Crime Scene Processing Flashcards

1
Q

What does ALS stand for in photography?

A

Alternate Light Source

Also known as FLS (Forensic Light Source)

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2
Q

How long have ALS/FLS photography techniques been in use?

A

Over 40 years

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3
Q

What types of evidence can ALS/FLS be used to detect?

A
  • Fingerprints
  • Fibres
  • Hair
  • Human body fluids
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4
Q

What is the first step in using an ALS at a crime scene?

A

Search the scene to locate/note items or areas of interest

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5
Q

What type of goggles are typically used when operating an ALS?

A

Orange goggles in lab; red and yellow are common in ALS kits

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6
Q

What camera settings are recommended for ALS/FLS photography?

A
  • Orange filter on lens
  • High depth of field
  • Low ISO
  • Timed exposure
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7
Q

Who created the system of identification known as Anthropometry?

A

Alphonse Bertillon

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8
Q

What year did Alphonse Bertillon create his identification system?

A

1882

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9
Q

What was the purpose of Bertillon’s Anthropometry system?

A

To distinguish first-time offenders from recidivists

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10
Q

What significant contribution did Hans Gross make to criminal investigation?

A

Published the first comprehensive description for using physical evidence to solve crime in 1891

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11
Q

What principle is Edmund Locard known for?

A

Locard’s Exchange Principle

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12
Q

What is the significance of the year 1986 in forensic science?

A

DNA was used for the first time in a criminal case in England

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13
Q

What does the acronym CFS stand for?

A

Centre of Forensic Sciences

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14
Q

What is the primary role of crime scene examiners?

A
  • Recording, documenting, and examining the scene
  • Collecting and preserving evidence
  • Submitting exhibits for further examination
  • Testifying in court
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15
Q

What does the first step ‘Learn’ in crime scene examination involve?

A
  • Gathering information from sources
  • Recognizing issues at the start
  • Safety considerations
  • Determining lawful authority
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16
Q

What is the purpose of conducting a scene walk-through?

A

To provide an overview of the entire scene and identify valuable evidence

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17
Q

What order do scenes typically get processed in?

A
  • Photography
  • Video
  • Notes
  • Rough scene sketch
  • Scene examination
  • Exhibit collection
18
Q

What are the types of evidence mentioned?

A
  • Impression evidence (fingerprints, footwear)
  • DNA evidence (blood, hair)
  • Physical evidence (clothing, weapons)
  • Digital evidence (computers, cell phones)
19
Q

What does a search warrant authorize?

A

The search of a place for the purpose of seizing ‘things’

20
Q

What is required for an individual to give informed consent?

A
  • The individual must consent to the search
  • The individual must have authority to consent
  • The individual must be aware of the search purpose
21
Q

True or False: A primary crime scene is where the initial crime occurred.

A

True

22
Q

What is the role of the Coroner under the Coroners Act?

A

May enter and inspect any place where a dead body is located

23
Q

What is the significance of the year 2012 in forensic science in Canada?

A

Forensic Science in Canada report published (Hart House Report)

24
Q

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

A

It is impossible for a criminal to act without leaving traces of their presence

25
Q

Fill in the blank: The first U.S. crime lab opened in ______.

A

1924

26
Q

What year did the FBI introduce computerized searches of the AFIS fingerprint database?

A

1996

27
Q

What is the purpose of the Handbook of Forensic Evidence for the Investigator?

A

Provides an overview of collection and packaging requirements for items submitted to the CFS

28
Q

What types of swabs are classified for submission to the CFS?

A
  • Swabs of suspected blood (BLS)
  • Swabs of drink containers (DCS)
  • Weapon swabs (WPS)
  • Other saliva swabs (SAS)
29
Q

What are the different types of swabs classified for submission to CFS?

A
  • Swabs of suspected blood (BLS)
  • Swabs of drink containers / drinking implements (DCS)
  • Swabs of partially eaten food / eating utensils (FDS)
  • Other ‘saliva’ swabs (SAS)
  • Weapon swabs (WPS) - Guns and Knives only
  • Airbag swabs (ABS)
  • ‘Other’ swabs (OTH)

This classification helps in systematic forensic investigations.

30
Q

How should a swab of suspected blood be taken if the bloodstain is dry?

A

Use a moistened swab (distilled water)

Oversaturation can inhibit the ability to find DNA.

31
Q

What is the swabbing procedure for drink containers (DCS)?

A

Only swab containers used for their stated purpose within the time frame of the relevant offence. A moistened swab is required.

This ensures that the collected DNA is relevant to the investigation.

32
Q

What is required for swabbing utensils and partially eaten food (FDS)?

A

A moistened swab is required

This applies to food partially eaten and utensils used during the relevant time frame.

33
Q

What items are included in saliva swabs (SAS)?

A
  • Lipsticks
  • Drug pipes
  • Suspected spit
  • Plastic cigarillo tips
  • Cigars

These items may have come into contact with saliva and/or nasal secretions.

34
Q

What must be true for weapons swabs (WPS) to be collected?

A

Handled weapons must have been brought to the scene by perpetrators during the commission of an offence.

This ensures that the collected evidence is directly related to the crime.

35
Q

What is the procedure for swabbing airbags (ABS)?

A

Swab each deployed airbag and a separate swab of any other visible mucous or blood-like stains.

Results do not position occupants in a particular seat in the vehicle.

36
Q

What is the purpose of the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) in Canada?

A
  • Linking crimes without suspects
  • Identifying suspects
  • Eliminating suspects when there is no match
  • Determining involvement of serial offenders

The NDDB helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes effectively.

37
Q

What are the two main indices of the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB)?

A
  • The Convicted Offender Index (COI)
  • The Crime Scene Index (CSI)

COI contains profiles from offenders, while CSI contains profiles from crime scenes.

38
Q

When did the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) become fully operational?

A

1998

CODIS allows for the exchange and comparison of DNA profiles across various levels of law enforcement.

39
Q

What is the significance of the United Kingdom’s National DNA Database?

A

It is the world’s first national database and contains over 4 million profiles, including DNA samples from about 5.2% of the UK population.

Established in 1995, it is the oldest and most inclusive national forensic DNA database.

40
Q

What is the Interpol DNA Database also known as?

A

DNA Gateway

It was established in 2002 and allows member countries to submit various DNA profiles.

41
Q

What should investigators do according to the summary of best practices?

A
  • Know your authorities
  • Be methodical
  • Think/plan ahead
  • Continually assess/reassess the scene
  • Be prepared for the unknown

These practices enhance the effectiveness of forensic investigations.

42
Q

True or False: The Centre of Forensic Sciences expects police/CSIs to collect negative control samples as of April 20, 2017.

A

False

Negative control samples are no longer required due to advancements in DNA testing sensitivity.