Criminal Investigation Quiz: Test Your Knowledge - Prof.
Mumo (2026/2027)
Principles of Criminal Investigation | Key Domains: The Investigative Process & First Response,
Crime Scene Management & Evidence Collection, Interview & Interrogation Techniques, Forensic
Science Applications, Legal Considerations (Search & Seizure, Miranda), and Case Preparation |
Expert-Aligned Structure | Multiple-Choice Quiz Format
Introduction
This structured Criminal Investigation Quiz for 2026/2027 provides 50 multiple-choice questions
with correct answers and rationales. It is designed to test foundational knowledge of the methods,
procedures, and legal frameworks that guide professional criminal investigations from the initial
response through to case filing.
Quiz Structure:
● Investigative Knowledge Quiz: (50 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers and investigative procedures must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied
by concise rationales explaining the correct step in the investigative process (e.g., "The first priority
at a crime scene is to secure the scene and ensure safety"), the proper handling of a specific type of
evidence (e.g., chain of custody for DNA), the legal standard for a specific action (e.g., requirements
for a valid search warrant), the difference between an interview and an interrogation, and why the
alternative multiple-choice options represent procedural errors, legal violations, or investigative
misconceptions.
Investigative Knowledge Quiz (50 Multiple-Choice
Questions)
1. What is the FIRST priority of an officer arriving at a crime scene?
, A. Begin collecting evidence immediately
B. Secure the scene and ensure the safety of all persons
C. Interview the suspect on-site
D. Take photographs of the entire area
B. Secure the scene and ensure the safety of all persons
Rationale: Officer and public safety is paramount. Only after securing the scene and rendering aid can
evidence preservation begin. Collecting evidence (A) or photographing (D) before securing risks
contamination; interviewing suspects (C) is premature and may violate rights.
2. Which legal principle requires that evidence be handled in a way that documents its
possession from collection to court?
A. Exclusionary rule
B. Chain of custody
C. Best evidence rule
D. Hearsay rule
B. Chain of custody
Rationale: Chain of custody is a documented record of every person who handled evidence, ensuring it
has not been altered or tampered with. If broken, evidence may be deemed inadmissible. The
exclusionary rule (A) bars illegally obtained evidence; best evidence (C) requires original documents;
hearsay (D) excludes out-of-court statements.
3. Under what circumstance can officers conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle?
A. Any time the vehicle is parked on a public street
B. Only with the owner’s verbal consent
C. When there is probable cause and the vehicle is readily mobile
D. Whenever a traffic violation occurs
C. When there is probable cause and the vehicle is readily mobile
, Rationale: The automobile exception (Carroll v. U.S.) allows warrantless searches if there is probable
cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence and it is mobile. Consent (B) is another exception but not
the only one; parking location (A) or traffic stops (D) alone do not justify a search.
4. What is the primary difference between an interview and an interrogation?
A. Interviews are for witnesses; interrogations are for suspects
B. Interviews are non-accusatory; interrogations are accusatory and seek a confession
C. Interrogations require a lawyer; interviews do not
D. Interviews occur at the station; interrogations occur at the scene
B. Interviews are non-accusatory; interrogations are accusatory and seek a confession
Rationale: Interviews gather information from victims, witnesses, or suspects in a neutral manner.
Interrogations are focused, accusatory sessions aimed at obtaining a confession from a suspect
believed to be guilty. While suspects (A) are often interrogated, the key distinction is the approach, not
the person.
5. When must Miranda warnings be given?
A. During any police questioning
B. Only during custodial interrogation
C. Before any arrest
D. Whenever a suspect is in a police car
B. Only during custodial interrogation
Rationale: Miranda v. Arizona requires warnings only when a suspect is in custody (not free to leave)
and subject to interrogation (explicit questioning or its functional equivalent). Voluntary statements
during non-custodial interviews (A) or routine booking questions (C, D) do not require Miranda.
6. What is the most appropriate way to collect a bloodstain on a wooden floor?
A. Scrape it into a plastic bag
B. Wipe it with a wet cloth and place in a sealed container
C. Allow it to dry, then scrape into a paper envelope
D. Spray it with luminol to preserve it
Mumo (2026/2027)
Principles of Criminal Investigation | Key Domains: The Investigative Process & First Response,
Crime Scene Management & Evidence Collection, Interview & Interrogation Techniques, Forensic
Science Applications, Legal Considerations (Search & Seizure, Miranda), and Case Preparation |
Expert-Aligned Structure | Multiple-Choice Quiz Format
Introduction
This structured Criminal Investigation Quiz for 2026/2027 provides 50 multiple-choice questions
with correct answers and rationales. It is designed to test foundational knowledge of the methods,
procedures, and legal frameworks that guide professional criminal investigations from the initial
response through to case filing.
Quiz Structure:
● Investigative Knowledge Quiz: (50 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct answers and investigative procedures must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied
by concise rationales explaining the correct step in the investigative process (e.g., "The first priority
at a crime scene is to secure the scene and ensure safety"), the proper handling of a specific type of
evidence (e.g., chain of custody for DNA), the legal standard for a specific action (e.g., requirements
for a valid search warrant), the difference between an interview and an interrogation, and why the
alternative multiple-choice options represent procedural errors, legal violations, or investigative
misconceptions.
Investigative Knowledge Quiz (50 Multiple-Choice
Questions)
1. What is the FIRST priority of an officer arriving at a crime scene?
, A. Begin collecting evidence immediately
B. Secure the scene and ensure the safety of all persons
C. Interview the suspect on-site
D. Take photographs of the entire area
B. Secure the scene and ensure the safety of all persons
Rationale: Officer and public safety is paramount. Only after securing the scene and rendering aid can
evidence preservation begin. Collecting evidence (A) or photographing (D) before securing risks
contamination; interviewing suspects (C) is premature and may violate rights.
2. Which legal principle requires that evidence be handled in a way that documents its
possession from collection to court?
A. Exclusionary rule
B. Chain of custody
C. Best evidence rule
D. Hearsay rule
B. Chain of custody
Rationale: Chain of custody is a documented record of every person who handled evidence, ensuring it
has not been altered or tampered with. If broken, evidence may be deemed inadmissible. The
exclusionary rule (A) bars illegally obtained evidence; best evidence (C) requires original documents;
hearsay (D) excludes out-of-court statements.
3. Under what circumstance can officers conduct a warrantless search of a vehicle?
A. Any time the vehicle is parked on a public street
B. Only with the owner’s verbal consent
C. When there is probable cause and the vehicle is readily mobile
D. Whenever a traffic violation occurs
C. When there is probable cause and the vehicle is readily mobile
, Rationale: The automobile exception (Carroll v. U.S.) allows warrantless searches if there is probable
cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence and it is mobile. Consent (B) is another exception but not
the only one; parking location (A) or traffic stops (D) alone do not justify a search.
4. What is the primary difference between an interview and an interrogation?
A. Interviews are for witnesses; interrogations are for suspects
B. Interviews are non-accusatory; interrogations are accusatory and seek a confession
C. Interrogations require a lawyer; interviews do not
D. Interviews occur at the station; interrogations occur at the scene
B. Interviews are non-accusatory; interrogations are accusatory and seek a confession
Rationale: Interviews gather information from victims, witnesses, or suspects in a neutral manner.
Interrogations are focused, accusatory sessions aimed at obtaining a confession from a suspect
believed to be guilty. While suspects (A) are often interrogated, the key distinction is the approach, not
the person.
5. When must Miranda warnings be given?
A. During any police questioning
B. Only during custodial interrogation
C. Before any arrest
D. Whenever a suspect is in a police car
B. Only during custodial interrogation
Rationale: Miranda v. Arizona requires warnings only when a suspect is in custody (not free to leave)
and subject to interrogation (explicit questioning or its functional equivalent). Voluntary statements
during non-custodial interviews (A) or routine booking questions (C, D) do not require Miranda.
6. What is the most appropriate way to collect a bloodstain on a wooden floor?
A. Scrape it into a plastic bag
B. Wipe it with a wet cloth and place in a sealed container
C. Allow it to dry, then scrape into a paper envelope
D. Spray it with luminol to preserve it
