Criminal Investigations

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What is the purpose of proper packaging. 32.41

Answer 2

The purpose of proper packaging is to prevent breaking, spoiling, loss, and contamination

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

Autopsy

Question 4

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…

Answer 4

Post mortem lividity

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

Rigor Mortis

Question 6

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.

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

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 ___________.

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

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.

Answer 8

Putrefaction

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

Cadaveric Spasm

Question 10

Describe procedures to be determined upon arrival at the scene.

Answer 10

• 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.

Question 11

What should you obtain upon arrival at the scene from the victim, witness, complainant, and the person who reported offense?

Answer 11

• Name
• D.O.B.
• Address
• Home/work phone number
• Place of employment.
• Other data to ID later
  
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number

Question 12

What is the procedure for identifying victim(s) with Serious Bodily Injury?

Answer 12

If the person is alive and conscious, obtain identification and information about next of kin.

Question 13

What is the procedure for identifying victim(s) that are deceased?

Answer 13

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…

Question 14

Identify information that should be made known to other officers.

Answer 14

Identify any known information

1. describing suspect;
2. suspect’s clothing;
3. involved vehicles;
4. weapons;
5. direction of travel;
6. fruits of the crime.

Question 15

Visually inspect to determine ______. Officers should keep in mind that the scene may include multiple locations.

Answer 15

Visually inspect to determine perimiters. Officers should keep in mind that the scene may include multiple locations.

Question 16

What are the procedures for securing the crime scene?

Answer 16

• 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.

Question 17

What should be considered when selecting the crime scene search method?

Answer 17

• 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.

Question 18

This crime scene method can be used as a preliminary step in evaluating the scene.

Answer 18

Point-to-point search

Question 19

Some of the disadvantages of the

point-to-point method are:

Answer 19

• 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.

Question 20

How do you describe the Point-to-point search method?

Answer 20

• Move in order of appearance of evidence, as follows:
  
  • 1st item of evidence at the scene to second item.
  • 2nd item of evidence at the scene to the 3rd item.
  • Move like this until all evidence is covered.

Question 21

This crime scene search method, in both the double and single form, is among the most effective for outside searches.

Answer 21

Strip search

Question 22

This crime scene search method is useful when an item is missing from the center and the search must be conducted rapidly.

Answer 22

Circular (spiral or concentric) Search

Question 23

This type of crime scene search method is effective for indoor and outdoor scenes that have regular patterns or defined borders. It permits different types of searches in the different sectors.

Answer 23

Quadrant, Sector or Zone search

Question 24

This crime scene search method uses any technique which will be effective in examining specific and small areas with defined borders, such as: landscaped areas, bushes, paths, and sidewalks.

Answer 24

Area Search

Question 25

This crime scene search method may employ infrared film for discovery of such things as gravesites.

Answer 25

Aerial Search

Question 26

What are the basic steps of which a crime scene search normally progresses?

Answer 26

1. Approach scene
2. Secure and protect
3. Establish entry and exit
4. Preliminary survey
5. Narrative description
6. Photograph scene (overall photos)

Question 27

Under which circumstances should an officer summon assistance?

Answer 27

• When physical characteristics of area make it impractical for one person to search.
• When the amount of damage or evidence to be searched for makes it impractical for one person to search.
• When expertise is needed beyond that of those present.
  
  • Consider what personnel are available
  • Consider the degree of thoroughness required

Question 28

Under which circumstances should an officer leave the scene?

Answer 28

• When released from responsibility
• When not needed
• When directed to do so

Question 29

A statement of an accused ______ be used in evidence against him if it appears that the same was freely and voluntarily made without compulsion or persuasion. CCP 38.21.

Answer 29

A statement of an accused may be used in evidence against him if it appears that the same was freely and voluntarily made without compulsion or persuasion.

Question 30

Definition: _______ is a statement made by the accused in his own handwriting; or a statement made in a language the accused can read or understand that: is signed by the accused; or bears the mark of the accused, if the accused is unable to write and the mark is witnessed by a person other than a peace officer.

Answer 30

Written Statement

Question 31

What are the elements and procedures to be followed in photographing a crime scene.

Answer 31

• Maintain a log of photos
• Do not delete photos that are out of focus.
• Photos are assigned unique numbers at the time they are taken, and there should be no photo numbers unaccounted for.
• Photograph starting with exterior to interior, or with a landmark to locate evidence; then work to detail from farthest relevant point

Question 32

What are the three (3) major vantage points to achieve a progression of crime scene photographs?

Answer 32

1. Overall / Long-range photographs
2. Mid-range photographs
3. Close-up photography

Question 33

What lenth from the subject matter should close-up photography be taken?

Answer 33

Normally taken less than 5 feet from the subject matter.

Question 34

Definition: ______ a drawing representing the crime scene and serves to supplement photography by providing accurate information concerning the distance between various points in the scene.

Answer 34

Sketch

Question 35

What are the reasons for preparing crime scene sketches?

Answer 35

• To provide a permanent record of conditions otherwise not easily recorded (distance, photography, and movement of suspect).
• To reconstruct the crime scene
• To record the location and spatial relationships between pieces of evidence and the surroundings

Question 36

What are the 3 methods of measurement for crime scene documentation?

Answer 36

1. Triangulation
2. Rectangular coordinates
3. Transecting base line

Question 37

Definition: _______ is a bird’s eye view of the scene

Answer 37

Triangulation (method of measurment)

Question 38

This system could be used in large outdoor scenes such as; major disasters, airplane crashes, scattered human remains, etc.

Answer 38

Transecting base line

Question 39

General considerations: _______, if properly accomplished, can lend accuracy and precision to an officer’s testimony. The officer’s position in court is enhanced by being able to produce accurate measurements showing the location of evidence and their location relative to other evidence.

Answer 39

Sketching

Question 40

When taking accurate measurements, officers should use a standard, acceptable measuring device. Obtain sufficient measurements to accurately locate objects in the crime scene. Record measurements in crime scene using _____ ______ points

Answer 40

When taking accurate measurements, officers should use a standard, acceptable measuring device. Obtain sufficient measurements to accurately locate objects in the crime scene. Record measurements in crime scene using permanent reference points

Question 41

What are the methods for preparing a crime scene sketch?

Answer 41

• Make a rough drawing at the crime scene on paper
• It needs to be accurate but does not need to be drawn to scale
• It needs to be a representation of the crime scene showing objects and measurements
• Use an arrow to show north and orient north to the top of the sketch
• Draw lines to show where measurements are taken from
• In making a completed crime scene sketch determine a scale to use and locate all objects on drawing to scale
• Use a legend to explain any symbols used on the crime scene sketch.

Question 42

The crime scene sketch should include the following information:

Answer 42

• Investigator’s complete name and rank.
• Date, time, type of crime, and assigned case number, complete name of other officers assisting in the making of the sketch (measuring, etc.).
• Address of the crime scene, its position in a building, landmarks, and so on.
• Scale of the drawing (if no scale, indicated by printing “not to scale”).

Question 43

Definition: _______ is the process in which records transactions of evidence from person to person since its acquisition by a law enforcement agency. Also, maintains exactly what happened to evidence from the time it was found until it is disposed of after being presented in court.

Answer 43

Chain of Custody

Question 44

Chain of custody accounts for:

Answer 44

• who found the item, and where;
• who took custody and marked it;
• who transported it;
• where it is being stored
• When it went to a lab, and who transported it there
• When it was returned from the lab

Question 45

This chain of custody is established by adhering to certain guidelines:

Answer 45

• The # of persons handling evidence from the time that it is collected should be limited.
• If the evidence leaves the possession of an officer, he/she should record in the notes: whom the evidence was given, the date, time, and the reason it was turned over.
• Anyone who handles evidence should affix his/her name, personal identifier, and date to the package containing evidence.
• A signed receipt should be obtained from the person accepting the evidence. In turn, the investigator should sign a receipt or log when the item is returned.
• When a piece of evidence is turned in, the investigator should check his or her identification mark on it to ensure that it is the same item.

Question 46

What are the safe packaging methods for preserving evidence in original condition?

Answer 46

• Use paper instead of plastic bags to reduce contamination and spoiling.
• Containers should fit tightly
• Each different item should be packaged separately
• Items from different places should be packaged separately
• Wet evidence, such as bloodstains, semen stains, mud and such, must be allowed to dry before packaging to prevent rotting
• Liquid blood must be refrigerated

Question 47

:

What are the safety precautions for preserving evidence in original condition?

Answer 47

• Use disposable latex gloves
• Upon completion, dispose of gloves properly
• Wash hands
• Avoid contact with any other body fluids
• Use extreme caution when handling HIV body fluids

Question 48

What are the safe methods for preserving firearms in original condition?

Answer 48

• Physical appearance of a weapon before it is moved
• Note the position of cylinder (as well as fired and unfired cartridges), slide or bolt
• Position of exposed hammer, firing pin and safety
• Lift weapon
• Unload weapon
• Do not clean or strip weapon
• Never place an object inside of barrel