CERTIFIED CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR
EXAM QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
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1. What is the first priority of a crime scene investigator upon arrival at a crime
scene?
A. Collect evidence
B. Take photographs
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Sketch the scene
Rationale: Scene safety is the highest priority to protect personnel and
preserve evidence integrity.
2. Which of the following best defines the chain of custody?
A. Police officer’s notes of arrest
B. Documentation of evidence handling from collection to court
C. Lab analysis report
D. Scene sketch
Rationale: Chain of custody tracks possession and transfer of evidence to
ensure integrity.
3. Which type of evidence is considered class evidence?
A. Fingerprint ridge bifurcation
B. Blood type
C. DNA STR profile
D. Unique scar
, Rationale: Class evidence groups objects but does not uniquely identify a
single source.
4. What is the systematic sequence for photographing a crime scene?
A. Close-up only
B. Mid-range first
C. Overall, mid-range, and close-up sequence
D. Aerial only
Rationale: A systematic photography sequence ensures proper
documentation and context.
5. Which packaging material is best for biological evidence like bloody
clothing?
A. Plastic bag
B. Paper bag
C. Glass vial
D. Aluminum foil
Rationale: Paper allows air circulation to prevent mold and preserve
evidence.
6. What is the primary purpose of a crime scene sketch?
A. Replace photographs
B. Provide color detail
C. Provide spatial relationships and measurements
D. Record witness statements
Rationale: Sketches show accurate measurements and relative positions.
7. Which search pattern is most effective for a large open outdoor scene?
A. Line search
B. Spiral search
C. Zone search
D. Wheel search
Rationale: Line search allows systematic coverage of large outdoor areas.
, 8. What principle states that every contact leaves a trace?
A. Chain of custody
B. Kirk’s Law
C. Locard’s Exchange Principle
D. Forensic transfer theory
Rationale: Locard’s Exchange Principle explains transfer of material
between contacts.
9. Which evidence is most fragile and likely to deteriorate quickly?
A. Tool marks
B. Shoeprints in soil
C. Latent fingerprints
D. Tire tracks
Rationale: Latent prints can be easily lost due to environmental factors.
10.When collecting trace evidence like fibers, which tool is most appropriate?
A. Spoon
B. Knife
C. Forceps or tweezers
D. Gloves alone
Rationale: Forceps prevent contamination and allow precise collection.
11.Which type of bloodstain pattern suggests high-velocity impact?
A. Cast-off
B. Spatter with fine mist-like droplets
C. Transfer stains
D. Passive drops
Rationale: High-velocity spatter produces very fine droplets often from
gunshots.
12.What is the first task before entering a crime scene?
A. Interview witnesses
B. Secure and isolate the scene
C. Measure the scene
D. Collect transient evidence
EXAM QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the first priority of a crime scene investigator upon arrival at a crime
scene?
A. Collect evidence
B. Take photographs
C. Ensure scene safety
D. Sketch the scene
Rationale: Scene safety is the highest priority to protect personnel and
preserve evidence integrity.
2. Which of the following best defines the chain of custody?
A. Police officer’s notes of arrest
B. Documentation of evidence handling from collection to court
C. Lab analysis report
D. Scene sketch
Rationale: Chain of custody tracks possession and transfer of evidence to
ensure integrity.
3. Which type of evidence is considered class evidence?
A. Fingerprint ridge bifurcation
B. Blood type
C. DNA STR profile
D. Unique scar
, Rationale: Class evidence groups objects but does not uniquely identify a
single source.
4. What is the systematic sequence for photographing a crime scene?
A. Close-up only
B. Mid-range first
C. Overall, mid-range, and close-up sequence
D. Aerial only
Rationale: A systematic photography sequence ensures proper
documentation and context.
5. Which packaging material is best for biological evidence like bloody
clothing?
A. Plastic bag
B. Paper bag
C. Glass vial
D. Aluminum foil
Rationale: Paper allows air circulation to prevent mold and preserve
evidence.
6. What is the primary purpose of a crime scene sketch?
A. Replace photographs
B. Provide color detail
C. Provide spatial relationships and measurements
D. Record witness statements
Rationale: Sketches show accurate measurements and relative positions.
7. Which search pattern is most effective for a large open outdoor scene?
A. Line search
B. Spiral search
C. Zone search
D. Wheel search
Rationale: Line search allows systematic coverage of large outdoor areas.
, 8. What principle states that every contact leaves a trace?
A. Chain of custody
B. Kirk’s Law
C. Locard’s Exchange Principle
D. Forensic transfer theory
Rationale: Locard’s Exchange Principle explains transfer of material
between contacts.
9. Which evidence is most fragile and likely to deteriorate quickly?
A. Tool marks
B. Shoeprints in soil
C. Latent fingerprints
D. Tire tracks
Rationale: Latent prints can be easily lost due to environmental factors.
10.When collecting trace evidence like fibers, which tool is most appropriate?
A. Spoon
B. Knife
C. Forceps or tweezers
D. Gloves alone
Rationale: Forceps prevent contamination and allow precise collection.
11.Which type of bloodstain pattern suggests high-velocity impact?
A. Cast-off
B. Spatter with fine mist-like droplets
C. Transfer stains
D. Passive drops
Rationale: High-velocity spatter produces very fine droplets often from
gunshots.
12.What is the first task before entering a crime scene?
A. Interview witnesses
B. Secure and isolate the scene
C. Measure the scene
D. Collect transient evidence