Criminal Investigations Flashcards
If the evidence leaves the possession of an officer, he or she should record in the notes: to whom the evidence was given, the ___ and ____, and the ____ it was turned over. 32.29
If the evidence leaves the possession of an officer, he or she should record in the notes: to whom the evidence was given, the date and time, and the reason it was turned over.
What is the purpose of proper packaging. 32.41
The purpose of proper packaging is to prevent breaking, spoiling, loss, and contamination
Definition: ________ is a postmortem examination of the body of a person, including X-rays and examination of the internal organs and structures after dissection, to determine the cause of death or nature of any pathological changes that may have contributed to the death.
Autopsy
Definition: ________ is a purplish discoloration observable on the parts of the body that are nearest the ground. Appears from one to two hours after death, and may provide a clue as to whether the body was moved after death. Indicates body position for one to two hours after death. Is dependent upon several factors, including ambient temperature, body temperature at time of death, body mass, age…
Post mortem lividity
Definition: ________. because of chemical changes occurring in body tissues, the muscles stiffen after death. This stiffening starts at the neck and lower jaw and spreads downward.
Rigor Mortis
Onset of rigor mortis may start from 15 minutes to 15 hours after death, but as a general rule, it starts ____ to ____ hours after death. The upper part is affected within about 12 hours and the whole body within about 18 hours. Rigor mortis usually disappears within _____ hours, again beginning at the head and neck and extending to the lower parts of the body.
Onset of rigor mortis may start from 15 minutes to 15 hrs after death, but as a general rule, it starts 5 to 6 hours after death. The upper part is affected w/in about 12 hrs and the whole body within about 18 hrs. Rigor mortis usually disappears within 36 hours, again beginning at the head and neck and extending to the lower parts of the body.
Body temperature - the temperature of the body is normally 98.6 F. The rate of cooling is dependent on the temperature of the air, the manner in which the body is clothed, and the size of the person. Body temperature may help in determining ___________.
Body temperature - the temperature of the body is normally 98.6 F. The rate of cooling is dependent on the temperature of the air, the manner in which the body is clothed, and the size of the person. Body temperature may help in determining time of death.
Definition: ________ is the decomposition of body tissues. Onset and rate are influenced by the temperature of the environment. Principal changes involve bloating of the body by gas, darkening of the skin in suspended parts of the body, green discoloration of the abdominal area, and the formation of blisters filled with fluid or gas, may help in approximating time of death.
Putrefaction
Definition: ________ is when there is severe injury to the central nervous system or when there was great tension at the time of death, sometimes stiffening occurs immediately. The stiffening is usually in the small muscles of the face and/or hands. This gives strong presumptive evidence of suicide if the hand is clutching the weapon.
Cadaveric Spasm
Describe procedures to be determined upon arrival at the scene.
- If suspects are at or near, scene by observing unusual activity, persons, vehicles
- Appropriate tactical action if suspect is at scene and offense is in progress weapon(s) involved
- Number of suspects
- Is a backup request appropriate?
- Search perimeter of building for open doors/windows
- Locate victim/witness/complainant/the person who reported offense.
- Solicit info from persons in immediate area.
- Separate witnesses so they don’t influence others.
What should you obtain upon arrival at the scene from the victim, witness, complainant, and the person who reported offense?
- Name
- D.O.B.
- Address
- Home/work phone number
- Place of employment.
- Other data to ID later
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
What is the procedure for identifying victim(s) with Serious Bodily Injury?
If the person is alive and conscious, obtain identification and information about next of kin.
What is the procedure for identifying victim(s) that are deceased?
Officers SHALL obtain permission from the medical examiner or justice of the peace to move/disturb the body prior to any attempt to locate sources of identification: DL, military ID, SS card, tattoo, amputation or unusual scars, etc…
Identify information that should be made known to other officers.
Identify any known information
- describing suspect;
- suspect’s clothing;
- involved vehicles;
- weapons;
- direction of travel;
- fruits of the crime.
Visually inspect to determine ______. Officers should keep in mind that the scene may include multiple locations.
Visually inspect to determine perimiters. Officers should keep in mind that the scene may include multiple locations.
What are the procedures for securing the crime scene?
- Establish defined entry and exit points to minimize loss, destruction and contamination of evidence
- Establish an inner and outer perimeter using street barricades, ropes, crime scene tape, or additional personnel around the perimeter to keep unauthorized persons out.
What should be considered when selecting the crime scene search method?
- the size and type of area to be covered.
- the personnel and equipment necessary and available.
- the degree of thoroughness required depending on the type of crime committed, type of physical evidence sought and the purpose of the search.
This crime scene method can be used as a preliminary step in evaluating the scene.
Point-to-point search
Some of the disadvantages of the
point-to-point method are:
- It is often disorganized
- Trace of evidence may be overlooked.
- Others at the scene may feel that when this method of search is completed, they are then free to invade the scene.