Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Which type of evidence is characterized as being difficult to collect due to its fragile nature?

1. Immovable Evidence

2. Latent Evidence

3. Moveable Evidence

4. Fragile Evidence

The correct answer is: Fragile Evidence

The correct answer highlights the concept of fragile evidence, which signifies any form of evidence that can be easily damaged or destroyed if not handled with extreme care. This type of evidence may include items such as biological materials (like hair or skin cells), fingerprints that are not easily visible, or traces of certain substances. Understanding the fragility of this type of evidence is crucial in law enforcement and forensic science, as it necessitates specialized techniques for collection and preservation. The handling of such evidence requires officers and forensic experts to be particularly cautious to ensure that it remains intact and viable for analysis. Other types of evidence listed, such as immovable, latent, or moveable evidence, do not inherently emphasize the fragility aspect as strongly as fragile evidence does. While latent evidence can also be delicate, it is specifically categorized under its visibility and not solely its physical condition. Immovable evidence typically refers to items that cannot be easily relocated, and moveable evidence denotes items that can be collected and taken for analysis. Thus, recognizing fragile evidence is vital for maintaining its integrity throughout the investigation process.