Step 7: Save/Collect Evidence

Open Ended

Why is it important to secure and separate the scene and witnesses during a crime scene investigation?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the correct method for collecting moist biological trace evidence at a crime scene?

• Place in a plastic bag

• Place in a paper bindle or breathable bag

• Place in an airtight, unbreakable container

• Leave it at the scene

Multiple Choice

Which of the following should be collected first at a crime scene?

• Most fragile or easily lost evidence

• Large objects

• Items with no risk of contamination

• Evidence that does not need to be moved

Open Ended

List and explain two hazards that proper handling and packaging of evidence can protect against.

Multiple Select

Which of the following tools are commonly used in evidence collection? Select all that apply.

• Tweezers

• Distilled water

• Fingerprint powder

• gloves

Fill in the Blank

Investigators should always wear ______ when collecting evidence to avoid contamination.

Open Ended

Why is it important to fill out an evidence log with the correct information when marking evidence?

Multiple Choice

Based on the filled evidence log, who was the suspect and who was the victim in the case involving a kitchen knife?

• Suspect: Peter Roberts, Victim: Erica Roberts

• Suspect: Erica Roberts, Victim: Peter Roberts

• Suspect: Augustus Gloop, Victim: Wolfgang Von Shroder

• Suspect: P. Sherman, Victim: D. Burbank

Open Ended

Describe the process and importance of assigning evidence numbers in an evidence log.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason for maintaining an evidence log?

• Ensures proper accountability and tracking of evidence

• Helps investigators determine the correct evidence to test

• Synchronizes with the photo log and sketch

• Allows evidence to be discarded without record

Multiple Choice

Which details are typically included on a fingerprint card?

• Case number

• Location of offense

• Victim's name

• All of the above

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: All seals on evidence bags must be ___ halfway across the bag/container and halfway across the tape.

Open Ended

Compare and contrast the characteristics of correctly and improperly sealed evidence bags, and explain why proper sealing is important.

Multiple Choice

Why is maintaining the chain of custody essential for evidence to remain admissible in court?

• It ensures evidence is not tampered with or subject to misconduct

• It allows evidence to be transferred without record

• It makes evidence collection faster

• It prevents evidence from being lost

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to use a bindle when collecting trace evidence such as glass fragments or fibers?

• To prevent small evidence from falling out of the container

• To make the evidence look organized

• To save space in the evidence bag

• To keep the evidence dry

Open Ended

List two precautions that must be taken when collecting and packaging biological evidence.

Fill in the Blank

When sampling a wet stain, the swab should be labeled using ___ wrapped around the shaft.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following steps is unique to sampling a dry stain compared to a wet stain?

• Moisten the swab with 1-2 drops of distilled water

• Let the fluid completely air dry

• Label the swab with tape

• Insert swab into a small cardboard box

Multiple Choice

Which items at a crime scene should be processed using gray powder, black powder, or black magnetic powder for fingerprint collection?

• Non-movable items

• Small transportable items

• Paper containers

• All evidence

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven types of bite marks described in forensic investigations?

• Hemorrhage

• Abrasion

• Contusion

• Erosion

Open Ended

Explain why it is important to immobilize knives when collecting them as evidence at a crime scene.

Multiple Select

When handling firearms as evidence, which of the following steps should always be taken before packaging?

• Record the position of the hammer and safety

• Count fired and unfired cartridges

• Remove the magazine and ensure the chamber is empty

• Insert a pen into the barrel to check for obstructions

Fill in the Blank

Fill in the blank: When handling a firearm for evidence, you should avoid touching surfaces that may contain ___.

Open Ended

Describe the correct method for packaging a firearm once it has been rendered safe for evidence collection.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best way to handle fired bullets to protect critical markings and trace evidence?

• Wrap in plastic wrap

• Wrap in paper bindle or soft tissue

• Place directly in a plastic bag

• Leave exposed in a box

Open Ended

Reflecting on the process of saving and collecting evidence, what challenges do you think investigators might face when handling different types of evidence at a crime scene?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT one of the Seven S’s of Crime Scene Investigation?

• Secure the scene

• Separate the witnesses

• Scan the scene

• Summarize the evidence