WJEC CRIMINOLOGY UNIT 3: CRIME SCENE TO
COURTROOM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 |
COMPLETE MODEL ANSWERS, EXAM PRACTICE &
HIGH-GRADE EXEMPLARS FOR ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA MASTERY (INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF)
WJEC CRIMINOLOGY UNIT 3: CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS — 2026/2027 EDITION
• This resource delivers 200 exam-style multiple choice questions with bolded
correct answers and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE, meticulously covering every Unit
3 topic from crime scene management to courtroom outcomes.
• Work through each question independently before checking the answer — use
section by section for targeted revision and maximum grade potential.
SECTION 1: CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT
Q1. What is the primary purpose of establishing a cordon at a crime scene?
A. To attract media attention to the investigation
B. To allow members of the public to observe proceedings
C. To preserve the integrity of the scene and prevent contamination
D. To provide shelter for investigating officers
E. To mark the boundary of police jurisdiction
Correct Answer: C. To preserve the integrity of the scene and prevent
contamination
EXPERT RATIONALE: A crime scene cordon is established to protect physical
evidence from being disturbed, contaminated, or destroyed. Preserving the scene
,in its original state is critical for a successful investigation and subsequent
prosecution.
Q2. Who is typically the first person to arrive at a crime scene and has initial
responsibility for its management?
A. The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)
B. The Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
C. The First Officer Attending (FOA)
D. The forensic pathologist
E. The Crown Prosecution Service representative
Correct Answer: C. The First Officer Attending (FOA)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The First Officer Attending (FOA) is typically the first police
officer to arrive at a crime scene. Their primary duties include rendering first aid if
needed, detaining suspects, and beginning the process of preserving the scene
until specialist support arrives.
Q3. What does Locard's Exchange Principle state?
A. Every crime leaves a digital footprint
B. Every contact leaves a trace
C. All criminals return to the scene of the crime
D. Evidence degrades over time
E. Witnesses always tell the truth
Correct Answer: B. Every contact leaves a trace
EXPERT RATIONALE: Locard's Exchange Principle, developed by Dr. Edmond
Locard, states that every contact between two objects results in an exchange of
,material. When a criminal comes into contact with a scene or victim, they leave
something behind and take something away — underpinning all forensic science.
Q4. What is a 'common approach path' at a crime scene?
A. The route taken by the offender to flee
B. A designated route for all authorised personnel to minimise scene
contamination
C. The path used by paramedics during an emergency
D. The main road leading to the crime scene
E. A public walkway established after the scene is cleared
Correct Answer: B. A designated route for all authorised personnel to
minimise scene contamination
EXPERT RATIONALE: A common approach path (CAP) is a specific route
identified and used by all authorised individuals entering the crime scene. It is
chosen to minimise disturbance of evidence and reduce the risk of contamination
across the wider scene.
Q5. Which of the following best describes a 'primary crime scene'?
A. The location where the suspect was arrested
B. The scene where most witnesses were found
C. The location where the crime actually took place
D. The first scene examined by forensic investigators
E. The location where the victim was discovered
Correct Answer: C. The location where the crime actually took place
EXPERT RATIONALE: A primary crime scene is the location where the crime
itself occurred. This may differ from where a body is found (secondary scene) or
, where a suspect is apprehended. Correct identification of the primary scene is
fundamental to any investigation.
Q6. What is a 'secondary crime scene'?
A. A scene where the criminal lived
B. A location connected to the crime but not where the offence took place
C. The scene examined second in priority
D. A reconstructed version of the primary scene
E. A scene used for training purposes
Correct Answer: B. A location connected to the crime but not where the
offence took place
EXPERT RATIONALE: A secondary crime scene is any location related to the
crime that is not the primary scene. For example, if a body is moved after death, the
location of discovery is a secondary scene. Both primary and secondary scenes
require forensic examination.
Q7. What is meant by 'chain of custody' in evidence handling?
A. The list of officers assigned to an investigation
B. The documented record showing who has handled evidence and when
C. The process of interviewing witnesses in sequence
D. The links between different crime scenes
E. The hierarchy of command within a police force
Correct Answer: B. The documented record showing who has handled
evidence and when
EXPERT RATIONALE: Chain of custody refers to the chronological
documentation of evidence from collection to court presentation. It ensures
COURTROOM STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 |
COMPLETE MODEL ANSWERS, EXAM PRACTICE &
HIGH-GRADE EXEMPLARS FOR ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA MASTERY (INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF)
WJEC CRIMINOLOGY UNIT 3: CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS — 2026/2027 EDITION
• This resource delivers 200 exam-style multiple choice questions with bolded
correct answers and detailed EXPERT RATIONALE, meticulously covering every Unit
3 topic from crime scene management to courtroom outcomes.
• Work through each question independently before checking the answer — use
section by section for targeted revision and maximum grade potential.
SECTION 1: CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT
Q1. What is the primary purpose of establishing a cordon at a crime scene?
A. To attract media attention to the investigation
B. To allow members of the public to observe proceedings
C. To preserve the integrity of the scene and prevent contamination
D. To provide shelter for investigating officers
E. To mark the boundary of police jurisdiction
Correct Answer: C. To preserve the integrity of the scene and prevent
contamination
EXPERT RATIONALE: A crime scene cordon is established to protect physical
evidence from being disturbed, contaminated, or destroyed. Preserving the scene
,in its original state is critical for a successful investigation and subsequent
prosecution.
Q2. Who is typically the first person to arrive at a crime scene and has initial
responsibility for its management?
A. The Senior Investigating Officer (SIO)
B. The Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
C. The First Officer Attending (FOA)
D. The forensic pathologist
E. The Crown Prosecution Service representative
Correct Answer: C. The First Officer Attending (FOA)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The First Officer Attending (FOA) is typically the first police
officer to arrive at a crime scene. Their primary duties include rendering first aid if
needed, detaining suspects, and beginning the process of preserving the scene
until specialist support arrives.
Q3. What does Locard's Exchange Principle state?
A. Every crime leaves a digital footprint
B. Every contact leaves a trace
C. All criminals return to the scene of the crime
D. Evidence degrades over time
E. Witnesses always tell the truth
Correct Answer: B. Every contact leaves a trace
EXPERT RATIONALE: Locard's Exchange Principle, developed by Dr. Edmond
Locard, states that every contact between two objects results in an exchange of
,material. When a criminal comes into contact with a scene or victim, they leave
something behind and take something away — underpinning all forensic science.
Q4. What is a 'common approach path' at a crime scene?
A. The route taken by the offender to flee
B. A designated route for all authorised personnel to minimise scene
contamination
C. The path used by paramedics during an emergency
D. The main road leading to the crime scene
E. A public walkway established after the scene is cleared
Correct Answer: B. A designated route for all authorised personnel to
minimise scene contamination
EXPERT RATIONALE: A common approach path (CAP) is a specific route
identified and used by all authorised individuals entering the crime scene. It is
chosen to minimise disturbance of evidence and reduce the risk of contamination
across the wider scene.
Q5. Which of the following best describes a 'primary crime scene'?
A. The location where the suspect was arrested
B. The scene where most witnesses were found
C. The location where the crime actually took place
D. The first scene examined by forensic investigators
E. The location where the victim was discovered
Correct Answer: C. The location where the crime actually took place
EXPERT RATIONALE: A primary crime scene is the location where the crime
itself occurred. This may differ from where a body is found (secondary scene) or
, where a suspect is apprehended. Correct identification of the primary scene is
fundamental to any investigation.
Q6. What is a 'secondary crime scene'?
A. A scene where the criminal lived
B. A location connected to the crime but not where the offence took place
C. The scene examined second in priority
D. A reconstructed version of the primary scene
E. A scene used for training purposes
Correct Answer: B. A location connected to the crime but not where the
offence took place
EXPERT RATIONALE: A secondary crime scene is any location related to the
crime that is not the primary scene. For example, if a body is moved after death, the
location of discovery is a secondary scene. Both primary and secondary scenes
require forensic examination.
Q7. What is meant by 'chain of custody' in evidence handling?
A. The list of officers assigned to an investigation
B. The documented record showing who has handled evidence and when
C. The process of interviewing witnesses in sequence
D. The links between different crime scenes
E. The hierarchy of command within a police force
Correct Answer: B. The documented record showing who has handled
evidence and when
EXPERT RATIONALE: Chain of custody refers to the chronological
documentation of evidence from collection to court presentation. It ensures
