146 L
AW
E
NFORCEMENT
E
XAMS
Answer questions 37 to 39 on the basis of the following paragraph.
Because of the importance of preserving physical evidence, the officer should not enter the
scene of a crime if it can be examined visually from one position and if no other pressing duty
requires his presence there. There are some responsibilities, however, that take precedence over
preservation of evidence. Some examples are as follows: rescue work, disarming dangerous
persons, and quelling a disturbance. The officer should learn how to accomplish these more vital
tasks while at the same time preserving as much evidence as possible. If he finds it necessary
to enter the scene, he should quickly study the place of entry to learn if any evidence will suffer
by his contact; then he should determine the routes to use in walking to the spot where his
presence is required. Every place where a foot will fall or where a hand or other part of his body
will touch should be examined with the eye. Objects should not be touched or moved unless
there is a definite and compelling reason. For identification of most items of physical evidence
at the initial investigation, it is seldom necessary to touch or move them.
37. When an officer feels it is essential for him
to enter the immediate area where a crime
has been committed, he should
(A) quickly but carefully glance around to
determine whether entering the area
will damage any evidence present.
(B) remove all objects of evidence from his
predetermined route to avoid stepping
on them.
(C) carefully replace any object immedi-
ately if it is moved or touched by his
hands or any other part of his body.
(D) use only the usual place of entry to the
scene to avoid disturbing any possible
clues left on rear doors and windows.
38. The one of the following that is the least
urgent duty of an officer who has just
reported to the scene of a crime is to
(A) disarm the hysterical victim who is
wildly waving a loaded gun in all
directions.
(B) give first aid to a possible suspect who
has been injured while attempting to
leave the scene of the crime.
(C) prevent observers from attacking and
injuring the persons suspected of
having committed the crime.
(D) preserve from damage or destruction
any evidence necessary for the proper
prosecution of the case against the
criminals.
39. An officer has just reported to the scene of a
crime in response to a phone call. The best
of the following actions for him to take with
respect to objects of physical evidence
present at the scene is to
(A) make no attempt to enter the crime
scene if his entry will disturb any vital
physical evidence.
(B) map out the shortest, straightest path to
follow in walking to the spot where the
most physical evidence may he found.
(C) move such objects of physical evidence
as are necessary to enable him to assist
the wounded victim of the crime.
(D) quickly examine all objects of physical
evidence to determine which objects
may he touched and which may not.
