOLE - Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Practice Test

TCOLE Criminal Investigations 3