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
During a traffic stop, an officer smells marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Under current Virginia law, how does this affect the search?
Answer: Odor alone may not be sufficient probable cause given marijuana's legal status in Virginia
Since Virginia legalized marijuana possession for adults, courts have held that odor alone may no longer establish probable cause to search a vehicle.
What is a 'victimology' analysis in a homicide investigation?
Answer: A thorough study of the victim's background, lifestyle, and relationships to identify suspects
Victimology examines who the victim was, their routines, and relationships to understand why they were targeted and narrow the suspect pool.
Which rule governs when physical evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment may be excluded from trial?
Answer: The Exclusionary Rule
The Exclusionary Rule bars the use of evidence obtained through unconstitutional searches and seizures, with the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree doctrine extending this to derivative evidence.
An investigator is conducting surveillance. At what point does surveillance become constitutionally significant?
Answer: When it reveals information the subject had a reasonable expectation of privacy in
Surveillance implicates the Fourth Amendment when it intrudes on areas or information where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
What is the purpose of a 'case file' or investigative folder maintained throughout a criminal investigation?
Answer: To organize all documentation, evidence records, and investigative steps for court preparation and review
A complete case file documents every step of the investigation, ensuring accountability, continuity, and providing prosecutors the materials needed for prosecution.
What is the difference between a 'field identification' (showup) and a formal photo array?
Answer: A showup is an immediate on-scene one-person identification; a photo array presents multiple photos later
A showup is a prompt one-on-one identification near the crime scene, while a photo array is a structured multi-photo identification procedure conducted later.
Under Virginia Code, a law enforcement officer who discovers a firearm at a crime scene should:
Answer: Document its position, photograph it, make it safe, and submit it as evidence per department policy
Firearms at crime scenes must be documented, photographed in place, rendered safe by a qualified officer, and processed as evidence following established protocols.