Evidence Collection Flashcards
7 cards from real ACT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Evidence Collection flashcards as text
Under Pennsylvania law and Act 235 standards, who has primary authority over a crime scene where both uniformed police and a lethal weapons agent respond?
Answer: The ranking law enforcement officer or lead investigator assigned to the case
Scene authority belongs to the ranking law enforcement officer or assigned lead investigator; Act 235 agents operate in a supportive role under that authority.
What is the significance of the term 'corpus delicti' evidence in Act 235 training?
Answer: Physical evidence proving that a crime actually occurred
Corpus delicti means 'body of the crime' — physical evidence that establishes a crime actually occurred, as opposed to witness statements alone.
An Act 235 agent responding to an incident discovers evidence that points to a crime outside their jurisdiction. What is the correct action?
Answer: Notify the appropriate jurisdiction and preserve the scene until they arrive
When evidence suggests an out-of-jurisdiction crime, the agent must preserve the scene and notify the appropriate jurisdiction with authority to handle it.
Which of the following is a valid reason to re-enter a secured crime scene after initial evidence collection is complete?
Answer: To collect a previously overlooked item of evidence with proper documentation of the re-entry
Re-entry is permitted to collect overlooked evidence but must be documented, including who re-entered, when, and what was collected or observed.
During evidence collection, an Act 235 agent finds a controlled substance. What must they do to properly handle this item?
Answer: Follow established protocols for drug evidence, including field testing only if trained and authorized
Controlled substances must be handled according to established evidence protocols; field testing should only be conducted by trained and authorized personnel to avoid reagent hazards.
What is the primary reason an Act 235 agent should avoid discussing active evidence details with media representatives at a scene?
Answer: Disclosing evidence details can compromise the investigation and jeopardize prosecution
Releasing evidence details to media can tip off suspects, taint witness testimony, and jeopardize the prosecution's case at trial.
When an Act 235 agent is called to testify about evidence they collected, what is the most important factor that establishes their credibility regarding that evidence?
Answer: Thorough, accurate, and contemporaneous notes and documentation made at the time of collection
Contemporaneous notes and accurate documentation made at the time of collection are the foundation of credible testimony about evidence handling.