Crime Scene, Death Investigations, & Interviews/Interrogations Flashcards
OCGA Title 45, Chapter 16, Article 2 is known as the:
Georgia Death Investigations Act
One of the preliminary signs that death has occurred is what?
Cessation of breathing
- Preliminary sign… not proof that death has occurred
In death, the eyes usually become _____ & _____.
Fixed & Dilated
- often called a “glazed over” look
- other signs of death usually include the absence of reflexes and cessation of heartbeat.
Dissection of a dead body & the examination determining the cause of death.
Autopsy
After death, eye muscle tone _____ & tends to _____.
Lessens & disappear
Normal body temp is _____.
98.6
Generally speaking, the body temperature will fall about ___ degrees per hour after the first hour of death at normal room temperature and will continue to fall until room temperature is reached.
1.5 degrees
Generally takes place between 30 minutes to 2 hours after death, blood will settle in response to gravity to the lowest parts of the body, nearest the ground. Characterized by the blue or purple color appearing under the skin in the body’s lower surfaces.
Post-Mortem Lividity
The stiffening of the body after death… first appearing in the jaw, neck, hands, and feet, then progressing to larger muscles. It is not a reliable method of determining time of death because the development is hastened by violent activity, vigorous exercise, or great excitement at the time of death.
Rigor Mortis
How many hours after death does rigor mortis begin to set in?
3-6 hours
Rigor mortis reaches its maximum extent in how many hours?
8-12 hours
How many hours does it take for rigor mortis to entirely disappear?
36 hours
A condition that occurs in specific muscle groups instead of the entire body, closely related to rigor mortis. Most evident in suicides where a gun is used. The condition disappears when rigor mortis disappears.
Cadaveric Spasms
What are the four types of Medical Examiners
Chief- GBI- Forensic Pathologist
Regional- Appointed by the Chief
County
Local
What position matches the following description:
- Constitutionally elected to office
- 4 year term
- Independent death investigation
Coroner
Official judicial inquiry before the coroner and coroner’s jury for the purpose of determining the cause of death.
Inquest
Any Peace Officer of the GSP or agent of the GBI, Sheriff, or Sheriff’s deputy, peace officer assigned to the coroners office, county policeman, or city detective who may be in charge of the investigation.
Peace Officer In Charge
What are the three types of gun shot wounds?
Contact
Near contact
Distance
When dealing with the entry wound of a gun shot, it is important to note:
- the size of the hole
- the size of the injury ring around then wound
- the shape of the wound (round, oval, irregular)
In the case of contact and near contact wounds involving gunshots, there are _____ ______ in and around the entry wound, and on the clothing that once covered the wound.
Powder burns
The _____ _____ does more damage to the body than the shot.
Blast effect
The typical _______ is the result of a heat -of-passion assault where the assailant grabs the nearest object during an intense argument and strikes the victim.
Bludgeoning
- hammers, clubs, heavy objects, rocks, hands, feet
Shallow wounds inflicted near the fatal wound to test the weapon before the actual suicide attempt are called:
Hesitation Marks
Hesitation marks strongly suggest what?
Suicide
Weapons used and signs indicative of a suspicious death include:
gunshot wounds bludgeon sharp instruments poisons asphyxiation burning electrocutions lightning
Strong indicator of homicide
Defensive wounds
What type of wounds have the following characteristics:
- smaller than a cutting wound
- damage to internal organs
- internal bleeding
Puncture Wounds
What type of wounds have the following characteristics:
- location determines the size of wound…soft tissue
- external bleeding is generally the cause of death
Cutting wounds
One of the oldest methods of homicide is:
poisoning
The study of poisons.
Toxicology
In cases involving ________, important evidence includes any medication found in the medicine cabinet, any excretions or vomit present at the scene, and food the victim may have eaten.
Poisoning
An exit wound from a gun shot is typically _____ in shape and _____ in size, compared to the entry wound.
irregular
larger
What evidence would be important to collect in a poisoning case?
- medication found in medicine cabinet
- any excretions or vomit at the scene
- any food the victim may have eaten
What type of deaths are caused from insufficient oxygen to support red blood cells from reaching the body tissues and the brain?
Asphyxia deaths
The cause of asphyxia may result from several things. List some causes of asphyxia.
- note: generally, asphyxia is most noticeable as a blue/purple color around the lips, fingernails, and toenails.
1) choking
2) drowning
3) smothering
4) strangulation
5) hanging
6) ingesting certain chemicals
7) poisoning
8) drug overdoses
What involves the use of a cord, belt, or wire tightly twisted around the neck. Marks will be low and transverse and will indicate equal pressure.
Ligature strangulation-
*strangulation is indicative of a homicide
Typically seen indicative of suicide, death occurs from broken trachea or a complete restriction of air supply, not by a broken neck.
Hanging
*note: sometimes is used to cover up a homicide
Occurs when a person seeks sexual gratification from placing a rope around the neck and causing enough oxygen to be restricted to cause him/her to become semiconscious. Indications of this death type include, nude or partially nude body, mirrors close by to observe the ritual, signs of masturbation.
Autoerotic asphyxiation
In these types of death, you may find stripes on the body, chars and turns skin blue at the cite of entry and exit.
Electrocution by lightning
Before identifying and collecting evidence at death investigations, what two things need to be done first?
Crime scene has been photographed and sketched
There are two steps in collecting evidence at a death scene, list the two.
1) First, large objects are collected
2) Then, smaller pieces of evidence
What are common errors in evidence collection?\\\\\
1) not taking enough of the sample
2) not obtaining standards of comparison
3) not maintaining the integrity of the evidence
Collecting evidence requires two officers. One Officer should ______ the evidence, while the second Officer carefully records the : ______, ______, and ______ of each item
collect
location
description
condition
All evidence must be _____ by the Officer that collects it and ______ by the Officer who records it.
identified
initialed
The crime scene search is conducted to uncover any evidence that could determine what?
- facts of the crime
- identify the criminal
- aid in the arrest and conviction of the suspect
When photographing a crime scene, photos must be identified by _____ and contain a brief _____ of the subject, including _____ and/or full address. In addition, list other identifiable features in regards to photos taken.
number
description
location
Additionally, photographers name, type of camera, lens opening, shutter speed, film used, position of camera, distance, and lighting.
When making a crime scene sketch, each piece of evidence should be accurately ______ and the distance from ______ ______ measured and noted.
measured
permanent objects
When creating a crime scene sketch, evidence should be measured in relationship to ____ and ____, not movable objects.
walls
doors
What important information should be recorded on a crime scene sketch?
- Name of Office making sketch
- detailed location of the scene, including city, state, street, and/or location of room within a building
- date and time sketch was made
- evidence listing showing important evidence by letter or number
- the case number
- directional arrow or compass heading
- the scale or the words “not drawn to scale.”
True/False
Any witnesses having knowledge of the crime should be separated and their account of the incident should be recorded.
True
What is the critical element in suspect identification?
Time
*It is important that the victim or witnesses identify the suspect ASAP after the crime so details are still fresh in their minds.
Field notes should be ______ and contain only information pertaining to the _____. List some examples of field notetaking.
chronological
crime
Examples: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
The Georgia Death Investigations Act outlines what?
Duties
Responsibilities
Authority of a LEO during death investigations
True/False
Preliminary signs of death include the cessation of breathing and the conditions of the victim’s eyes.
True
Estimating the _____ _____ _____ is an important piece of the investigation because it relates directly to whether the _____ could have been at the scene.
Time of Death
Suspect
Some ways the time of death can be estimated include:
- evaluation of changes in the eyes
- body temperature
- post-mortem lividity
- rigor mortis
- cadaveric spasms
True/False
People who are stabbed may display defense wounds, indicating a possible suicide.
False
Name some ways poison can enter the body.
- Injected
- Inhaled
- Absorbed through the surface of the skin
- Ingested in foods or liquids
True/False
Protecting the crime scene is the PRIMARY concern of the first officers on the scene.
True
List some methods of conducting a crime scene search:
- Move in straight lines North to South and East to West
- search specific assigned sections
- assign foot patrols or patrol cars
It is commonly assumed that the purpose of questioning a suspect is to elicit a confession or an admission of guilt. However, the PRIMARY objective is to ______ ______
gather information
True/False
Field notes are important because of the inability of people to remember such details as dates, times, exact words of witnesses, victims, suspects, serial numbers, measurements, etc.
True
Field notes should be very _____, and each interview should be recorded on _____ pages.
specific
separate
The crime scene report is the culmination of ____ ____ as a formalized report that serves many important purposes but primarily ____ information.
field notes
preserves
Identify at least 5 instances in which the coroner or medical examiner must be notified of a death.
- Result of violence
- Suicide or casualty
- Sudden when in apparent good health
- Unattended by a physician
- Any suspicious or unusual manner, particularly when 16 yoa or younger
- After birth but before 7 yoa if unexpected or unexplained
- Execution
- Inmate dies
- After admitted to a hospital in an unconscious state and w/o regaining consciousness within 24 hours of admission
What are the 5 classifications of evidence?
1) Direct
2) Real
3) Circumstantial
4) Demonstrative
5) Opinion
What classifications of evidence are generally found at the crime scene?
Direct
Real
Circumstantial
What classifications of evidence are most often presented at trial to interpret or clarify one of the other types of evidence?
Demonstrative
Opinion
Evidence which directly proves a fact without inference or presumption.
Direct Evidence
Evidence made up of physical things found at a crime scene, such as a weapon, fibers, or blood.
Real Evidence
Evidence consisting of items that have a logical relationship between the suspect and the crime.
Circumstantial Evidence
Crime scenes must be properly _____ and _____ in order to protect the integrity of the investigation.
preserved and protected
The initial responding Officer must first make the ____ ____ and then take action to ____ ____ to any injured parties before ____ ____ the scene and beginning the investigation.
scene safe
render aid
roping off
Any suspect found at the scene should be:
1) handcuffed
2) searched
3) removed from the scene
True/False
Weapons found at the scene should be left in place, absent any exigent circumstances.
True
True/False
Short-lived or other fragile evidence must be collected last.
False
Crime scenes should be _____ and _____ before a search for fingerprints or other evidence is allowed to take place.
photographed and sketched
There are a variety of search methods that may prove helpful. The method chosen by the investigator must support a _____ and _____ accumulation, within a reasonable ____ ____ ____, of all available _____ evidence.
comprehensive and nondestructive
period of time
physical
True/False
In the case of a homicide, the victim’s body must be photographed and searched before being moved. After the body is moved, photographs of the area directly beneath and around the body must be photographed and evidence collected.
True
Vehicle searches should begin with a careful examination and processing of the ____ and then proceed to the ____, which should be divided into ____ sections.
exterior
interior
Five
_____ and _____ should be completed before fingerprint evidence is collected.
Photographs and sketches
In order to be admissible in court, photographs must meet all the requirements under the ____ ____ ____.
rules of evidence
Field notes taken about the crime should be _____ enough to allow the Officer to write an _____ and _____ report
comprehensive
effective
thorough
True/False
Sketches, which compliment photographs of the crime scene, can be used during the questioning of witnesses, suspects, and victims.
True
Measurements shown on a sketch must be as accurate as possible. _____ _____ _____ are the best means for taking crime scene measurements.
Steel measuring tapes
_____ must be included to clarify any notations made on sketches.
Legends
Overall photos, medium or within the scene photos, and close up photos should be taken to provide a complete representation of the :
scene,
evidence,
victim
Evidence collection should follow standard protocols in accordance with agency _____ and _____. Rubber or cotton gloves, forceps, or tweezers may be used when handling evidence.
policies and procedures
Any potential contamination of the scene or the evidence must be _____ and ____ in the report.
recorded and noted
- example- an Officer inadvertently touches something that leaves his/her fingerprints on a piece of evidence.
Evidence should be _____ to help preserve the _____ _____ _____.
marked
chain of custody
Individual items of evidence must be packaged _____ using _____, _____, _____, _____, _____ and _____
separately
pillboxes, test tubes, jars, bottles, cartons, or bags
True/False
Paper envelopes provide little protection for evidence and should generally not be used.
True
Items containing blood or other bodily fluids should be packaged in?
paper, rather than plastic
True/False
Plaster castings can help preserve shoe and tire impressions.
True
Who can provide evidence processing and analysis services that might not be available at the local level?
The Crime Laboratory- GBI
True/False
Hair and fiber evidence can be critical to a case, but are difficult to locate without careful examination of the scene.
True
The _____ _____ should take custody of any deceased body found at a scene. Officers must conduct their investigation in accordance with the medical examiner until the body is released for further disposition
Medical examiner / Coroner
- Coroner is in charge of the body, the Officer is in charge of the scene.
Officers should use _____ _____ when handling any item that might be contaminated with any bodily fluid, including blood.
universal precautions
Name the 7 basic search methods.
1) Sector or Zone Search
2) Point-to-Point Search
3) Strip Search
4) Double Strip or Grid search
5) Concentric Circle search
6) Wheel or Pie Pan Circle search
7) Line, Wall, or Skirmish Line search
Search area is divided into sections and an officer assigned to search each section is known as what type of search?
Sector or Zone search
A search where the scene is divided into parallel strips and the officer searches back and forth along the strips until the complete. The process is then repeated in the opposite direction.
Strip search
A search type where the officer moves from any logical starting point, to the first apparent item of evidence, then to the next item, until the entire area is examined.
Point-to-Point search
A type of search where the area is divided into strips at right angles to each other. The search begins parallel to the long side, and then parallel to the short side of the area. The process is then repeated in the reverse direction.
Double Strip or Grid Search
A search type where officers begin in the center of the pertinent area and work in a circular pattern extending outward.
Concentric Circle or Spiral search
A search type that divides the crime scene as spokes divide a wheel. The officer then begins the search at the center or hub area and searches each segment to the outer edge before returning to the center and beginning to search the next segment.
Wheel or Pie Pan search
A type of search where a search party forms a line along the longer side of the area, standing arm’s length apart. The line moves slowly across the area one step at a time at the direction of the Officer in Charge. One completed, it is repeated in reverse order. Then the process repeats again forming on the short side of the area to be searched.
Line, Wall or Skirmish Line search
True/False
Generally speaking, it is most effective to search from the outside in to the center and from the bottom to the top.
True
True/False
The sketching and measuring of the outdoor crime scene is generally more difficult than an indoor scene because there are fewer reference points to work from.
True
Two types of photographs should be taken, one set ____ and one ____ a scale to provide size reference.
without
with
True/False
Cold, hot, or damp vehicles should be moved inside and allowed to come to room temperature before processing.
True
What is the best method for collecting trace evidence?
Lifting tape or vacuum
The interior of a vehicle is generally divided into 5 major areas for the purpose of a search. What are they?
Right Front Left Front Right Rear Left Rear Rear Deck above back seat
Before entering an automobile to search, the investigator should photograph and _____ the floor of the the four passenger areas.
vacuum
True/False
The vehicles interior back deck or package ledge is swept first when conducting a search.
False
This area is searched last when searching the interior of a vehicle.
True/False
When the body is removed from the scene, and officer should accompany the body to protect the chain-of-custody and prevent tampering of any sort.
True
What 5 methods are commonly used when creating sketches?
1) Baseline or Coordinate Method
2) Triangulation Method
3) Cross-Projection Method
4) Rough and Smooth Sketches
5) External Wound Chart
This sketch method is based on the principle of measuring the distance of an object from two-fixed points. One form involves the use of a _____, which is drawn between two known points. The measurements of an object are then taken from left to right along the line established to a point at right angles to the object that has been plotted.
Baseline or Coordinate Method
This sketch method is particularly useful in outdoor situations where there are no easily identifiable edges of fields or roads for use as reference points. Two or more reference points, widely separated, if possible, are located. The item of interest is then located by measuring along a straight line from the reference points.
Triangle Method
This sketch method is used when items or locations of interest are on or in the walls surfaces, as well as elsewhere in an enclosed space. The walls, windows, and doors in a cross-projection sketch are drawn as though the walls had been folded flat on the floor.
Cross-Projection Method
A sketch that may be devoted to the position of the body of the victim and one or two of the more critical evidence items. There may be several sketches of this type dealing with one crime scene.
Rough Sketches
A sketch that is simply one that is finished, frequently drawn to scale from the information provided by a rough sketch.
Smooth Sketch
A sketch method particularly dealing with the location and position of wounds on a victim.
External Wound Chart
There are three sequences of photographs. List the three.
Overall Photos
Medium or Within the scene Photos
Close-Up Photos
Photographs including shots of the terrain adjoining the crime scene or of the adjacent neighborhood. It shows the scene and its surroundings.
Overall Photos
Photos taken from a distance of 10-20 feet from the subject. Photos show the location of the evidence or anything else important to the crime scene.
Medium or Within the Scene Photos
Photos of evidence record individual items or small sections of a larger surface, a scratch mark, paint flakes or hair, and the like. These types of photos are taken from 1-5 feet away, depending on the size of the item.
Close-Up Photos
What type of photos are necessary to photograph trace evidence that would ordinarily be unrecognized if taken at a longer range?
Extreme Close-UPs
If the crime scene involves a death, be sure to use all three types of photographic shots. The close-ups of the body should show the following:
1) The victim’s face
2) Wounds sustained by the victim
3) Scars or abnormalities
4) tattoos.
In dealing with evidence, the rule of thumb from the beginning of the scene in relation to the evidence is as follows:
1) Protect the crime scene
2) Locate the evidence
3) Photograph the evidence
4) Sketch the evidence
5) Collect the evidence
6) Mark the evidence for identification
7) Maintain the chain-of-custody
A tool such as a scribe, stylus, or an electric engraver should be used to mark what type of evidence?
Metallic objects
Pen and ink may be used on absorbent articles such as _____ or _____.
documents or clothing
Items of evidence that come from different areas should be packaged _____.
separately
Clothing bearing blood or body fluid stains should be allowed to air dry before packaging in either _____ _____ _____ or a _____ _____ bag.
plain wrapping paper
brown paper bag
The _____ _____ _____ begins when an officer discovers the evidence and continues until the time the specimens are presented to the court.
chain of custody
Plaster Castings have a two-fold purpose:
1) obtain characteristics of the print for comparison purposes
2) obtain size
Some prints may be found on a steep surface, such as a creek bank, side of a ditch, or similar surfaces. In these cases, the casting mixture should be poured starting at the _____ point, allowing the print to fill _____. The cast will take approximately _____ minutes to dry
lowest
upward
30
If collected and packaged properly, the following determinations can be made regarding body fluids:
1) That the stain is blood
2) The blood is either human or an animal
3) Blood is from a certain species of animal
4) The individualized blood group for human blood
5) That a stain is saliva, semen, perspiration, urine, human milk or pus, and the secretor’s blood group.
In the case of a lengthy document, when conducting a handwriting sample, between _____ to _____ samples should be obtained.
2 to 5
If a signature is in question, about _____ to _____samples should be obtained.
15 to 20
If a questionable writing is in a series of notations or words, the investigator should obtain approximately _____ samples.
20
What are two types of fingerprints?
Latent
Patent
Finger prints that are usually not visible to the naked eye. Left on at the scene due to natural body secretions such as perspiration and oils.
Latent Prints
Finger prints that are impressions left in soft surfaces such as blood, paint, and putty.
Patent Prints
When collecting hair as evidence, no less than _____ live hairs from the head and _____ live hairs from the pubic region should be collected for proper comparison.
25
25
True/False
Blood spatter can be used to determine the location of the victim to the suspect.
True
A conversation between a LEO and a person who is thought to have some information the officer needs.
Interview
This type of conversation is typically adversarial and intended to elicit the truth from a person.
Interrogation
Information received from a person during an investigation is known as a:
Statement
May be oral or in writing and may verify information an officer already knows and can lead to the discovery of evidence of other crimes.
Statements
Written statements are great for 3 things:
1) provides a record for files
2) discourages a witness from changing their story
3) can be introduced into evidence during a trial
A statement obtained from a suspect admitting a criminal offense is called a _____, if full facts of the crime are disclosed. When only some details are disclosed, or when the suspect includes some justification for and offense, the statement is called an _____.
Confession
Admission
True/False
A confession, although helpful in an investigation, may not be introduced at trial, so the investigator must establish elements of proof independent of the statement.
True
There are four considerations when conducting any interview:
timing
duration
setting
eliminating physical barriers
How can an officer prepare for the interview, no matter how informal the conversation will be?
Gathering background information, such as that which might be contained in police records available to communications officers and in other databases.
When conducting an interview, there are three ways the officer must get acquainted with the person he/she is interviewing.
1) develop rapport
2) motivate the subject to cooperate
3) listen carefully to the statement
A good interviewer will avoid certain common mistakes. These include, but are not limited to…
1) criticizing or being sarcastic
2) interrupting the subject
3) asking leading or close-ended questions
True/False
Information obtained during an interrogation will only be admissible if the suspect made the statements voluntarily.
True
True/False
Suspects who are in custody must be given the Miranda warning before questioning begins. If the suspect waives those rights, the officer should have the person sign a written waiver.
True
True/False
Any waiver of rights must be made knowingly. The officer must show that the suspect knew he/she was waiving the rights, and that information obtained during the investigation could be used against them.
True
True/False
The court will consider the totality of circumstances when evaluating a waiver of rights made by a juvenile.
True
True/False
Silence by a suspect cannot be considered a waiver of the rights.
True
True/False
The request for counsel does not need to be made using any specific words. Any uncertainty about a request for an attorney must be eliminated before questioning a suspect.
True
True/False
Any offer of benefit used to coerce a confession will not render that confession inadmissible as evidence.
False
Effective interrogation techniques include:
1) Sympathy
2) Reasoning
3) Pointing out symptoms of guilt
In Georgia, any _____ must be corroborated by other evidence in order to sustain a _____.
confession
conviction
What are some techniques to encourage conversation?
1) Use open-ended questions
2) Use the long Pause
3) Use the Nondirective Approach
What hearing is set to determine if a defendant’s statement was voluntary?
Jackson v. Denno hearing
*level of proof is by preponderance of evidence
What are three types of prohibited police behavior in regards to obtaining statements?
1) Psychological constraint
2) Coercion
3) Duress
What are some speech indicators that usually accompany body language clues.
Hesitation Vagueness Interruptions Swearing to the truth The religious person The forgetful person
How long may you interrogate a suspect during one sitting?
Normal Suspect = 4hours with a 1 hour break
Mental or Minor = 2 hours with a 1 hour break
How many hours can a suspect be interrogated in 1 day?
Normal suspect = 8 hours max
Mental or Minor = 6 hours max
