Collection and preservation of evidence Flashcards

1
Q

What indicators are placed on contaminated evidence stored in the property and evidence facility?

A

Biohazard warning indicators

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2
Q

What is the first step in the overall evaluation of a crime scene?

A

Attempt to determine what took place

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3
Q

What should be done upon arrival at a crime scene according to the notes?

A

Take notes of observations

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4
Q

What is included in the photographs of the entire crime scene?

A

All evidence located

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5
Q

When is a second photograph of evidence taken with a scale?

A

When determined applicable by the FSU employee

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6
Q

How should fingerprints be marked for identification by FSU employees?

A

Identified by recording date, time, location, and employee initials

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7
Q

How should latent lifts retained for filing be numbered and labeled?

A

Sequentially numbered and total recorded on outside of filing envelope

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8
Q

What details should a crime scene sketch include?

A

Detailed measurements and items at exact locations

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9
Q

How should evidence from a crime scene be marked for later identification in court?

A

Marked with case number, location, date, time, and officer’s initials

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10
Q

How should blood-soaked or wet items be handled before packaging?

A

Allowed to air dry before packaging

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11
Q

What should be done if previously sealed evidence has to be reopened for inspection?

A

Open at a new spot, reseal, and mark time, date, and officer’s initials on new seal

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12
Q

How should blood and liquid evidence be kept and packaged?

A

Kept in liquid state and packaged in glass or plastic containers

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13
Q

What should be filled out for all weapons found at crime scenes?

A

A weapons investigation report

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14
Q

How should weapons be handled at crime scenes to preserve evidence?

A

Handled carefully to avoid damaging fingerprints

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15
Q

What is the scale size for drawing a crime scene sketch?

A

No smaller than ¼ inch = 1 foot

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16
Q

What is the purpose of the policy on collection and preservation of evidence?

A

To establish guidelines and procedures for evidence collection and preservation.

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17
Q

What unit within the Lexington Police Department is responsible for collecting and preserving evidence?

A

The Forensic Services Unit (FSU).

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18
Q

What are the primary responsibilities of FSU employees according to the policy?

A

Being available 24/7 for crime scenes, processing traffic collisions, and having evidentiary control.

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19
Q

Who has the primary responsibility for protecting a crime scene until relieved?

A

The first arriving officer.

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20
Q

When can FSU assistance be requested at an incident scene?

A

After assessing the scene and deeming FSU assistance necessary.

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21
Q

Under what circumstances will FSU process routine larcenies from autos (LFA’s)?

A

If linked to multiple LFAs, related to a higher priority crime, or involving unique items.

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22
Q

What areas of training are FSU employees specifically trained in?

A

Lifting and comparing latent fingerprints, photographing crime scenes, blood evidence, and DNA processing.

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23
Q

How are FSU employees notified for requests of assistance at incident scenes?

A

Either respond as requested or contact the requesting officer.

24
Q

What information must each package of evidence contain on the outside?

A

Description of contents, evidence number, item number.

25
Q

Who completes the property and evidence record listing all items found?

A

Officers.

26
Q

What should officers do before submitting evidence for examination outside?

A

Consult with a FSU employee.

27
Q

Who is responsible for timely submission of items to the forensic laboratory?

A

Property and Evidence Unit supervisor.

28
Q

In what circumstances can an officer personally take evidence to the forensic lab?

A

Special or exigent circumstances with prior approval.

29
Q

What precautions must officers take in handling DNA evidence at a crime scene?

A

Avoid contaminating possible evidence, wear PPE, avoid touching the area(s) believed to have DNA.

30
Q

What steps should officers take to avoid contamination of DNA evidence?

A

Avoid eating, talking, sneezing, coughing over evidence; protect evidence, record persons entering the scene.

31
Q

Who should collect DNA evidence?

A

Only employees who have been trained in collection.

32
Q

How should evidence containing biological fluids be treated?

A

Labeled as a biological hazard item with a ‘Biohazard’ label.

33
Q

What consent is required before collecting DNA from a person not legally compelled?

A

Form #223 Consent to Search must be read and signed by the person.

34
Q

Who completes a written report of processing results at FSU?

A

The assigned FSU employee.

35
Q

Where are copies of the report sent after processing at FSU?

A

To the party requesting examination, department case file, and FSU supervisor.

36
Q

Who can request FSU for fingerprint comparison?

A

Officers, prosecutors, and members of government agencies.

37
Q

What information must be provided when requesting fingerprint comparison?

A

Full name, date of birth, social security number, and SID number.

38
Q

What type of requests can be made for image or video processing at FSU?

A

Requests pursuant to criminal investigations.

39
Q

What is the responsibility of FSU regarding collision scene photography?

A

Photographing collision scenes investigated by CRU.

40
Q

Who can be fingerprinted by FSU?

A

Persons involved in criminal investigations or newly hired police employees.

41
Q

What must FSU employees utilize when handling biohazard material?

A

All appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

42
Q

Where should contaminated PPE be disposed as per guidelines?

A

Marked containers in the biohazard bay area at headquarters.

43
Q

Where is contaminated evidence normally processed within FSU offices?

A

In the biohazard bay or the evidence packaging room (B-105).

44
Q

What does ‘Defendant’ refer to in the context of KRS 524.140?

A

A person charged with a Class D felony under KRS Chapter 510 [Sexual Offenses].

45
Q

When can biological evidence be destroyed prior to a trial according to KRS 524.140?

A

After being in custody for fifty (50) years or at least ten (10) years with prosecution’s motion.

46
Q

What are the conditions for retaining biological evidence after a trial?

A

If DNA tested at trial with a guilty verdict or if the court orders its retention.

47
Q

What must the department ensure regarding retained evidence under KRS 524.140?

A

The evidence is suitable for DNA testing and analysis.

48
Q

What happens to evidence if a trial results in a dismissal with retrial potential?

A

The evidence is retained until after the retrial as per specific provisions.

49
Q

Who should complete evidence collection according to the course notes?

A

FSU employees

50
Q

Under what circumstances can a vehicle be processed by a FSU employee?

A

When the incident is elevated or warrants processing by FSU.

51
Q

What should be done if a vehicle cannot be processed at its current location?

A

Have it towed to a secure location pending processing.

52
Q

What is required to release a vehicle’s hold after processing?

A

Approval from a supervisor

53
Q

What must be completed by a FSU employee after processing a crime scene?

A

A supplement to the electronic case report

54
Q

What is the primary duty of the Forensic Services Unit?

A

To assist in ongoing criminal investigations by collecting evidence.

55
Q

When should the number of employees handling evidence be minimized?

A

To keep it to a minimum unless there is an articulable need.

56
Q

Who decides the type of examination or chemical process used on evidence for latent fingerprints?

A

The assigned FSU employee