Chapter 2: Crime Scene Investigation Flashcards
What is a chain of custody?
The chain of custody is a document that states the whereabouts of evidence, who has custody of it and where, when, etc.
What is a crime scene?
A crime scene is the area and environment in which a crime takes place.
What should the first officer or CSI at the crime scene do?
The First Officer must detain and potential suspects, render medical assistance to those who need it, do not destroy, alter, or add any evidence at the scene, and prevent others from doing the same.
Name four safety issues for CSIs.
Bloodborne pathogens
Airborne contaminants
Skin contact injections
Is it okay to only take photographs or only take sketches? Why or why not?
You need to take photographs and sketches to get measurements and full, comprehensive views of the crime scene.
How many photographs should you take at a crime scene?
You cannot take too many photographs. Photographs must be taken with and without a scale, there should be location-establishing photographs, document the process. Establishing, medium, and close-up views of the crime scene should be collected.
What is a datum?
A datum is a fixed reference point for all three dimensional measurements. It is something permanent, or if no datum easily suggests itself, an artificial one can be made. All measurements must be able to be referenced to the datum.
What is provenance?
Provenance is the origin and derivation of an item in three-dimensional space, in relation to a datum and other items.
When is it acceptable to release a crime scene?
After the final survey is completed, the crime scene can be released. In the paperwork, it should be documented who released the scene and when. The scene should only be released when all personnel are satisfied that the scene was searched correctly and completely.
What is an MSDS?
MSDS stands for material safety data sheets. MSDS provides information on the hazards of a particular material so the personnel can work safely and responsibly with hazardous materials.
Who should be involved in the final walk-through of a crime scene?
A final walk-through should involve at least two people from different agencies to check for completeness.
What should be included in a crime scene sketch?
The crime scene sketch should include the case identifier, date, time, location, weather, lighting conditions, identity and assignments of personnel, dimensions of rooms, furniture, doors, and windows, distances between objects, persons, bodies, entrances, and exits, and an arrow pointing toward magnetic north.
Should you take photographs with or without a scale?
You should take photographs with and without a scale.
What does “BBP” stand for?
BBP stands for bloodborne pathogens. This includes AIDS and hepatitis. They are pathogens that are carried through blood and bodily fluids, both of which crime scene investigators may come across during a search. It is important to use proper PPE to ensure infection does not occur.
Which type of protective gloves should be used when handling bases and oils?
Polyvinyl chloride gloves should be used when handling alkalies, oils, and low concentrations of nitric and chromic acids.
Latex or natural rubber gloves are resistant to mild acids, caustic materials, and germicides.
Nitrile gloves protect from acids, alkaline solutions, hydraulic fluid, photographic solutions, fuels, aromatics, and some solvents, they are also cut resistant.
Neoprene gloves offer protection from acids, solvents, alkalies, and most refrigerants.
