Chapter 2 Test Flashcards
What is a datum point?
A permanent, fixed point of reference used in mapping a crime scene
Example: A datum point could be a lamppost located at the corner of the crime scene
What are linear, quadrant, zone, spiral, and search patterns used for?
To systematically search a crime scene to ensure that no area is left unsearched and all evidence is found
What must be on the label/attached to an evidence container?
An evidence log and chain of custody card must be attached to the evidence container
Define direct evidence
Evidence that is authentic supports an alleged fact of a case. This includes witness statements, security footage, and confessions
What is individual evidence?
A kind of evidence that identifies a particular person or thing
What is the goal of a crime scene investigation?
To recognize, document, photograph, and collect evidence at the scene of a crime to help piece together what happened and solve the crime
What is circumstantial evidence?
Indirect evidence used to imply a fact but not support it directly
Give examples of circumstantial evidence, specifically trace evidence
Fingerprints, bodily fluids like semen, saliva, or blood, soil or plant materials like pollen, paint chips, broken glass, chemicals, hair
Define class evidence
Material that connects an individual or thing to a certain group
Who makes up the crime scene investigation team?
Police officers, crime-scene investigators, medical examiners, detectives, and specialist legal and scientific professionals
Who are the specialists at a crime scene?
Entomologists (bug people), forensic scientists, and forensic psychologists
Who is the first to arrive at a crime scene?
The first responder, typically a police officer
What do medical examiners and coroners do?
Determine the manner of death as natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined
What is the job of a crime scene investigator?
Document the crime scene in detail and collect physical evidence. Record data, sketch the scene, and take photos
Who is responsible for securing the crime scene?
The first responder, though they may request additional people to help secure the scene
How should different kinds of evidence be packaged?
Paper bindle for small, dry trace evidence
Liquids and arson remain in airtight, unbreakable containers
Moist biological material stored in breathable containers to air dry then put in a paper bindle
What do forensic lab technicians do?
Process and analyze one type of evidence in a forensic lab to help solve crimes
What is involved in crime scene reconstruction?
Forming a hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime was committed through its commission
Define chain of custody
The documented and unbroken transfer of evidence
What are primary and secondary crime scenes?
Primary: the location where the crime took place
Secondary: A location related to the crime where evidence is found
The job of a detective
Detectives interview witnesses and talk to the crime-scene investigators about the evidence
Crime-scene Investigation-
A multidisciplinary approach in which scientific and legal professionals work together to solve a crime
Crime-scene Reconstruction-
A hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime was committed through its commission
First responder-
The first safety official to arrive at a crime scene
Paper bindle-
A folded paper used to hold trace evidence
Trace evidence-
Small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene
Triangulation-
A mathematical method of estimating positions of objects at a location such as a crime scene, given locations of stationary objects
