Examination Practice Questions And

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

• Which of the following is the most important first step when

processing a crime scene?

• Collect all physical evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Secure and isolate the scene
• Take photographs

Rationale: Securing the scene is essential to prevent contamination and

preserve evidence integrity before any processing occurs.

2. Chain of custody refers to:

• The process of photographing evidence 1 / 4

• The documented record of evidence handling from collection to

court presentation

• Lab analysis procedures
• Labeling evidence

Rationale: Chain of custody ensures that evidence is accounted for at all

times and maintains its legal admissibility.

3. When collecting biological evidence, the best practice is to:

• Use wet paper towels to store the evidence
• Allow the evidence to dry and package it in breathable containers
• Place it directly in a plastic bag
• Freeze it immediately

Rationale: Moisture can promote mold growth; evidence should be dried

and stored in paper bags to preserve DNA and other biological materials.

4. Latent fingerprints are best visualized using:

• Flash photography
• Powder, chemical reagents, or alternate light sources
• Magnifying glasses only
• Ink pads

Rationale: Various methods like powders or chemicals enhance latent

prints that are not visible to the naked eye.

• Which of the following is NOT considered a class characteristic?
• Shoe size 2 / 4

• Tire tread pattern
• Unique wear marks on a shoe
• Fiber type

Rationale: Unique wear marks are individual characteristics; class

characteristics are shared by a group.

6. The primary goal of evidence preservation at a crime scene is to:

• Speed up the investigation
• Prevent contamination, loss, or degradation of evidence
• Identify suspects immediately
• Photograph everything

Rationale: Preserving the integrity of evidence is critical to ensure it

remains admissible in court.

• When documenting a crime scene, which method is NOT

recommended?

• Sketches
• Notes
• Photographs
• Relying solely on memory

Rationale: Memory is unreliable; proper documentation using notes,

sketches, and photos is essential.

8. Evidence should be labeled with:

• Only the item number 3 / 4

• Item description, collector’s initials, date, and location collected
• Just the date
• Lab processing number

Rationale: Complete labeling ensures traceability and prevents evidence

mix-ups.

• When collecting trace evidence like hair or fibers, which tool is

preferred?

• Finger
• Tweezers or tape
• Gloves only
• Magnifying glass

Rationale: Tweezers or tape allow collection without contaminating or

losing small evidence.

• Which of the following is the safest way to transport firearms?
• In a cardboard box
• Unloaded in a secure container, separate from ammunition
• With a trigger lock only
• Wrapped in cloth

Rationale: Firearms must be unloaded and secured to prevent accidental

discharge and preserve evidence.

• What is the main purpose of photographing a crime scene?
• To share with media
• / 4