Practice Exam: Crime Detection & Investigation - Fundamentals (Set 24)
A 30-question practice exam covering the fundamentals of criminal investigation, crime scene management, and evidence collection.
1. What is the primary and overarching objective of a criminal investigation?
A.To secure a conviction by any means necessary.
B.To legally obtain truth, identify, and prosecute the perpetrator.
C.To recover all stolen property and assets.
D.To satisfy the public's demand for justice.
2. Which of the "three I's" or tools of investigation refers to the scientific examination of physical evidence?
A.Information
B.Interrogation
C.Instrumentation
D.Intuition
3. An investigator at a crime scene is trying to establish the sequence of events. Which of the cardinal points of investigation is being addressed?
A.What specific offense has been committed?
B.Who committed the crime?
C.How was the crime committed?
D.Where was the crime committed?
4. A bloody knife found at a murder scene is best classified as what type of evidence?
A.Testimonial Evidence
B.Documentary Evidence
C.Physical Evidence
D.Hearsay Evidence
5. What is the first and most critical step a first responder must take upon arriving at a crime scene?
A.Immediately start collecting evidence.
B.Chase down any potential suspects seen leaving the area.
C.Secure and protect the scene, preserving its integrity.
D.Interview all witnesses present.
6. An investigator uses a method where the search starts from a central point and moves outward in ever-larger circles. What search method is this?
A.Grid Method
B.Spiral Method
C.Strip Method
D.Zone Method
7. What is the primary purpose of maintaining a "chain of custody" for evidence?
A.To determine the monetary value of the evidence.
B.To create a list of all investigators involved in the case.
C.To ensure the integrity and admissibility of evidence in court.
D.To track the movement of suspects related to the evidence.
8. The consistent and repeated pattern of behavior or method used by a criminal when committing multiple crimes is known as what?
A.Criminal Signature
B.Modus Operandi (MO)
C.Profiling
D.Case Linkage
9. Which of the following is a fundamental responsibility of an investigator at the crime scene?
A.To declare the suspect's guilt to the media.
B.To conduct a careful and methodical assessment of the scene.
C.To perform the autopsy on the victim.
D.To act as the prosecutor during the trial.
10. You are the first police officer to arrive at a reported homicide inside a residence. What is your immediate priority after ensuring the scene is safe?
A.Detain and question the person who made the report.
B.Search the house for the murder weapon.
C.Establish a perimeter and restrict unauthorized entry.
D.Check the victim for vital signs, even if they appear deceased.
11. Which phase of investigation involves collecting raw data, including witness statements, records, and observations?
A.Information gathering
B.Interrogation and Interview
C.Instrumentation analysis
D.Case preparation
12. A witness provides a sworn statement in court about what they personally observed. This is an example of:
A.Physical Evidence
B.Testimonial Evidence
C.Documentary Evidence
D.Circumstantial Evidence
13. Which of the following is NOT one of the "Cardinal Points" of criminal investigation?
A.What happened?
B.Why did it happen?
C.What is the suspect's alibi?
D.When did it happen?
14. The "Grid Search" method is most effective in which type of scenario?
A.A single investigator in a small, circular room.
B.Searching a large outdoor field for a small object.
C.A serious crime scene requiring a second, more thorough search.
D.Searching a vehicle.
15. The lead investigator's initial walk-through of a crime scene is primarily for what purpose?
A.To collect all visible evidence immediately.
B.To get an overview of the scene and formulate a plan for processing it.
C.To identify and arrest any suspects still at the scene.
D.To provide a statement to the media.
16. A confession obtained through force, threat, or intimidation violates which of the three "I's" of investigation?
A.Instrumentation, because it's unscientific.
B.Interrogation, because it's not obtained legally or ethically.
C.Information, because the data is unreliable.
D.All of the above.
17. The question "Who is the victim and who is the perpetrator?" falls under which cardinal point?
A.Who
B.What
C.Why
D.How
18. An investigator finds a handwritten suicide note at a scene. This note is an example of:
A.Physical Evidence
B.Testimonial Evidence
C.Documentary Evidence
D.Real Evidence
19. What is the main objective of a "crime scene sketch"?
A.To serve as an artistic rendering of the crime.
B.To accurately record distances and relationships between objects and evidence.
C.To be used as the sole piece of evidence in court.
D.To create a quick reference for the media.
20. When does the "chain of custody" for a piece of evidence officially begin?
A.When the evidence is presented in court.
B.When the evidence is being analyzed at the crime lab.
C.The moment an officer collects it at the crime scene.
D.When the case file is opened.
21. Which statement best defines "Criminal Investigation"?
A.The process of arresting and detaining suspects.
B.A public spectacle to deter future crime.
C.A systematic, legal process of identifying, collecting, and presenting evidence to determine the truth.
D.The exclusive use of forensic science to solve crimes.
22. Which search pattern is a combination of the strip search and the grid search, often used for large outdoor areas?
A.Spiral Method
B.Zone/Quadrant Method
C.Wheel Method
D.Link Method
23. A suspect's unique and unnecessary act committed during a crime, which is not required to complete the crime but satisfies a psychological need, is the:
A.Modus Operandi
B.Criminal Signature
C.Motive
D.Intent
24. What is the primary reason for immediately separating witnesses at a crime scene?
A.To increase their anxiety and make them more talkative.
B.To create a sense of competition among them.
C.To prevent them from influencing each other's testimony.
D.To make it easier to provide them with refreshments.
25. The 5 W's and 1 H are essential to an investigation. What does the 'H' stand for?
A.Hearsay
B.Hunch
C.How
D.Honor
26. Which of the following best describes the initial response phase of an investigation?
A.The phase where the case is presented to the prosecutor.
B.The actions taken by the first police officers to arrive at the scene.
C.The detailed analysis of evidence by the crime laboratory.
D.The final verdict delivered by the court.
27. The process of questioning a person who is reluctant to provide information or who may be the suspect is known as:
A.Interview
B.Interrogation
C.Instrumentation
D.Information Gathering
28. A surveillance video showing the suspect committing the crime is considered what kind of evidence?
A.Testimonial and Physical
B.Documentary and Physical
C.Only Physical
D.Only Documentary
29. The principle that "every contact leaves a trace" is fundamental to crime scene investigation and is known as:
A.The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine
B.Locard's Exchange Principle
C.The Miranda Doctrine
D.The Best Evidence Rule
30. An investigator is asking "Why was this particular person targeted?". This question addresses the:
A.Modus Operandi
B.Intent
C.Motive
D.Opportunity