Spring Semester February 2026 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Certification & Exam Prep | Evidence Collection & Preservation, Forensic
Photography, Fingerprint & Trace Evidence Analysis, DNA & Toxicology,
Crime Scene Documentation, NGN-Style Practice Questions &
Certification Success Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of securing a crime scene?
A) To collect evidence
B) To preserve the integrity of the scene
C) To interview witnesses
D) To make arrests
Correct option: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of securing a crime scene is to preserve the integrity of
the scene to prevent contamination or alteration of evidence. This allows for accurate
investigation and analysis later.
2. Which of the following is NOT considered a tracing method for collecting
fingerprints?
A) Dusting with powder
B) Chemical fuming
C) DNA testing
D) Lifting tape
Correct option: C
Rationale: DNA testing is not a method for collecting fingerprints. It is a separate
forensic process used to analyze genetic material. Fingerprint tracing methods
specifically involve techniques designed to reveal ridge patterns on the skin's surface.
3. In the chain of custody, what is essential to maintain?
A) The identity of the suspect
B) Evidence collection techniques
C) A documented record of all individuals who handled the evidence
D) The location of the crime scene
Correct option: C
Rationale: Maintaining a documented record of all individuals who handled the
evidence is crucial in the chain of custody to ensure its admissibility in court. This
documentation helps prevent tampering and establishes the integrity of the evidence.
4. Which type of evidence is most reliable in a court of law?
,A) Testimonial evidence
B) Circumstantial evidence
C) Physical evidence
D) Direct evidence
Correct option: D
Rationale: Direct evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or a suspect's confession, is
considered the most reliable type in court because it directly links the accused to the
crime, reducing ambiguity compared to other forms of evidence like testimonial or
circumstantial evidence.
5. What is the first step an investigator should take upon arriving at a crime scene?
A) Secure the scene
B) Begin interviews with witnesses
C) Search for evidence
D) Notify additional personnel
Correct option: A
Rationale: The first step an investigator should take is to secure the scene to prevent
contamination and preserve evidence. This establishes a perimeter to control access
and ensure the site remains intact for further investigation.
6. What is the significance of a field sketch in crime scene investigation?
A) To replace written reports
B) To provide a visual representation for media
C) To document the layout and details of the scene for future reference
D) To identify witnesses
Correct option: C
Rationale: A field sketch is significant because it documents the layout and details of
the crime scene, serving as a visual tool for investigators and providing essential context
for analysis, reporting, and courtroom presentations.
7. Which of the following best describes "exculpatory evidence"?
A) Evidence that proves guilt
B) Evidence that can prove the innocence of a defendant
C) Evidence that supports only one side of a case
D) Evidence that has been tampered with
Correct option: B
, Rationale: Exculpatory evidence is information that can indicate a suspect's
innocence, thereby potentially absolving them of any criminal charges. It is crucial for a
fair trial and can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
8. What term describes the systematic process of collecting and examining
physical evidence at a crime scene?
A) DNA analysis
B) Suspect profiling
C) Evidence collection
D) Witness interviewing
Correct option: C
Rationale: Evidence collection is the systematic process that ensures all relevant
physical items are gathered from the crime scene, which is essential for proper
investigation and legal processes.
9. What role does photography play in crime scene investigation?
A) To create a visual record of the scene
B) To identify suspects
C) To conduct interviews
D) To analyze fingerprints
Correct option: A
Rationale: Photography creates a visual record of the crime scene and evidence as it
was found, helping investigators and the court visualize the context and conditions of
the scene. This record can be crucial for subsequent investigations and trials.
10. What type of evidence includes hair, blood, or fibers collected from a suspect
or crime scene?
A) Circumstantial evidence
B) Biological evidence
C) Digital evidence
D) Trace evidence
Correct option: B
Rationale: Biological evidence refers to physical materials that originate from living
organisms. These materials, which include blood, hair, and fibers, can be analyzed for
DNA and other identifiers, making them significant in investigations.
Certification & Exam Prep | Evidence Collection & Preservation, Forensic
Photography, Fingerprint & Trace Evidence Analysis, DNA & Toxicology,
Crime Scene Documentation, NGN-Style Practice Questions &
Certification Success Guide
1. What is the primary purpose of securing a crime scene?
A) To collect evidence
B) To preserve the integrity of the scene
C) To interview witnesses
D) To make arrests
Correct option: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of securing a crime scene is to preserve the integrity of
the scene to prevent contamination or alteration of evidence. This allows for accurate
investigation and analysis later.
2. Which of the following is NOT considered a tracing method for collecting
fingerprints?
A) Dusting with powder
B) Chemical fuming
C) DNA testing
D) Lifting tape
Correct option: C
Rationale: DNA testing is not a method for collecting fingerprints. It is a separate
forensic process used to analyze genetic material. Fingerprint tracing methods
specifically involve techniques designed to reveal ridge patterns on the skin's surface.
3. In the chain of custody, what is essential to maintain?
A) The identity of the suspect
B) Evidence collection techniques
C) A documented record of all individuals who handled the evidence
D) The location of the crime scene
Correct option: C
Rationale: Maintaining a documented record of all individuals who handled the
evidence is crucial in the chain of custody to ensure its admissibility in court. This
documentation helps prevent tampering and establishes the integrity of the evidence.
4. Which type of evidence is most reliable in a court of law?
,A) Testimonial evidence
B) Circumstantial evidence
C) Physical evidence
D) Direct evidence
Correct option: D
Rationale: Direct evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or a suspect's confession, is
considered the most reliable type in court because it directly links the accused to the
crime, reducing ambiguity compared to other forms of evidence like testimonial or
circumstantial evidence.
5. What is the first step an investigator should take upon arriving at a crime scene?
A) Secure the scene
B) Begin interviews with witnesses
C) Search for evidence
D) Notify additional personnel
Correct option: A
Rationale: The first step an investigator should take is to secure the scene to prevent
contamination and preserve evidence. This establishes a perimeter to control access
and ensure the site remains intact for further investigation.
6. What is the significance of a field sketch in crime scene investigation?
A) To replace written reports
B) To provide a visual representation for media
C) To document the layout and details of the scene for future reference
D) To identify witnesses
Correct option: C
Rationale: A field sketch is significant because it documents the layout and details of
the crime scene, serving as a visual tool for investigators and providing essential context
for analysis, reporting, and courtroom presentations.
7. Which of the following best describes "exculpatory evidence"?
A) Evidence that proves guilt
B) Evidence that can prove the innocence of a defendant
C) Evidence that supports only one side of a case
D) Evidence that has been tampered with
Correct option: B
, Rationale: Exculpatory evidence is information that can indicate a suspect's
innocence, thereby potentially absolving them of any criminal charges. It is crucial for a
fair trial and can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
8. What term describes the systematic process of collecting and examining
physical evidence at a crime scene?
A) DNA analysis
B) Suspect profiling
C) Evidence collection
D) Witness interviewing
Correct option: C
Rationale: Evidence collection is the systematic process that ensures all relevant
physical items are gathered from the crime scene, which is essential for proper
investigation and legal processes.
9. What role does photography play in crime scene investigation?
A) To create a visual record of the scene
B) To identify suspects
C) To conduct interviews
D) To analyze fingerprints
Correct option: A
Rationale: Photography creates a visual record of the crime scene and evidence as it
was found, helping investigators and the court visualize the context and conditions of
the scene. This record can be crucial for subsequent investigations and trials.
10. What type of evidence includes hair, blood, or fibers collected from a suspect
or crime scene?
A) Circumstantial evidence
B) Biological evidence
C) Digital evidence
D) Trace evidence
Correct option: B
Rationale: Biological evidence refers to physical materials that originate from living
organisms. These materials, which include blood, hair, and fibers, can be analyzed for
DNA and other identifiers, making them significant in investigations.
