Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Forensic Investigator Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is considered the primary responsibility of a

forensic investigator at a crime scene?

• Arresting suspects
• Collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence
• Interrogating witnesses
• Writing prosecution reports
• Collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence

Rationale: The primary role of a forensic investigator is to secure,

collect, and preserve evidence to ensure it is admissible in court.

2. Chain of custody is critical because:

• It ensures evidence is handled only by police officers 1 / 4

• It documents the movement and handling of evidence
• It determines the guilt of a suspect
• It guarantees a conviction
• It documents the movement and handling of evidence

Rationale: Maintaining a clear chain of custody ensures evidence

integrity and admissibility in court.

• Which of the following best describes Locard’s Exchange Principle?
• Every contact leaves a trace
• Evidence must be tested in a lab
• Witness statements are always reliable
• DNA evidence is infallible
• Every contact leaves a trace

Rationale: Locard’s principle states that when two objects come into

contact, material is exchanged between them.

• Which fingerprint pattern is characterized by ridges that enter from

one side and exit the same side?

• Loop
• Whorl
• Arch
• Delta
• Arch

Rationale: Arch patterns have ridges entering from one side and

exiting the other without looping back. 2 / 4

5. The primary purpose of photographing a crime scene is to:

• Replace written reports
• Capture an accurate visual record of the scene
• Identify suspects
• Conduct forensic analysis
• Capture an accurate visual record of the scene

Rationale: Photographs provide a permanent, objective record that

can be used in investigations and court.

6. The “Exclusionary Rule” primarily affects:

• Collection of evidence without a warrant
• Testing of DNA evidence
• Interrogation techniques
• Expert witness testimony
• Collection of evidence without a warrant

Rationale: Evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment

may be excluded from trial.

• Which type of evidence is most likely to provide a direct link between

a suspect and a crime scene?

• Hair without root
• Latent fingerprints
• Eyewitness testimony
• Fiber evidence
• Latent fingerprints 3 / 4

Rationale: Latent fingerprints can uniquely identify individuals who

were present at the crime scene.

8. Blood spatter analysis can provide information regarding:

• The type of weapon used
• The location of the victim and perpetrator
• The suspect’s motive
• The victim’s age
• The location of the victim and perpetrator

Rationale: Bloodstain patterns help reconstruct the sequence of

events, positions, and movements.

• Which of the following is considered class evidence?

A. DNA

• A bullet from a specific firearm
• Paint from a car of a known make and model
• A latent fingerprint
• Paint from a car of a known make and model

Rationale: Class evidence can only be associated with a group, not a

unique individual source.

10. The first responder at a crime scene should:

• Alter the scene to preserve evidence
• Ensure safety, secure the scene, and provide emergency care
• Begin collecting evidence immediately
• Contact the media for public safety
• / 4