TCOLE Study Guide 2026

Biological evidence must be air-dried before packaging in paper bags because moisture promotes mold and bacterial growth that can destroy DNA evidence.

Photographs must be taken before evidence is touched or moved to document the original, unaltered state of the crime scene.

According to the Code of Criminal Procedure (e.g., Art. 15.04 and 45.018), a complaint is defined as a sworn affidavit or allegation made before a magistrate or district/county attorney that charges the commission of an offense.

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 2.13 outlines the duties and powers of a peace officer. These duties include preserving the peace, interfering to prevent crime, executing lawful process, giving notice of offenses to a magistrate, and arresting offenders. Interpreting laws for citizens is a function of the judicial system, not a primary duty of a peace officer.

Latent fingerprints are invisible impressions left by skin oils that must be developed using powder, chemicals, or alternate light sources.

According to Texas Penal Code §22.02, an assault becomes an Aggravated Assault if the person commits assault and either (1) causes serious bodily injury to another, or (2) uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the assault. The other options describe elements of misdemeanor-level assault.