NC BLET Criminal Investigation Exam Questions and Answers 2024

Criminal Investigation - The reconstruction of a violation of criminal law in order to identify and locate the perpetrator and gather evidence for trial. Questions to ask Witnesses before entering the scene - -Is anyone injured? -What happened? -Is the suspect still on scene? -Who is the suspect? -Who is the victim? Things to Record when you arrive on scene - -The time you received the call. -Your time of arrival. -Weather Conditions. Investigative Steps - -Record Information about the call. -Question Witnesses. -Give aid to anyone injured on the scene. -Check the immediate area for the suspect(s) or victim(s), also called a protective sweep. -Protect the scene and call for the necessary assistance. -Locate and identify witnesses. -Broadcast any lookouts or necessary information. -When the requested assistance arrives , secure the scene more adequately. -After entry has been lawfully made, whether by exigent circumstances , search warrant, or consent, the investigating officer should carefully walk thru the scene. -Photograph,measure, and sketch the scene including all items of evidence. -Collect, label, and package evidence. -If necessary, secure the scene until some follow up investigation is done. Two Reasons for Preservation of the Crime Scene - -To prevent the destruction or removal of physical evidence AND -To allow for accurate reconstruction of the events occurring at the scene. Preservation starts by removing____________________________________________ from the area. - Unauthorized Persons Methods for securing the crime scene area - -Posting additional officers at entrance. -Roping off the involved area. -Placings signs on doors. -Positioning barricades to block streets. -Using traffic cones or flares to block areas or provide a guide for direction of travel. -Using patrol vehicles to block streets or a specific area. Seven Areas Common to most Crime Scenes - -Place of arrival -Point of entry -Path through the scene -Contact with the scene -Contact with the victim -Place of exit -Place of arrest Whenever possible, all evidence should be __________________until photographed and measured for the sketch. - Unmoved If anything is touched or moved- - -the officer must document that in their report and obtain elimination fingerprints and DNA from the party that moved or touched the item. Ways to Locate and Identify Potential Witnesses - -Conduct an area canvass to locate those that live or work near the crime scene. -Observe the individuals that are talking amongst themselves while others are listening. -Interview friends, relatives, and associates of victim. -Interview those named during the interviews with the above people. -Check your local department records division for associates to the victim and/or suspect. -Locate photographs found at the scene or in the victims possession, of possible associates. -Locate the victims address or phone book. -Seize surveillance film from the location of the crime and/or area surrounding businesses. -Recover cell phones and other devices which hold memory from the victim, suspect, and witnesses. Minimum Identification for People Interviewed - -Full Name -Sex, race, and date of birth -Home address and phone number -Business address and phone number -Cell Phone number(s) -E-mail Address -Next of kin or friend contact information When possible get a __________________________ statement from each witness. - Recorded(Video or audio) Statement - First-hand account of a crime as given to an investigating law enforcement officer.