Evidence Collection and Chain of Custody

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a chain of custody in evidence collection?

• To ensure evidence is not tampered with

• To identify the suspect

• To speed up the investigation

• To reduce paperwork

In the process of evidence collection, the item number is recorded. Fill in the blank: The item number on the evidence bag is ___.

• A) 38

• B) 15

• C) 22

• D) 5

What is the 'chain of custody'?

• A list of evidence items

• A record of individuals who have had physical possession of the evidence

• A type of legal document

• A method of collecting evidence.

Fill in the blank: Maintaining the chain of custody is vital for any type of ______.

• document

• evidence

• report

• case

What must be done to the evidence in its appropriate packaging?

• It must be left open

• It must be sealed and signed by the collecting investigator

• It must be discarded

• It must be photographed.

The seal on the evidence must remain ______ as the evidence changes hands.

• broken

• intact

• loose

• removed

What must accompany the evidence as it travels?

• A photograph

• A written record (chain of custody log)

• A video recording

• A verbal statement.

Locard’s Exchange Principle states that 'Every contact leaves a ______.'

• mark

• trace

• clue

• fingerprint

What is the main objective of the evidence collection process in a crime scene investigation?

• To identify a possible crime-scene location based on trace evidence examination.

• To follow the chain of custody procedures.

• Both A and B.

• None of the above.