Ch. 5 Flashcards
What is the corner stone upon which the successful outcome of the case depends on?
Physical Evidence
What should you concentrate on collecting?
Anything that can be construed as evidentiary
What system needs to be developed when collecting physical evidence?
One where relevant physical evidence is recognized and located
What is the objective of a crime scene search?
The goal is to locate all potentially relevant and meaningful physical evidence
What is the Linkage Theory?
It explains the interrelations between a crime scene, a victim, a suspect and physical evidence.
If associations can be established, the case may be resolved.
More associations -> greater success in solving the case
What is Transfer Theory?
Results when 2 surfaces come in contact with each other.
Locard’s Theory of Exchange
Two types of transfer evidence
Trace and Pattern
Trace Evidence
includes fibers, glass, soil, and blood
Pattern Evidence
incudes imprint and impression evidence
General Concepts of Crime Scene Searches
View crime scene in entirety
Look for what is not present
Be open minded and objected
Multiple scenes or large multi faceted scenes may need to be triaged and evaluated, so continuity and consistency are crucial
Focal Point
area that has the highest probability of containing relevant physical and pattern evidence
Examples of Focal Points
Point of Entry/exit, path traveled by the suspect; target area where crime occurred
Ancillary Area
area with low probability of containing relevant physical and pattern evidence
What constitutes a crime scene?
Any area or object that may contain relevant physical and/or pattern evidence
How many basic search patterns are they and what are they?
6: line, grid, spiral, ray, zone, and link
