Basic Physical Evidence Flashcards
The systematic collection of information for identifying, apprehending, and convicting suspected offenders is ?
A Criminal Investigation
Something that furnishes proof is
satisfying to the triers of fact, such as the jury, or falsity of an allegation
What are the 3 types of evidence?
- Testimonial
- Documentary
- Physical
What is documentary evidence?
Evidence in written, not oral form
What is more reliable Physical evidence, or eye witness testimony?
Physical
What is Locard’s Exchange principle?
“Every contact leaves it’s trace”
What establishes a link between the various facets of the crime scene, the victim, and the suspect?
The Evidence Triangle
What are 3 methods of evidence documentation?
- written/recorded notes
- photography
- videotapes/sketches
When preparing rough notes you should
- Write in ink
- draw a single line through errors
- Make all entries in chronological order
What provides a 2 dimensional record of the crime and/or crime scene?
Sketches
Your title block on your sketch should include
- agency case number, case title or type of offense
- Date sketch was drawn
- Location of case
- Name of the sketcher/ assistants
What should be written in the key of your sketch?
“Not drawn to scale”
What will represent fixed points in a sketch?
Letters (A,B,C)
What are the basic stages to a crime scene search?
- Preparation
- Approach to the scene
- Basic premises
When are Evidence response teams especially valuable?
When a large crime scene is encountered or when there are multiple scenes in a given case
Who is the focal point of the crime scene investigation and is the person that exerts a position of control over the entire crime scene operation?
Team Leader
Who ensures all digital imagining is handled at a crime scene?
The photographer and the photographic log recorder
When dealing with a specialist what are some aspects to consider?
The competence and reliability of the specialist
3 things to consider when approaching a crime scene
- Officer safety is the first priority
- Render aid to victims
- Be alert for discarded evidence
What is the Golden Rule?
Do not touch, move or alter any evidentiary item until you document the scene
Even if a suspect confessed you still need to
document every case and it’s associated evidence thoroughly
What are not substitutes for thinking?
Forms
What are the 2 basic search approaches?
- Cautious
2. Detailed
What search method is used for covering large or open areas?
Strip or lane method
What is the method-best used outdoors?
Grid Search method
What type of search is usually conducted by a single searcher?
Spiral or circular search
When possible how many people should see the evidence in place before it is collected?
at least 2
What evidence must be collected first?
Evidence of a fragile nature
What is the maximum amount of time moist or wet biological evidence can be stored in sealed plastic?
2 hours
If a computer is “Off” do not
turn it “On”
If a computer is “On” you should?
Consult a computer specialist
What are the 3 basic types of friction ridge impression evidence?
- True (latent)
- plastic
- patent
What type of print is hidden or not visible?
True (latent)
What prints are actually friction ridges that are stained and made visible due to contamination?
Patent
What type of print is actually an indentation into a soft substrate like gum?
Plastic
What are the 2 types of surfaces
- Porous
2. Non-porous
Before picking up a firearm as evidence you should do what if possible?
Note the position of the hammer
What should you not clean, or mark for identification purposes, and needs to be packaged seperately?
Bullets
When can a crime scene be released?
only after completion of the final survey
Who is the only person who can release a crime scene?
the person in charge
What is the “life history” of the item from the time of discovery until it is no longer needed?
The chain of custody
What is the theory of interchange?
its highly unprobable that someone can enter an environment without leaving something of themselves, or taking something of the environment with them
