MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If an officer discovers a blood-stained shirt at a crime scene, what is the appropriate procedure for handling it?

1. Seal it in a plastic bag immediately

2. Tag it and then place it in a plastic bag

3. Place it in a paper bag

4. Report it without collecting

The correct answer is: Place it in a paper bag

The appropriate procedure for handling a blood-stained shirt at a crime scene involves placing it in a paper bag. This method is crucial because blood and other biological materials require proper ventilation to prevent degradation and the growth of mold or bacteria. Paper bags allow for air circulation, which helps preserve the integrity of the evidence. In contrast, sealing the item in a plastic bag could trap moisture and create an environment conducive to the deterioration of the sample. Additionally, tagging the shirt before placing it in a plastic bag does not address the core issue of how the evidence is preserved. Reporting it without collecting fails to secure the physical evidence needed for investigation. Therefore, utilizing a paper bag ensures that the evidence remains uncontaminated and suitable for forensic analysis later on.