ABMDI (Forensic Certification) Chain of Custody Practice Questions and
Answers Updated 2026 | Complete Medicolegal Death Investigation Study
Guide with Verified Questions, Detailed Rationales, Evidence Collection,
Evidence Preservation, Chain of Custody Documentation, Scene Security,
Property & Personal Effects Handling, Evidence Transfers, Legal
Admissibility, Courtroom Readiness & ABMDI Certification Exam Prep
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the chain of custody?
A. Evidence analysis B. Tracking evidence handling C. Safe evidence storage D. Scene
photography
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Tracking evidence handling
Rationale: It tracks evidence seizure, custody, transfer, and disposition to ensure
integrity.
Question 2: When does the chain of custody begin?
A. At the autopsy B. At the laboratory C. At the evidence room D. At scene collection
CORRECT ANSWER: D. At scene collection
Rationale: The chain starts the moment evidence is recognized, collected, or seized at
the scene.
Question 3: Who is responsible for maintaining the chain of custody?
A. The lead detective B. The evidence custodian C. The initial collector D. Anyone
handling it
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Anyone handling it
Rationale: Every person who takes possession of the evidence is responsible for its
integrity during their custody.
Question 4: What is the most critical consequence of a broken chain of custody?
A. Evidence degradation B. Loss of evidence C. Inadmissibility in court D. Delayed
investigation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Inadmissibility in court
Rationale: A broken chain raises doubts about tampering or contamination, often
leading to evidence exclusion.
Question 5: How should a death scene be secured to protect the chain of custody?
A. Allow family access B. Restrict unauthorized personnel C. Move bodies immediately
D. Turn off all lights
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Restrict unauthorized personnel
,Rationale: Limiting access prevents contamination, loss, or unauthorized alteration of
scene evidence.
Question 6: What document primarily tracks the chain of custody?
A. Incident report B. Chain of custody form C. Autopsy protocol D. Search warrant
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Chain of custody form
Rationale: The chain of custody form records every transfer and handling event for an
evidence item.
Question 7: What must be done before collecting biological evidence at a death
scene?
A. Refrigerate it B. Photograph the scene C. Package it in plastic D. Label it immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Photograph the scene
Rationale: Photography documents the original context and position of evidence before
collection alters the scene.
Question 8: How often should an investigator change gloves when collecting
multiple items?
A. Every hour B. After every item C. Only if visibly soiled D. At the end of the scene
CORRECT ANSWER: B. After every item
Rationale: Changing gloves prevents cross-contamination between different pieces of
evidence.
Question 9: What is the best packaging for wet biological evidence?
A. Airtight plastic bag B. Paper bag or container C. Glass jar D. Metal tin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Paper bag or container
Rationale: Paper allows wet biological evidence to dry, preventing mold growth and
degradation.
Question 10: What information is mandatory on an initial evidence label?
A. Investigator's home address B. Case and item numbers C. Suspect's name D.
Laboratory technician name
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Case and item numbers
Rationale: Unique identifiers link the physical item to its official documentation and
case file.
Question 11: How should evidence seals be initialed and dated?
A. Only on the top B. Across the seal tape C. On the evidence itself D. On the outer box
only
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Across the seal tape
Rationale: Writing across the seal ensures that any tampering or breaking of the seal will
destroy the signature.
Question 12: What is the safest way to transport evidence from the scene?
A. Leave it in a locked car B. Keep it in direct sight C. Hand it to a bystander D. Mail it to
the lab
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Keep it in direct sight
Rationale: Maintaining direct physical control or visual contact prevents unauthorized
access during transport.
Question 13: What is required when transferring evidence to another person?
A. A verbal agreement B. A signed receipt C. A text message D. A photograph of the
person
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A signed receipt
Rationale: A signed receipt or chain of custody form formally documents the transfer of
responsibility.
Question 14: What should be done if an evidence seal is found broken upon
receipt?
A. Ignore it B. Reject the evidence C. Document and investigate D. Repackage it silently
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document and investigate
Rationale: Broken seals must be documented, and the circumstances investigated to
determine if integrity was compromised.
Question 15: What is the purpose of a Faraday bag in digital evidence?
A. To keep it warm B. To block remote wiping C. To prevent water damage D. To store
batteries
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To block remote wiping
Rationale: Faraday bags block electromagnetic signals, preventing remote alteration or
wiping of digital devices.
Question 16: How should firearms be packaged for evidence?
A. Loaded and cocked B. Unloaded in a secure box C. Disassembled completely D.
Wrapped in cloth
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Unloaded in a secure box
Rationale: Firearms must be unloaded and secured to ensure safety and preserve
internal ballistic evidence.
, Question 17: What is the correct way to handle a firearm at a death scene?
A. Pick it up by the barrel B. Insert a pencil into the barrel C. Lift by checkered grips or
trigger guard D. Clear it immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lift by checkered grips or trigger guard
Rationale: Handling by textured areas preserves potential fingerprint and DNA evidence
on smooth surfaces.
Question 18: When should a firearm's safety be engaged?
A. Never B. Only when handing it to someone C. Immediately after clearing it D. Before
photographing it
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Immediately after clearing it
Rationale: Engaging the safety after clearing prevents accidental discharge during
packaging and transport.
Question 19: What must be documented when collecting a firearm?
A. The make and model only B. The condition of the safety C. The chamber and
magazine status D. The owner's purchase receipt
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The chamber and magazine status
Rationale: Documenting the status of the chamber and magazine establishes the
weapon's condition at the scene.
Question 20: How should ammunition be packaged?
A. Loose in a bag B. In the firearm C. In a dedicated ammunition box D. Mixed with
firearms
CORRECT ANSWER: C. In a dedicated ammunition box
Rationale: Ammunition must be packaged separately from firearms to ensure safety
and preserve individual evidence.
Question 21: What is the primary concern when transporting human remains?
A. Keeping them warm B. Preventing leakage and contamination C. Speed of transport
D. Aesthetic presentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preventing leakage and contamination
Rationale: Proper body bags and leak-proof containers prevent biohazard exposure and
preserve trace evidence.
Question 22: How should a body bag be sealed for transport?
A. With a standard zipper B. With a tamper-evident seal C. With duct tape D. With a
padlock
Answers Updated 2026 | Complete Medicolegal Death Investigation Study
Guide with Verified Questions, Detailed Rationales, Evidence Collection,
Evidence Preservation, Chain of Custody Documentation, Scene Security,
Property & Personal Effects Handling, Evidence Transfers, Legal
Admissibility, Courtroom Readiness & ABMDI Certification Exam Prep
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the chain of custody?
A. Evidence analysis B. Tracking evidence handling C. Safe evidence storage D. Scene
photography
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Tracking evidence handling
Rationale: It tracks evidence seizure, custody, transfer, and disposition to ensure
integrity.
Question 2: When does the chain of custody begin?
A. At the autopsy B. At the laboratory C. At the evidence room D. At scene collection
CORRECT ANSWER: D. At scene collection
Rationale: The chain starts the moment evidence is recognized, collected, or seized at
the scene.
Question 3: Who is responsible for maintaining the chain of custody?
A. The lead detective B. The evidence custodian C. The initial collector D. Anyone
handling it
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Anyone handling it
Rationale: Every person who takes possession of the evidence is responsible for its
integrity during their custody.
Question 4: What is the most critical consequence of a broken chain of custody?
A. Evidence degradation B. Loss of evidence C. Inadmissibility in court D. Delayed
investigation
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Inadmissibility in court
Rationale: A broken chain raises doubts about tampering or contamination, often
leading to evidence exclusion.
Question 5: How should a death scene be secured to protect the chain of custody?
A. Allow family access B. Restrict unauthorized personnel C. Move bodies immediately
D. Turn off all lights
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Restrict unauthorized personnel
,Rationale: Limiting access prevents contamination, loss, or unauthorized alteration of
scene evidence.
Question 6: What document primarily tracks the chain of custody?
A. Incident report B. Chain of custody form C. Autopsy protocol D. Search warrant
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Chain of custody form
Rationale: The chain of custody form records every transfer and handling event for an
evidence item.
Question 7: What must be done before collecting biological evidence at a death
scene?
A. Refrigerate it B. Photograph the scene C. Package it in plastic D. Label it immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Photograph the scene
Rationale: Photography documents the original context and position of evidence before
collection alters the scene.
Question 8: How often should an investigator change gloves when collecting
multiple items?
A. Every hour B. After every item C. Only if visibly soiled D. At the end of the scene
CORRECT ANSWER: B. After every item
Rationale: Changing gloves prevents cross-contamination between different pieces of
evidence.
Question 9: What is the best packaging for wet biological evidence?
A. Airtight plastic bag B. Paper bag or container C. Glass jar D. Metal tin
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Paper bag or container
Rationale: Paper allows wet biological evidence to dry, preventing mold growth and
degradation.
Question 10: What information is mandatory on an initial evidence label?
A. Investigator's home address B. Case and item numbers C. Suspect's name D.
Laboratory technician name
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Case and item numbers
Rationale: Unique identifiers link the physical item to its official documentation and
case file.
Question 11: How should evidence seals be initialed and dated?
A. Only on the top B. Across the seal tape C. On the evidence itself D. On the outer box
only
,CORRECT ANSWER: B. Across the seal tape
Rationale: Writing across the seal ensures that any tampering or breaking of the seal will
destroy the signature.
Question 12: What is the safest way to transport evidence from the scene?
A. Leave it in a locked car B. Keep it in direct sight C. Hand it to a bystander D. Mail it to
the lab
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Keep it in direct sight
Rationale: Maintaining direct physical control or visual contact prevents unauthorized
access during transport.
Question 13: What is required when transferring evidence to another person?
A. A verbal agreement B. A signed receipt C. A text message D. A photograph of the
person
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A signed receipt
Rationale: A signed receipt or chain of custody form formally documents the transfer of
responsibility.
Question 14: What should be done if an evidence seal is found broken upon
receipt?
A. Ignore it B. Reject the evidence C. Document and investigate D. Repackage it silently
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Document and investigate
Rationale: Broken seals must be documented, and the circumstances investigated to
determine if integrity was compromised.
Question 15: What is the purpose of a Faraday bag in digital evidence?
A. To keep it warm B. To block remote wiping C. To prevent water damage D. To store
batteries
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To block remote wiping
Rationale: Faraday bags block electromagnetic signals, preventing remote alteration or
wiping of digital devices.
Question 16: How should firearms be packaged for evidence?
A. Loaded and cocked B. Unloaded in a secure box C. Disassembled completely D.
Wrapped in cloth
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Unloaded in a secure box
Rationale: Firearms must be unloaded and secured to ensure safety and preserve
internal ballistic evidence.
, Question 17: What is the correct way to handle a firearm at a death scene?
A. Pick it up by the barrel B. Insert a pencil into the barrel C. Lift by checkered grips or
trigger guard D. Clear it immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Lift by checkered grips or trigger guard
Rationale: Handling by textured areas preserves potential fingerprint and DNA evidence
on smooth surfaces.
Question 18: When should a firearm's safety be engaged?
A. Never B. Only when handing it to someone C. Immediately after clearing it D. Before
photographing it
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Immediately after clearing it
Rationale: Engaging the safety after clearing prevents accidental discharge during
packaging and transport.
Question 19: What must be documented when collecting a firearm?
A. The make and model only B. The condition of the safety C. The chamber and
magazine status D. The owner's purchase receipt
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The chamber and magazine status
Rationale: Documenting the status of the chamber and magazine establishes the
weapon's condition at the scene.
Question 20: How should ammunition be packaged?
A. Loose in a bag B. In the firearm C. In a dedicated ammunition box D. Mixed with
firearms
CORRECT ANSWER: C. In a dedicated ammunition box
Rationale: Ammunition must be packaged separately from firearms to ensure safety
and preserve individual evidence.
Question 21: What is the primary concern when transporting human remains?
A. Keeping them warm B. Preventing leakage and contamination C. Speed of transport
D. Aesthetic presentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preventing leakage and contamination
Rationale: Proper body bags and leak-proof containers prevent biohazard exposure and
preserve trace evidence.
Question 22: How should a body bag be sealed for transport?
A. With a standard zipper B. With a tamper-evident seal C. With duct tape D. With a
padlock
