Evidence Collection

All evidence gathered at a crime scene must be

• labeled and documented

• analyzed in a scientific manner

• handled carefully so not to contaminate the specimen

• all of the above

Investigators collect evidence

• without making judgements

• on its potential importance

• in alphabetical order

• only with permission from detectives

Crime scene investigators

• document the crime scene and collect physical evidence

• conduct interviews

• issue search warrants

• prosecute suspects

Evidence containers must have ____________ attached to them.

• documentation and evidence status

• collection record and control sample

• evidence log and a chain of custody document

• control samples and a procedural number

Whose job is it to document in detail and collect evidence? (after initial secure and scan)

• responding officer

• witness

• investigator

• medical examiner

What is the importance of the chain of custody in forensic evidence collection?

• It ensures that evidence is only handled by the media

• It maintains the integrity (believability) of the evidence by documenting who has handled it

• It makes the evidence collection process faster

• It is only important for digital evidence

What is the primary goal of forensic evidence collection at a crime scene?

• To immediately find the suspect

• To reconstruct the crime scene

• To collect all possible evidence in a systematic manner

• To clean the crime scene

What is the purpose of using control samples in forensic evidence collection?

• To provide samples that can be used to compare with evidence from the crime scene

• They are only used when the evidence is contaminated

• Control samples are not necessary in modern forensic science

• To replace missing evidence

Why is it important to photograph a crime scene before collecting evidence?

• To ensure that the scene can be reconstructed if needed

• Photographs are not important in the evidence collection process

• To use the photographs as the only form of evidence in court

• To identify suspects from the photographs

How should wet biological evidence (e.g., bloodstained clothing) be collected and stored?

• Placed in a sealed plastic bag immediately

• Dried before packaging in paper bags or envelopes

• Stored in a warm environment to prevent degradation

• Washed before packaging to remove any contaminants