ETC Item Collection 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the first step when collecting physical evidence at a crime scene?

Send it to the lab immediately
Photograph and document it in place (Correct answer)
Bag it without documentation
Place it in evidence storage

Correct answer: Photograph and document it in place

The first and most crucial step when collecting physical evidence at a crime scene is to photograph and document it in its original location before any disturbance. This preserves the context, spatial relationship, and condition of the evidence. This meticulous documentation is vital for accurate reconstruction of the crime scene and maintaining the integrity of the evidence for legal proceedings.

Question 2: Which container is best for collecting wet biological evidence?

Plastic bag
Metal box
Paper bag (Correct answer)
Glass jar

Correct answer: Paper bag

Wet biological evidence, such as blood or tissue, should be collected in a breathable container like a paper bag. This allows the evidence to air dry naturally, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria that can degrade DNA and other biological material. Plastic bags or sealed containers trap moisture, which can lead to spoilage and compromise the evidence's integrity.

Question 3: Why is proper labeling of evidence important?

To make it look official
To match office supplies
To ensure identification and tracking (Correct answer)
To create duplicates

Correct answer: To ensure identification and tracking

Proper labeling is crucial for maintaining the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court. It ensures that each item can be uniquely identified, linked to the correct case, and tracked throughout its journey from collection to analysis and presentation. Accurate labels prevent mix-ups and provide a clear audit trail, establishing the evidence's authenticity.

Question 4: What should be worn when handling evidence to avoid contamination?

No gear is needed
Hat and sandals
PPE such as gloves and masks (Correct answer)
Camera and notepad only

Correct answer: PPE such as gloves and masks

Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks is essential when handling evidence to prevent contamination. Gloves protect the evidence from the handler's DNA, fingerprints, and other biological material, while masks prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating the scene or evidence. This practice safeguards the integrity of the evidence for forensic analysis and ensures its admissibility.

Question 5: What is the purpose of maintaining a chain of custody?

To assign blame
To allow unauthorized access
To ensure evidence integrity in court (Correct answer)
To file office expenses

Correct answer: To ensure evidence integrity in court

Maintaining a chain of custody is vital to prove that evidence presented in court is the same evidence collected at the crime scene and has not been tampered with. It documents every person who handled the evidence, when they handled it, and for what purpose. This unbroken record establishes the authenticity and integrity of the evidence, making it admissible in legal proceedings.

Question 6: Which of the following is most important when packaging sharp objects as evidence?

Leave them exposed for easy access
Wrap them in plastic wrap
Use puncture-resistant packaging with labels (Correct answer)
Place them in a paper envelope

Correct answer: Use puncture-resistant packaging with labels

When packaging sharp objects, safety for handlers and preservation of the evidence are paramount. Puncture-resistant containers, such as rigid plastic or metal boxes, prevent injuries and ensure the object itself is not damaged during transport or storage. Proper labeling is also critical for identification and maintaining the chain of custody.

ETC Item Collection 1

What is the first step when collecting physical evidence at a crime scene?