Test Bank for Criminal Investigation 6
Edition by Brandl
ISBN: 9781071903865
Criminal Investigation (6th)
ISBN 9781071903865 | Chapter 1: The Investigation of Crime
Total Questions: 70
Easy
Multiple Choice (12)
Q1. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator who believes that all information surrounding a crime is created by the perpetrator and that the job of the police is to defeat the perpetrator in their attempts to conceal this information conceives of criminal investigations as a ______.
a) battle ✓ correct
b) puzzle
c) maze
d) game
Q2. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator who sees all of the evidence as components of a larger picture that is gradually being assembled conceives of the criminal investigation process as a ______.
a) battle
b) puzzle ✓ correct
c) game
d) maze
Q3. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator who sees the process of solving the crime as requiring the investigative team to navigate from the crime scene down a winding road to the perpetrator conceives of the criminal investigation process as a ______.
a) battle
b) puzzle
c) game
d) maze ✓ correct
Q4. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator who views the role of the police as primarily defensive while trying to capitalize on mistakes made by the perpetrator conceives of the criminal investigation process as a ______.
a) battle
b) puzzle
c) game ✓ correct
d) maze
Q5. [Multiple Choice]
Punishment that is used to prevent an offender from committing additional crimes is known as ______.
a) just deserts
b) incapacitation ✓ correct
c) entrapment
d) surveillance
Q6. [Multiple Choice]
Stings, decoys, and undercover fencing operations are types of ______ investigations.
a) stakeout
b) surveillance
c) reactive
d) undercover ✓ correct
Q7. [Multiple Choice]
The components of a criminal investigation include ______, crime related information, and goals.
a) case screening
b) the process of collecting ✓ correct
c) solvability factors
d) surveillance
Q8. [Multiple Choice]
The function of the courts in the criminal justice system process is to ______.
a) solve the crimes
b) maintain custody of perpetrators
c) apprehend the criminals
d) adjudicate the accused ✓ correct
Q9. [Multiple Choice]
The mental mistake in which an investigator pays attention only to information that reinforces what the investigator already believes is known as ______.
a) probability error
b) confirmation bias ✓ correct
c) overconfidence bias
d) groupthink
Q10. [Multiple Choice]
The three components of the criminal justice system are police, ______, and corrections.
a) courts ✓ correct
b) investigations
c) deterrence
d) policy
Q11. [Multiple Choice]
The ultimate goal of the criminal investigation process is to ______ through deterrence or incapacitation.
a) reduce crime ✓ correct
b) solve a crime
c) convict a perpetrator
d) satisfy the victim
Q12. [Multiple Choice]
Which is one of the most common activities performed during a criminal investigation?
a) searching for witnesses and victims ✓ correct
b) ensuring victim satisfaction
c) scientific testing of evidence
d) patrolling in the community
True/False (9)
Q13. [True/False]
A sting operation is a type of reactive investigation.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q14. [True/False]
Criminal investigations can be seen as a maze in which the start is the crime scene and the end is the perpetrator.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q15. [True/False]
Forensic science is the field of scientific study that addresses legal questions.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q16. [True/False]
In a stakeout, law enforcement monitor a single person’s activities.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q17. [True/False]
In an undercover fencing operation, law enforcement set up a fake business that buys and sells stolen goods.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q18. [True/False]
Nearly all types of crimes are solved at the same rate.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q19. [True/False]
The perspective that sees criminal investigations as a battle is framed in terms of offense and defense.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q20. [True/False]
The perspective “criminal investigation as a game” views police as playing defense attempting to “catch” the perpetrator.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q21. [True/False]
The three components of the criminal investigation process are police, courts, and corrections.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Medium
Multiple Choice (20)
Q22. [Multiple Choice]
A ______ investigation is typically conducted in crimes like homicide, robbery, and rape.
a) sting
b) fencing
c) reactive ✓ correct
d) decoy
Q23. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator following a string of burglaries in an area hopes to catch the perpetrator by posing as an illegal business buying and selling the stolen property. Which type of operation is the investigator planning to set up?
a) sting
b) fencing ✓ correct
c) decoy
d) stakeout
Q24. [Multiple Choice]
Burglaries usually have little to no evidence left behind because of how they are committed. This is an example of which common reason for why many crimes go unsolved?
a) the nature and structure of the crimes themselves ✓ correct
b) the limited time and money with which police operate
c) the fact that police must follow laws when collecting evidence
d) the primarily reactive way in which police respond to crimes
Q25. [Multiple Choice]
In a reactive investigation, case screening occurs after the initial investigation and before ______. When does case screening occur in a reactive investigation?
a) the crime is discovered
b) the case is closed
c) the follow up investigation ✓ correct
d) the case goes to trial
Q26. [Multiple Choice]
In the perspective that views criminal investigations as a battle, the crime is solved because ______.
a) the police overcame the perpetrator’s attempts to conceal the information they created ✓ correct
b) the perpetrator made a mistake and the police exploited it to “catch” them
c) the investigators correctly put together enough of the pieces to recreate the big picture
d) the investigators navigated successfully from the crime scene to the perpetrator
Q27. [Multiple Choice]
In which scenario is an officer most directly helping to fulfill the goal of obtaining a conviction in court?
a) An officer sets up a surveillance operation that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator.
b) An officer presents the results of a scientific analysis of bloodstained clothing during a trial. ✓ correct
c) An officer communicates with the victim of the crime throughout the investigation process.
d) An officer collects statements from numerous witnesses that point to a specific suspect.
Q28. [Multiple Choice]
In which would investigators conduct a follow up investigation?
a) A case not solved during the initial investigation was found to have sufficient solvability factors.
✓ correct
b) A case was solved in the initial investigation, but the public does not believe the outcome.
c) A case was solved in the initial investigation, but the victim was not satisfied with its results.
d) A case was prematurely “cleared on arrest,” but police now think the wrong person was convicted.
Q29. [Multiple Choice]
Investigators should receive training in which skills in order to facilitate victim and witness interviewing?
a) forensic procedures
b) oral communication ✓ correct
c) legal updates
d) courtroom testimony
Q30. [Multiple Choice]
Investigators who demonstrate an immovable mindset should be reminded to ______.
a) be open to interpreting theories differently from the rest of the group
b) avoid getting personally invested in a theory about the crime ✓ correct
c) ensure that victim satisfaction is achieved through open communication
d) be aware that an immovable mindset can worsen the effects of other mental mistakes
Q31. [Multiple Choice]
Scientific testing of evidence falls under which component of the criminal investigation process?
a) crime related information ✓ correct
b) process of collecting
c) goals
d) case screening
Q32. [Multiple Choice]
Sometimes, crimes go unreported to the police because ______.
a) the crime committed was a violent crime
b) law enforcement believes there is not enough evidence to convict
c) the victim does not want to get the offender in trouble ✓ correct
d) the charges are dropped or dismissed
Q33. [Multiple Choice]
What are solvability factors?
a) Information not explicitly related to the crime.
b) Key evidence that increases the likelihood of a case being solved. ✓ correct
c) The ultimate end goal of the criminal investigations process.
d) The findings that result from forensic testing of evidence.
Q34. [Multiple Choice]
When making the case screening decision, police supervisors consider the evidence available and the ______.
a) seriousness of the crime ✓ correct
b) satisfaction of the victim
c) accused’s prior convictions
d) possibility of entrapment
Q35. [Multiple Choice]
Which activity is most likely to occur during a reactive criminal investigation?
a) A burglary is reported to the police the morning after it happens. ✓ correct
b) A police officer poses as a drug dealer to arrest potential buyers.
c) Law enforcement monitors a warehouse for suspected criminal activity.
d) An officer sets up an opportunity for a crime to be committed.
Q36. [Multiple Choice]
Which common reason for cases to drop out of the criminal justice system is most relevant to criminal investigations?
a) Some crimes are not reported to the police. ✓ correct
b) Some crimes are not a police matter.
c) Some crimes lack sufficient evidence to convict.
d) Some crimes result in a plea bargain.
Q37. [Multiple Choice]
Which event occurs in the preliminary investigation stage of a reactive investigation?
a) A victim contacts the police and notifies them of a crime.
b) The case is “cleared by arrest” and determined to move into the next stage.
c) A case is screened for the possibility of a follow up investigation.
d) The investigators arrive at the scene of the crime to collect evidence. ✓ correct
Q38. [Multiple Choice]
Which option best describes a decoy operation?
a) An investigator monitors a specific person and the activities in which they participate.
b) An investigator compels a person to commit a crime that they were not predisposed to commit.
c) An investigator presents an opportunity to attract an offender to commit a crime. ✓ correct
d) An investigator poses as someone willing to participate in an illicit transaction.
Q39. [Multiple Choice]
Which statement best describes probability error?
a) Investigators refuse to consider a new theory of the crime.
b) Investigators focus only on a narrow range of options.
c) Investigators put too much faith in their own abilities and talents.
d) Investigators misattribute coincidence as actual evidence. ✓ correct
Q40. [Multiple Choice]
Which statement describes the perspective of criminal investigations as a puzzle?
a) The investigation is a road that begins with the crime and ends with the perpetrator.
b) Police and the perpetrator struggle over information.
c) The perpetrator acts offensively and the police act defensively.
d) All the pieces of evidence need to be put together in order to solve the crime. ✓ correct
Q41. [Multiple Choice]
Why is the criminal investigations process important to the criminal justice system?
a) If the victim is not satisfied, the criminal justice process is ineffective.
b) If the perpetrator is not arrested, the courts cannot adjudicate. ✓ correct
c) If the case does not pass screening, the initial investigation cannot proceed.
d) If the charges are dropped before trial, the police cannot solve the crime.
True/False (16)
Q42. [True/False]
A crime can be solved without a conviction being obtained.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q43. [True/False]
A greater number of solvability factors in a case increases the likelihood that the case will be selected for a follow up investigation.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q44. [True/False]
According to information theory, the source of all evidence is the perpetrator.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q45. [True/False]
All criminal evidence must be scientifically tested in order to be made meaningful.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q46. [True/False]
All information related to the crime is criminal evidence.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q47. [True/False]
An investigator with an overinflated sense of their own abilities is in the greatest danger of demonstrating groupthink.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q48. [True/False]
Case screening occurs before an initial investigation commences.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q49. [True/False]
Criminal investigations can be considered puzzles that may have pieces missing. a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q50. [True/False]
Entrapment occurs when an undercover police officer denies their true identity when directly asked. a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q51. [True/False]
Identifying witnesses is part of the process of collecting evidence.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q52. [True/False]
Immovable mindset is the mental mistake that worsens the effects of all other mental mistakes.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q53. [True/False]
In probability error, an investigator focuses only on a narrow range of options and ignores all others.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q54. [True/False]
One of the traits most widely perceived as essential to an effective investigator is motivation.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q55. [True/False]
One reason many crimes go unsolved is that the police usually must play a reactive role.
a) True ✓ correct
b) False
Correct answer: True
Q56. [True/False]
The perspective “criminal investigation as a puzzle” sees investigators as navigating a potentially winding road to arrive at the perpetrator.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Q57. [True/False]
The police role in the investigation of a crime is primarily proactive.
a) True
b) False ✓ correct
Correct answer: False
Essay (3)
Q58. [Essay]
Choose one example of a mental mistake discussed in the textbook. Explain the mental mistake and evaluate its effects on a criminal investigation.
Suggested answer: Sample response: One of the main mental mistakes committed by investigators is confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the tendency to pay attention only to evidence that supports already-existing beliefs. This is a hindrance in criminal investigations because it stops the investigators from considering new theories, suspects, or directions the case may go. If investigators pursue a particular theory as a foregone conclusion rather than follow the evidence, it could lead to a serious miscarriage of justice.
Q59. [Essay]
Discuss the role of the criminal investigation process in the criminal justice system and evaluate its importance.
Suggested answer: Sample response: There are three components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. All three parts of the criminal justice system work to reduce crime, but each also has its own specialized function. If one is not functioning properly, then the rest of the system cannot do its job. Criminal investigation occurs as one of the very first steps in the process, immediately after a crime is reported. As such, it is one of the most critical aspects of the criminal justice system. If a criminal investigation does not succeed, police cannot identify and apprehend perpetrators, the courts cannot adjudicate the accused, and corrections cannot punish the convicted.
Q60. [Essay]
Identify and discuss the three potential problems with evidence in criminal investigations. Which problem do you think poses the greatest risk to an investigation? Justify your choice.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Investigators may not know the relevance of the information at the time of collection or if it is even related to the case at hand. Also, the police may be overwhelmed with too much information that they cannot adequately collect, manage, and follow-up on every tip. Lastly, the evidence obtained may not be accurate, as with eyewitness identifications that are persuasive yet problematic. I think that the greatest risk to an investigation is that police may be overwhelmed by the number of investigations they are attending to. The other two potential problems with evidence can be overcome by police collecting additional evidence that brings these issues to light. However, if police do not have the time to adequately collect evidence in the first place, then the other potential issues with evidence will not be discovered.
Hard
Multiple Choice (8)
Q61. [Multiple Choice]
A detective collects a statement from an eyewitness of a crime that states the perpetrator was wearing a Black hoodie. Which potential problem with evidence would be of greatest concern to the detective?
a) The evidence may not be related to the crime at hand.
b) The detective may have too much other evidence to follow up on.
c) The evidence may not be accurate. ✓ correct
d) The detective may be short on resources.
Q62. [Multiple Choice]
A detective is investigating a series of homicides of sex workers, in which the primary suspect is a person soliciting sex work. The detective decides to undertake an undercover operation to catch the suspect. Which type of undercover operation is most appropriate for this case?
a) surveillance
b) fencing operation
c) decoy operation
d) sting operation ✓ correct
Q63. [Multiple Choice]
An agent investigating a homicide believes that the suspect acted out of passion. Even when his partner shows him evidence that suggests the homicide was premeditated, the agent refuses to change his line of reasoning. Which mental mistake is this agent demonstrating?
a) probability error
b) groupthink
c) immovable mindset ✓ correct
d) overconfidence bias
Q64. [Multiple Choice]
An agent investigating an assault notes that a suspect who matches the description taken from an eyewitness lives nearby. When the agent focuses all investigative attention on this single suspect, the agent is engaging in ______.
a) probability error
b) groupthink
c) tunnel vision ✓ correct
d) overconfidence bias
Q65. [Multiple Choice]
An agent is working on a team investigating a string of several murders. The team is about to apprehend the primary suspect, but the agent cannot shake the feeling that a piece of evidence is pointing in a different direction. Given the time pressure of the case, though, the agent decides not to speak up against the rest of the team. Which mental mistake is this agent demonstrating?
a) probability error
b) groupthink ✓ correct
c) tunnel vision
d) confirmation bias
Q66. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator believes she has tracked the location where several criminals are keeping stolen cars. She wants to have a few police agents monitor activity around the location of this garage. Which type of operation is the investigator planning to set up?
a) sting
b) fencing
c) decoy
d) stakeout ✓ correct
Q67. [Multiple Choice]
An investigator working on a case involving a carjacking believes she has nearly solved the case within days of taking it over. She attributes this to her own talent as an investigator rather than to the efforts made by the entire team. Which mental mistake is this investigator demonstrating?
a) probability error
b) groupthink
c) immovable mindset
d) overconfidence bias ✓ correct
Q68. [Multiple Choice]
Which example best demonstrates how the criminal investigation process can be seen as a game?
a) The investigation of a burglary begins at the scene of the crime and follows many twists and turns to end up with the perpetrator.
b) The burglar forgets to erase fingerprints at the crime scene. Police must react defensively and capitalize on the perpetrator’s mistake to “catch” them. ✓ correct
c) The burglar created a certain amount of crime related information, which the police must struggle to collect and analyze.
d) A number of pieces of evidence exist surrounding a reported burglary, and police must assemble these pieces to put together the big picture.
Essay (2)
Q69. [Essay]
Explain why law enforcement agencies do not solve more crimes than they do. What could be done to improve police success in this regard?
Suggested answer: Sample response: Despite the numerous reasons that crimes may go unsolved by law enforcement agencies, one of the largest is likely the underreporting of crimes, in general. For example, if you consider the crime of burglary, which has been discussed many times throughout the chapter, victims may be unwilling to report this crime. One such instance could be that they know the perpetrator and do not want to get them in trouble. Secondly, the nature and structure of the crime plays a role in the quality and quantity of evidence left behind at a crime scene. While many policies and trainings can help police increase the rate of crime solving (for example, a decrease in mental mistakes). Using proactive strategies, like undercover operations that may allow officers to infiltrate burglary networks.
Q70. [Essay]
You are the head of an investigative team and have been assigned to investigate a string of burglaries of electronics stores in an area. You have decided to pursue an undercover operation. Which strategy would you choose? Justify your choice and illustrate the process of this operation.
Suggested answer: Sample response: Since the crime being investigated involves a specific type of burglary (electronics), I would set up a decoy operation. I would attempt to work with a business owner in the community to create an opportunity for the burglars to commit the crime again, while secretly monitoring the location. This opportunity would most likely involve leaving an electronics business unlocked overnight while officers monitored it. Another option might be an undercover fencing operation, in which my team would pose as a business buying stolen goods. If we received a large amount of stolen electronics, we could trace the goods back to the burgled stores and thereby arrest the perpetrators.