DCJS DCJS Crime Scene Management & Evidence Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the FIRST priority upon arriving at any crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the safety of the officer and any persons present

Answer

Collecting all visible evidence immediately

Answer

Photographing the scene before anything changes

Answer

Establishing the perimeter with crime scene tape

Question 2

The first responding officer at a crime scene is primarily responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Securing and protecting the scene from contamination

Answer

Conducting detailed forensic analysis of physical evidence

Answer

Interviewing all witnesses before detectives arrive

Answer

Issuing a press statement to media at the scene

Question 3

A crime scene perimeter should be established:

Accepted Answer

As large as reasonably necessary to protect all potential evidence

Answer

Only after the full investigation is complete

Answer

As small as possible to avoid using too much tape

Answer

Only by supervisors or detectives, not patrol officers

Question 4

Which action by a first responder CONTAMINATES a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Walking through the scene without gloves or protective footwear

Answer

Wearing latex gloves throughout the response

Answer

Photographing evidence before touching it

Answer

Documenting the exact time of arrival

Question 5

When securing a crime scene, officers must document:

Accepted Answer

Arrival time, initial observations, and the identity of all persons who entered the scene

Answer

Only items they personally believe are relevant evidence

Answer

Only the actions and statements of suspects present

Answer

Media inquiries received at the outer perimeter

Question 6

Once a crime scene perimeter is established, access should be controlled by:

Accepted Answer

The officer or personnel specifically designated as scene security

Answer

The public information officer assigned to the scene

Answer

Any available officer regardless of assignment

Answer

The detective assigned to the case, but only after arrival