Ch. 1 Investigating the Crime Scene Flashcards
arrest warrant
a judicial order requiring that a person be arrested and brought before a court to answer a criminal charge
baseline method
a technique used to record measurements for crime scene sketches that draws a line between the fixed points (A, B) and measures the distance to the evidence (x, y) at a right angle from this line
chain of custody
the chronological record of each person who had an item of evidence in his or her possession and when they had it
finished sketch
a drawing made by a professional that shows the crime scene in proper perspective and that can be presented in court
Fourth Amendment
amendment in the US Constitution that gives citizens the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures
individualization
the process of proving that a particular unknown sample is unique, even among members of the same class, or proving that a known sample and a questioned sample share a unique common origin
known sample
standard or reference samples from verifiable sources
physical evidence
any object that provides a connection between a crime and its victim or between a crime and its perpetrator
polar coordinate method
a technique used to record measurements for crime scene sketches, using a transit or a compass to measure the angle from the north and the distance in the evidence (x)
- most commonly used in large-area crime scene (outside or in a warehouse) when a wall or side of a building is used to establish the fixed points (A, B)
questioned sample
a sample of unknown origin
rough sketch
a drawing made at the crime scene that indicates accurate dimensions and distances
search warrant
a court order that gives the police permission to enter private property and search for evidence of a crime
secondary crime scenes
sites where subsequent criminal activity took place
trace evidence
evidence that is extremely small or is present in limited amounts that results from the transfer from the victim or crime scene to the suspect
triangulation method
a technique used to record measurements for crime scene sketches, measuring the location of the evidence (x, y) from fixed points (A, B)
A physical evidence sample that is collected at the crime scene is called a(n) _______ sample.
questioned sample
Known samples are also called ______ samples.
control, reference, or standard
A known sample that has been produced is sometimes called a(n) ______.
exempler
_______ has the responsibility for securing the crime scene.
first responder
The boundary around the crime scene should be ______ than the scene could possibly be.
larger
As soon as is possible, the responding officer at a crime scene should ______ all of his/her actions and observations at the scene.
document
The first responders must ensure that ______ is not lost, contaminated, or moved.
physical evidence
The ______ has the responsibility of directing the crime scene investigation.
lead investigator
Once the boundaries of the crime scene have been established, a(n) ______ path into and out of the crime scene is created.
single
The taking of _____ documents the core of the crime scene and the physical evidence.
notes
Photographs of the crime scene must show all items in their ______, _______ state.
original, undisturbed
_______ photos are used to record details about each piece of evidence.
close-up
An investigator only needs to draw a(n) ________ sketch of the crime scene.
rough
As the case is being prepared for court a(n) _____ will prepare finished sketches of the crime scene based on information in the investigator’s rough sketch.
CAD, computer aided drafting professional
Four common search patterns recommended by the FBI are:
1) spiral
2) grid
3) stripe
4) zone
Impression evidence is developed or enhanced by the use of specialized _____ techniques, and the application of ______ developers.
photographic, chemical
Biological evidence is developed by _____ means.
chemical
The first priority of the investigator who locates a firearm at a crime scene is to _______.
render the firearm safe
Carpet samples close to suspicious fires are collected and placed in a(n) _____, ________.
clean paint can, then sealed
Trace evidence is collected manually ______, by _______.
with forceps, tweezers, or gloved hand; scraping, taping or vacuuming
List four types of evidence that may be retrieved by the medical examiner from a deceased vicitim:
1) clothing
2) fingernail scrapings
3) head and pubic hairs
4) blood
Whenever possible, evidence should be _______ (left on/taken off) the object on which it is found.
left on
As evidence is collected, it is temporarily stored in a collection area that is constantly ______.
guarded
Crime laboratories require a(n) ______ to accompany all evidence shipments.
evidence submission form
From its original findings through court proceedings, the prosecution must maintain the _____ of the evidence.
chain of custody
Evidence is most often excluded from trial because of violations of the defendant’s ________ rights.
Fourth Amendment
To obtain a search warrant, a law enforcement officer must show ______.
probable cause
In determining probable cause, the magistrate may consider:
1) informant
2) victim
3) witness
4) another police officer
When police arrive at the scene of a crime, if they think an injured person is inside, they can enter the premises without a warrant because of the _______ exception to the Fourth Amendment.
emergency exception
