Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is the evidentiary use of a recovered used cigarette?

1. It has no evidentiary use

2. It is always admissible in court

3. It can only be used in drug-related cases

4. It can provide DNA evidence

The correct answer is: It can provide DNA evidence

A recovered used cigarette holds significant evidentiary value primarily because it can provide DNA evidence. When a person smokes a cigarette, the saliva and skin cells can be deposited on the cigarette's surface. This biological material can be collected and analyzed to obtain DNA profiles, which can be crucial in identifying individuals associated with specific locations or events. In forensic investigations, DNA analysis from a cigarette can link a suspect to a crime scene or establish a connection between the evidence and a known individual. This can play a vital role in both solving cases and serving as evidence in court. While other factors such as chain of custody and collection methods are essential in determining the admissibility of such evidence, the potential for acquiring DNA makes the recovered used cigarette a valuable piece of evidence in various types of investigations. This is why the option indicating that it can provide DNA evidence is the most accurate in highlighting its evidentiary use.