Crime scene and physical evidence

Question 1

APC

Answer 1

Approach, Position, Control

Question 2

On approach, the officer should…

Answer 2

Look for suspicious activity at least half the time and distance from the incident location; utilize light and sound discipline; control breathing

Question 3

When does the preservation of evidence begin?

Answer 3

Upon arrival to the scene

Question 4

Flippo v West Virginia

Answer 4

Officers can enter a home without a warrant only to look for victims, suspects, or render aid

Question 5

Mincey v Arizona

Answer 5

Crime scene does not equal exigent circumstances

Question 6

Duties of the first responder

Answer 6

Officer safety; preservation of evidence; rendering medical aid; documentation should only be done once scene is safe

Question 7

What is a crime scene?

Answer 7

Physical location where crime occurred; a place where potential evidence has been brought and taken; the starting point of investigation

Question 8

Primary crime scene

Answer 8

Site of original activity; typically more evidence is yielded

Question 9

Secondary crime scene

Answer 9

Any subsequent scenes

Question 10

What are the most overlooked types of evidence?

Answer 10

Footwear impressions; tire impressions

Question 11

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

Answer 11

No one can enter or leave a crime scene without bringing in or leaving evidence behind

Question 12

What is the Golden Rule of evidence?

Answer 12

Do not touch anything!

Question 13

How should you photograph a scene?

Answer 13

ASAP; take photos at eye level; general, midrange, and close up shots

Question 14

Zone/sector search

Answer 14

Each team member takes a zone; usually for larger areas

Question 15

Strip/line search

Answer 15

Personnel search up and down lanes until completely sesrched

Question 16

Grid search

Answer 16

Two parallel searches offset by 90degrees

Question 17

Inward spiral search

Answer 17

Starts at perimeter and works towards the center

Question 18

Parallel search

Answer 18

Used when there are several members of the crime scene team; walk straight line from one end to another

Question 19

What 2 qualifications must a sketch meet to be admissible in court?

Answer 19

Accurate representation of the scene; testimony must be given by a firsthand witness

Question 20

Reasons to sketch a scene

Answer 20

To record location of evidence; to refresh personnel memory; create a mental picture for a prosecutor; corroborate witness testimony; supplement photographs

Question 21

Birds Eye sketch

Answer 21

Simplest and most common; easiest for jurors to comprehend

Question 22

Elevation sketch

Answer 22

Used when vertical plane is of interest; ex. Blood spatter on wall

Question 23

Exploded/cross-projection sketch

Answer 23

Allows objects to be shown on wall and floor in same drawing

Question 24

Triangulation plotting method

Answer 24

Most common; two fixed reference points to locate position of objects

Question 25

Rectangular coordinates

Answer 25

Use two reference points at right angles; often used to locate objects in room

Question 26

Baseline

Answer 26

Measurements taken along a single reference line; usually a string or chalk line

Question 27

What are transient injuries?

Answer 27

Impermanent; temporary