Criminal Investigation Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real DCJS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Criminal Investigation Procedures flashcards as text
What does 'exculpatory evidence' mean in a criminal investigation?
Answer: Evidence that tends to clear or excuse a suspect from guilt
Exculpatory evidence tends to negate a defendant's guilt and must be disclosed to the defense under Brady v. Maryland.
An officer discovers a body and suspects homicide. What should be the first investigative priority?
Answer: Secure and protect the scene before any evidence is touched
Scene security is always the first priority in a homicide investigation to prevent evidence loss or contamination.
In Virginia, a consent search requires that consent be:
Answer: Voluntary and not the product of coercion or duress
Valid consent must be freely and voluntarily given; consent obtained through threats, coercion, or deception is constitutionally invalid.
What is a 'modus operandi' (MO) and why is it important in investigations?
Answer: A suspect's characteristic method of committing crimes, useful for linking cases
MO refers to a criminal's signature methods and habits, which investigators use to connect multiple crimes to a single offender.
When is it appropriate for an investigator to use a ruse or deception during a suspect interview?
Answer: Before Miranda warnings are given, within legal limits
Courts have allowed certain deceptive interview tactics before Miranda warnings, but deception cannot be used to overbear the suspect's will.
What is the significance of 'Locard's Exchange Principle' in criminal investigations?
Answer: Any contact between persons or objects results in an exchange of trace materials
Locard's Exchange Principle holds that every contact leaves a trace, forming the scientific foundation for trace evidence collection.
An officer responding to a burglary finds the door ajar and hears movement inside. What doctrine may justify immediate warrantless entry?
Answer: Exigent circumstances
Exigent circumstances allow warrantless entry when there is an urgent need to prevent imminent danger, destruction of evidence, or escape of a suspect.