CPD Investigation & Evidence — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the chain of custody for evidence?
- A documented record of every person who handled evidence from collection through court presentation (Correct answer)
- The chain of command in the evidence room
- A physical chain used to secure evidence containers
- The order in which suspects are questioned
Correct answer: A documented record of every person who handled evidence from collection through court presentation
Chain of custody documents every person who handled, transferred, or stored evidence, including dates and times, ensuring the evidence presented in court is the same as what was collected.
Question 2: What is the difference between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence?
- Direct evidence proves a fact without inference (eyewitness testimony); circumstantial requires inference from facts (fingerprints at scene) (Correct answer)
- Direct evidence is always stronger than circumstantial
- Circumstantial evidence is inadmissible in court
- They are identical types of evidence
Correct answer: Direct evidence proves a fact without inference (eyewitness testimony); circumstantial requires inference from facts (fingerprints at scene)
Direct evidence proves a fact directly (a witness saw the suspect commit the crime), while circumstantial evidence requires an inference to connect it to the conclusion (the suspect's fingerprints were found at the scene).
Question 3: What is the purpose of crime scene photography?
- To create a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was found, documenting evidence location and condition (Correct answer)
- To create content for police department social media
- To identify suspects through facial recognition only
- Photography is optional and rarely used in investigations
Correct answer: To create a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was found, documenting evidence location and condition
Crime scene photography creates a permanent, accurate visual record of the scene, evidence, and their spatial relationships, preserving the scene's condition for investigation and court proceedings.
Question 4: What are the components of a thorough incident report?
- Who, what, when, where, why, and how — with specific details, witness statements, and evidence documentation (Correct answer)
- Only the suspect's name and the charges
- A brief one-sentence summary is sufficient
- Only the officer's personal opinion about what happened
Correct answer: Who, what, when, where, why, and how — with specific details, witness statements, and evidence documentation
A complete incident report documents all parties involved, the sequence of events, location, time, witness statements, evidence collected, officer actions, and any other relevant details.
Question 5: What is forensic evidence and how is it collected?
- Scientific evidence like DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics collected using proper techniques to prevent contamination (Correct answer)
- Only evidence collected from computer hard drives
- Evidence gathered through officer intuition
- Physical evidence that doesn't require laboratory analysis
Correct answer: Scientific evidence like DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics collected using proper techniques to prevent contamination
Forensic evidence includes DNA, fingerprints, ballistics, fiber analysis, and digital evidence, collected using specific protocols (gloves, sterile containers, proper packaging) to prevent contamination and ensure admissibility.
Question 6: What is the role of a detective in CPD investigations?
- To conduct follow-up investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, gather evidence, and build cases for prosecution (Correct answer)
- To patrol neighborhoods and respond to 911 calls
- To manage the police department's budget
- To train new recruits at the police academy
Correct answer: To conduct follow-up investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, gather evidence, and build cases for prosecution
CPD detectives conduct in-depth criminal investigations including interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, analyzing evidence, coordinating with forensic specialists, and preparing cases for prosecution.
CPD Investigation & Evidence
What is the chain of custody for evidence?