Types of Physical Evidence

40 Questions

What is the first priority for a responding officer at a crime scene?

Secure, protect, and preserve the scene

What is the primary reason for protecting and securing the crime scene?

To prevent the contamination of physical evidence

What is the role of the first responding officer in the prosecution process?

They are an integral part of the prosecution process until the case is resolved

What information does the dispatch operator typically provide to the responding officer?

The nature and location of the alleged crime, as well as the complainant's name and relationship to the scene location

What is the purpose of considering key questions while driving to the scene?

To assess the situation adequately and plan a response

What is the term for objects obtained by the defendant as a result of committing a crime?

Fruits of a crime

What is the primary responsibility of the first responding officer upon arriving at the scene?

To identify officer safety concerns, any victim or witness injuries, and the need for backup

Which of the following is an example of an instrumentality of a crime?

The crowbar used by a burglar to gain entry into the building

When does the responsibility of protecting and securing the scene end?

When the crime scene is released to an investigator or from law enforcement custody

What is the purpose of admissibility of evidence?

To protect the defendant's constitutional rights, guard the jurors from being misled or confused, and expedite a trial

What is the term for the doctrine that holds that the court may exclude evidence from trial if the officer obtained it illegally?

Fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine

What is the purpose of documenting the initial investigative steps taken at the scene?

To clearly document the actions taken at the scene

What is the term for property that is illegal for a person to possess based on statute, ordinance, or rule?

Contraband

What is the term for anything written or printed that is offered to prove or disprove facts pertaining to the case?

Documentary evidence

What is a factor that affects the admissibility of evidence?

Whether the evidence is relevant to the case

What is the purpose of the legal requirement for admissibility of evidence?

To ensure the evidence is reliable and trustworthy

What should you do if the judge sustains an objection?

Do not answer the question

What type of question requires you to make a decision on an issue?

Question that calls for someone to make a conclusion

Why might an attorney ask an irrelevant question?

To get an answer that has no direct bearing on the facts

What is the goal of a defense attorney who asks a confrontational question?

To affect the witness's logic and calmness

What should you do if you are unsure about how to answer a question?

Pause to give the state attorney time to object

What is the best way to respond to a question that is designed to make you appear inept or unreliable?

Convey professionalism, knowledge, and confidence

What should you do if the judge overrules an objection?

Must answer the question

What type of question goes beyond the proper scope of questioning?

Question that has nothing to do with the case

What is the primary purpose of elimination prints in fingerprint analysis?

To distinguish between prints from victims, witnesses, and suspects

What should you do to avoid trapping air bubbles under the lifting tape?

Use your finger, pen, or another object to smooth out the tape and release any trapped air

When lifting the lifting tape containing the developed prints, what should you avoid doing?

Touching the tape to another surface

What information should be recorded on the back of the fingerprint print card?

The date, case number, and location of the crime scene

What is the primary purpose of collecting latent prints from a crime scene?

To collect evidence for forensic analysis

When handling a firearm or ammunition at a crime scene, what should you do to avoid contaminating the evidence?

Apply PPE to avoid contaminating the evidence with your fingerprints and DNA

What should you do when placing the lifting tape on the fingerprint card?

Place the tape on the correct side of the card in the designated place

What should you do with the latent print card evidence after collecting and processing it?

Follow your agency policies and procedures to submit latent print cards evidence

What is the primary purpose of a pretrial meeting?

To discuss the case details with the prosecutor

What should an officer do if they identify weaknesses in the case?

Point them out to the prosecutor to deal with them effectively

What is an officer's continuing obligation in a case?

To keep the prosecutor informed of any developments in the case

Why should an officer review all available case documentation before a pretrial meeting?

To be prepared to discuss all aspects of the case with the prosecutor

What should an officer do if they find errors in the documentation of evidence?

Point them out to the prosecutor to deal with them effectively

What should an officer do when discussing the case with the prosecutor?

Remain truthful, honest, and accurate

Why should an officer identify any special issues or situations in a case?

To make necessary arrangements, such as an interpreter or accommodations

Who should an officer discuss the case with before a pretrial meeting?

Their supervisor and crime scene personnel

Study Notes

Physical Evidence

Physical evidence can be classified into three categories: fruits of a crime, instrumentalities of a crime, and contraband.
Fruits of a crime are the objects obtained by the defendant as a result of committing the crime.
Instrumentalities are the items used by the defendant to commit the crime.
Contraband is any property that is illegal for a person to possess based on statute, ordinance, or rule.

Admissibility of Evidence

Admissibility of evidence refers to the legal requirements that must be met before a jury can see or hear about the evidence.
The evidence must be deemed relevant and real.
The evidence must be obtained legally and preserved properly.
The evidence cannot be unfairly prejudicial, confusing, or based on hearsay.
The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine holds that the court may exclude evidence from trial if the officer obtained it illegally.

Responding to a Crime Scene

When responding to a crime scene, the officer's first priority is to secure, protect, and preserve the scene to avoid contaminating any evidence.
The officer's second priority is to search for, identify, document, collect, and maintain the physical evidence.
The officer should consider key questions to help assess the situation adequately, such as:
- What is the location?
- Are any weapons involved?
- Has the complainant indicated the suspect's location?
- How many individuals are involved?
- How many officers are necessary to safely contain or control the situation?
- Do you need additional services?
- Do you need special equipment?
- Are any special concerns or dangers associated with the call?

Collecting Latent Prints

To collect latent prints, the officer should use lifting tape and follow a specific procedure to avoid damaging the print.
The officer should record the date, case number, location, and other relevant information on the back of the fingerprint print card.

Elimination Prints

Elimination prints allow fingerprint analysts to distinguish between prints belonging to victims, witnesses, or suspects.
The officer should take fingerprints from anyone who may have been at the crime scene to eliminate their prints from the pool of suspects.

Firearms Evidence

When recovering a firearm or ammunition at a crime scene, the officer should follow agency policies and procedures for handling such evidence.
The officer should apply PPE to avoid contaminating the firearm or ammunition with their fingerprints and DNA.

Pretrial Meeting

Before a pretrial meeting, the officer should thoroughly review all available case documentation.
The officer should discuss the case with the appropriate agency personnel, such as their supervisor, watch commander, or crime scene and evidence personnel.
The officer should be prepared to discuss who, what, when, where, how, and why facts of the case, as well as all evidence and other relevant information.

Cross-Examination Tactics

During a criminal trial, attorneys may use various tactics to discredit, misrepresent, or confuse the officer.
The officer should be aware of these tactics and go into court with basic techniques to overcome them.
The officer should convey professionalism, knowledge, and confidence and give firm, decisive answers.
The officer should not be confrontational or argumentative, and should remain calm and composed under cross-examination.

Learn about the different types of physical evidence in criminal investigations, including fruits of a crime, instrumentalities, and contraband.

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