Investigative Principles Flashcards
6 cards from real DSSAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Investigative Principles flashcards as text
What is the standard for 'reasonable suspicion' as established by the Supreme Court in Terry v. Ohio?
Answer: Articulable facts and circumstances sufficient to warrant a belief that criminal activity may be afoot
Terry v. Ohio established that an officer may briefly detain a person based on articulable facts and circumstances — not a mere hunch — that suggest criminal activity is occurring or about to occur.
When documenting a crime scene, which practice best ensures the integrity of physical evidence?
Answer: Documenting the scene in place before touching or moving any evidence
Evidence must be thoroughly documented in its original position through photography, sketching, and notes before any evidence is moved or collected.
What is the primary difference between an 'admission' and a 'confession' in the context of criminal investigations?
Answer: An admission acknowledges a fact relevant to the crime; a confession acknowledges guilt for the crime itself
An admission is a statement acknowledging facts that are incriminating but does not constitute a full acknowledgment of guilt. A confession is a full acknowledgment of guilt for the crime.
A DS Special Agent is investigating an employee for unauthorized disclosure of classified information. What type of federal crime would this likely constitute?
Answer: 18 U.S.C. § 793 — Gathering, Transmitting, or Losing Defense Information (Espionage Act)
Unauthorized disclosure of classified national defense information is primarily prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 793, the Espionage Act, which covers gathering, transmitting, or retaining national defense information without authorization.
Which investigative interviewing technique involves the interviewer making deliberate false statements about the evidence to elicit a confession?
Answer: Deceptive interrogation tactic — legally permissible in the U.S. but with limitations
U.S. courts have generally permitted law enforcement to use deceptive interrogation tactics, including misrepresenting evidence, as long as the resulting statement is voluntary and not coerced.
What is the purpose of maintaining a 'chain of custody' for physical evidence in a criminal investigation?
Answer: To document every person who handled evidence to preserve its integrity and admissibility
Chain of custody documents every person who had access to or handled evidence, establishing that the evidence has not been tampered with and is authentic.