Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Who is authorized to take possession of physical evidence during an investigation?

1. Parents of the child

2. Law enforcement officials

3. Social workers in the field

4. Child protection advocates

The correct answer is: Law enforcement officials

Law enforcement officials are authorized to take possession of physical evidence during an investigation due to their specialized training and legal authority. They are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle evidence properly, ensuring that it is preserved for use in court and to support the investigation. This chain of custody is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the evidence so that it can be effectively used to support charges or substantiations in cases of child protection. Other individuals, such as parents or social workers, may be involved in the investigative process but do not have the same legal authority or training required to handle physical evidence effectively. Child protection advocates may support the families and children involved but also lack the authority to collect or possess evidence during official investigations. Hence, law enforcement plays a pivotal role in ensuring that evidence collection aligns with legal standards and protocols.