Investigation Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real MTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigation Techniques flashcards as text
During a canvass of a crime scene neighborhood, a witness says she 'thinks' she saw a man running at approximately 10 PM. How should you document this statement?
Answer: Record it verbatim, noting her uncertainty
Witness statements must be recorded accurately, including any qualifications or uncertainty expressed by the witness.
When interviewing a reluctant witness at a crime scene, which approach is most effective?
Answer: Build rapport and explain the importance of their information
Building rapport and explaining the significance of their cooperation encourages reluctant witnesses to share information voluntarily.
An officer arrives at a burglary scene and notices a door was forced open. Which action should be taken FIRST?
Answer: Secure and protect the crime scene perimeter
The first priority upon arrival is to secure the scene to prevent contamination of evidence.
A suspect invokes their right to counsel during a custodial interrogation. What must the officer do?
Answer: Immediately cease all questioning until counsel is present
Once a suspect invokes the right to counsel, all interrogation must stop until an attorney is present.
Which type of evidence is considered most reliable when identifying a suspect?
Answer: Physical forensic evidence
Physical forensic evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, is considered the most objective and reliable form of identification evidence.
When conducting a lineup, why should the officer administering it not know which person is the suspect?
Answer: To prevent unconscious cues that could influence the witness
A double-blind lineup prevents the administrator from unintentionally signaling the suspect's identity to the witness.
A witness positively identifies a suspect from a photo array but later recants at trial. Which is TRUE about the original identification?
Answer: It may still be admissible as prior identification evidence
A prior identification made under proper procedures can be admitted as evidence even if the witness later recants.