Crime Scene Examination

Question 1

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

Answer 1

When any object or persons comes into contact with an object or another person, a cross-transfer of physical evidence occurs.

Question 2

What can Physical Evidence prove?

Answer 2

1. prove a crime occurred or establish key elements.
2. place a suspect in contact with a victim or crime scene
3. identify a suspect in a crime scene
4. can corroborate or refute witness testimony
5. can be used during suspect interviews

Question 3

What are the 4 responsibilities from time of collection until court?

Answer 3

1. identify each piece of evidence
2. Describe exactly where it was found
3. Prove continuity
4. Describe the changes in the evidence:
   
   • physical damage due to storage
   • spillage/evaporation
   • change in physical appearance

Question 4

What is the Path of Evidence?

Answer 4

The path taken by the offender/victim to and from the victim/crime and is the most likely area to find evidence. It is important to protect this area until it can be carefully examined.

Question 5

What are the types of photographs taken at a crime scene?

Answer 5

Overall

Midrange

Close-up with and without scale

Question 6

What are four types of scene searches?

Answer 6

Line Search

Zone Search

Spiral Search

Grid Search