CPD Investigation & Evidence

Question 1

What is the chain of custody for evidence?

Accepted Answer

A documented record of every person who handled evidence from collection through court presentation

Answer

The chain of command in the evidence room

Answer

A physical chain used to secure evidence containers

Answer

The order in which suspects are questioned

Question 2

What is the difference between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence?

Accepted Answer

Direct evidence proves a fact without inference (eyewitness testimony); circumstantial requires inference from facts (fingerprints at scene)

Answer

Direct evidence is always stronger than circumstantial

Answer

Circumstantial evidence is inadmissible in court

Answer

They are identical types of evidence

Question 3

What is the purpose of crime scene photography?

Accepted Answer

To create a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was found, documenting evidence location and condition

Answer

To create content for police department social media

Answer

To identify suspects through facial recognition only

Answer

Photography is optional and rarely used in investigations

Question 4

What are the components of a thorough incident report?

Accepted Answer

Who, what, when, where, why, and how — with specific details, witness statements, and evidence documentation

Answer

Only the suspect's name and the charges

Answer

A brief one-sentence summary is sufficient

Answer

Only the officer's personal opinion about what happened

Question 5

What is forensic evidence and how is it collected?

Accepted Answer

Scientific evidence like DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics collected using proper techniques to prevent contamination

Answer

Only evidence collected from computer hard drives

Answer

Evidence gathered through officer intuition

Answer

Physical evidence that doesn't require laboratory analysis

Question 6

What is the role of a detective in CPD investigations?

Accepted Answer

To conduct follow-up investigations, interview witnesses and suspects, gather evidence, and build cases for prosecution

Answer

To patrol neighborhoods and respond to 911 calls

Answer

To manage the police department's budget

Answer

To train new recruits at the police academy