CSI Certification Flashcards
1
Q
Crime repression refers to
A
Active investigation and the identification of those responsible for the crime
2
Q
T or F: Evidence can be defined as anything that tends to prove a fact in contention
A
False
3
Q
Which is an example of an unpredictable effect:
The Haphazard opening of a revolver cylinder.
The smell of burnt gunpowder.
Insect activity at a death scene.
A
The Haphazard opening of a revolver cylinder.
4
Q
which is an example of a transitory effect ;
The presence of frozen ice cream in a bowl OR
Onset of livor mortis
A
The presence of frozen ice cream in a bowl
5
Q
T or F: A functional detail is one that manifest itself in the operating condition of items in the scene. An example of this is whether the door was locked at the time of a break in.
A
False
6
Q
T or F If a wax paper roll is discovered in the kitchen of an arson scene, it would not be necessary to evaluate its function since it is not unusual to find a wax paper roll in a kitchen
A
False
7
Q
T or F: A checklist is useful when processing a scene and should always be followed step by step
A
False
8
Q
T or F: Probable cause is the investigative standard
A
B
9
Q
T or F: Fingerprints found at a crime scene consists of 98% grease, oil, salts, and amino acids.
A
False
10
Q
Wet bench serology testing results provides
Class characteristics or Individual characteristics?
A
Class characteristics
11
Q
The structure of DNA was discovered in what timeframe:
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
A
1950s
12
Q
The downfall of polymearse chain reaction (PCR) is:
The length of time to perform the test.
the resulting statistics.
the need for a large amount of un-degraded genetic material.
A
The resulting statistics
13
Q
The downfall of STR is:
Contamination issue.
The length of time needed to perform the test.
The need for large amounts of genetic material.
A
Contamination issue
14
Q
The difference between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA is:
The number of base pairs.
its structure.
All of the above.
A
All of the above! WOAH… ALL THE ABOOOOOOUUUUOOOOUOOOOVVVEE
15
Q
The best test to perform on a hair with no root is
RFLP.
STR.
mDNA.
Microscopic examination
A
mDNA
16
Q
T or F: Hair examinations routinely result in individualization’s.
A
False
17
Q
It has been determined that 50% of any transferred hairs or fibers are lost in the first 8 hours following the contact.
A
False
18
Q
Evaluating the radial fractures present in the first concentric ring of glass fractures is used with
Sequence of force determination
direction of force determination
A
Direction of force determination
19
Q
T or F: Concentric fractures radiate out from a central point in the fracture
A
False
20
Q
T or F: An important distinction between the atomic absorption analysis (AAA) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) when examining gunshot residue is that AAA is able to detect singular particles that contain barium, antimony, and lead
A
False
21
Q
T or F: Since the most important tool mark variations occur at the microscopic level, best practices dictate to cast the mark for analysis.
A
False
22
Q
T or F: The wheel base is measured from the outside of one thread to the outside of the opposite thread.
A
False
23
Q
conscious efforts to copy a known writing is referred to as:
Forgery
Known writings
Tracings
None of above
A
Tracings
24
Q
T of F: If an evidentiary computer is off it is suggested that a clean or unformatted form of media be placed into any open drive bays and then taping the bay shut
A
True
25
T or F: Emergency care is always the first order of business for the first responding offer.
False
26
T or F: The officer should never ride in an ambulance with the victim due to the possibility of obstructing lifesaving effort
False
27
The initial responding officer should attempt to conduct responsibilities in the following order
Safety, lifesaving, scene control
28
True or False: For an indoor scene, it is always sufficient to use the building itself as the initial perimeter
False
29
A significant group to consider in reference to entry when controlling the scene is
Other Police officers
30
T or F: the purpose of a crime scene log is to have a list of who entered and when
Falseh
31
Documentation consists of the following elements: notes, sketches, photos, videos, and what else?
reports
32
T or F: Orientation issues are often significant because orientation of an item has the potential to change conclusions
True
33
In terms of using a wide angle lens, what is the most common form of distortion associated with this lens?
Barrel Distortion
34
What is the most critical element to crime scene processing?
Documentation
35
True or False: The wheel base is measured from the outside of one tread to the outside of the opposite tread
False
36
Of this list which is the most discriminate characteristic of shoe mark evidence?
- size
- shape of sole
- tread pattern
- brand
Tread Pattern
37
What is the name of the scale used in bite mark photography
ABFO
38
T or F: Tire and shoe marks can be both 2D and 3D
True
39
Cartridge is to Casing as Shotgun Shell is to ___
Slug or Pellets
40
The action of a ___ lifts a single cartridge from the top of the magazine and inserts it into the barrel
Slide
41
A firearm that is magazine-fed and each time the trigger is pulled a cartridge is fired and another is automatically inserted is referred to as...
Semi-Automatic
42
the primer cap is struck by the firing pin strikes the ____ which ignites the primer compound which in turn ignites the gun powder
Primer cap
43
T or F : shotguns have a series of lands and grooves to give a projectile spin
False. that is rifles
44
a single complete unfired unit of ammunition is called
a cartridge
45
Another term for mechanical fit
fracture match
46
True or False: Emergency care is always the first order of business for the first responding officer
False
47
True or False: The first responder needs to be alert to sights, sounds, and smells because they can be transient
True
48
Name a good example of transient evidence
the smell of smoke, the heat of a burning end of a cigarette/cigar, ice cream in a bowl, condensation on a glass, etc.
49
What is the correct order that the responding officer should attempt to conduct scene responsibilities?
Safety, Lifesaving, scene control
50
```
which needs to be considered when establishing the primary crime scene:
A. Natural exit and entry points
B. Primary Focal Points
C. Secondary scenes
D. A and C only
E. All of the above
```
E. All of the above
51
```
Which significant group should you consider in reference to entry when controlling the scene.
A. Media
B. Other police officers
C. EMS
D. All of the Above
E. None of the Above
```
B. Other police officers
52
True or False: there are guide lines that dictate one correct way to handle all crime scenes
False
53
What is one characteristic that CSI's must have because of scene variation
Flexibility
54
True or False: Documentation can be intrusive
True
55
What percent of hairs/trace evidence get lost when processing and after how long?
90% in 8hrs or less
56
If any evidence is discovered during an on scene examination of the body, it should be sent back to the ME office with the ME staff or Detectives ?
Detectives
57
what element of crime scene processing is done last?
evidence collection .. (or on-scene debrief)
58
True or False: Once a crime scene sketch is completed, it is permissible to move evidence?
True
59
True or False: Crime scene teams need to reassess the scene boundary even if it has already been defined by the first responding officer
True
60
True or False: The secondary perimeter tape is in place so that CSI can assert their dominance at a crime scene?
False
61
True or False: It is recommended that there be a written crime scene control log at every one of several perimeters
False
62
The approach to processing in which a single team handles all activities is called a ____ approach.
Area
63
When designating functional teams, the photography team should consist of how many members? (minimum)
2
64
When designating functional teams, the sketch/measurement team should consist of how many members? (minimum)
3
65
What is the most important tool to a CSI
clean white light
66
What search method uses the classic example of a typical vehicle search?
zone search
67
Which is the critical condition when conducting a spiral search?
A. Conducting it indoors or outdoors
B. Whether to move inwards or outwards
C. Managing the Pace
D. Too many individual performing the search at the same time
E. Investigators will get dizzy
C. Managing the Pace
68
The search method during which the searcher is assigned to each lane and they all move simultaneously in the same direction is called...?
the line search technique
69
The search method for which an area is divided into two sets of lanes that run at 90 degree angles to each other is called?
Grid Search
70
The search method best suited for uneven terrain is ?
Line search
71
the virus that can survive in dried blood at room temp for up to a week is ..?
Hep B
72
True or False: Airborne dried blood particles produced when scraping samples are not of concern since they will not make direct contact with open skin?
False
73
What is the Universal Precaution ?
Treat all blood and or body fluid(s) as if it is possibly infectious
74
What does PPE stand for?
Personal Protective Equiptment
75
What does PAB stand for?
Physically Altered Bloodstain
76
True or False:Point to Point searching methods are heavily used in the US?
False
77
True or False: Crime Scene Technicians can be their own sources of inhalation/chemical/fire hazards
True
78
True or False: the basic actions necessary for documenting and processing a mass crime scene are significantly more complex than those for processing a more common scene.
False
79
True or False: video and processing teams should enter the crime scene at the same time so they can be given advice as to what needs to be documented.
False
80
True or False: The media, just like the police, also has a public service role
True
81
Which of these options are most critical to the element of scene processing: documentation, observation, suspect apprehension, or reconstruction?
Documentation
82
True or False: biohazards affect the integrity of evidence analysis
True
83
Which doesn't contain a nucleus? a Red Blood Cell or a White Blood Cell
Red Blood Cell
84
What is another word for grooves? (ballistics)
Depressions
85
What is another word for lands? (ballistics)
Projections
86
RUVIS utilizes what part of the UV spectrum?
short wave UV
87
RUVIS blocks out all light but what nm ?
UV/C - 254nm light
88
True or False: the same camera can be used for IR and scene images?
False
89
all facts at a crime scene should be treated _____
the same
90
when using superglue, stop processing once the control print ____
first appears
91
Griess Test test for the presence of what GSR component?
Nitrates
92
what are the 3 zones of possibility?
Impossible, most probable, and awkward but possible
93
where would the ME take the temperature measurements to check for Algor Mortis?
the Liver
94
True or False: decomp first displays itself in and around the body openings?
False
95
good photography starts with a ____ camera, according to Ross Gardner.
stable
96
Which two of the following are normal on scene processing techniques: Ninhydrin, cyanoacrylate fuming, DFO, SPR, 1,2-indanedione
Cyanoacrylate and SPR
97
True or False: North should always be pointing to the top of the paper when creating a sketch
False
98
The type of sketch that gives horizontal views that is suited for the vast majority of crime scenes?
Bird's eye view
99
the type of sketch that illustrates the horizontal surfaces and lays down the vertical surfaces to depict evidence present on them?
Exploded sketch or Cross-Projected Sketch
100
the best focus system for crime scene work that is typically available in many single lens reflex and digital cameras i called?
Split Image
101
the type of sketch that has the ability to present crime scene information in a more REALISTIC perspective
3D sketch
102
Which type of sketch is best used to depict a side view of some portion of the scene?
Elevation sketch
103
the method best used for crime scenes with clear and specific boundaries (such as indoor scenes) in which items are measured at a 90 degree angle to the surrounding surfaces.
Rectangular coordinates
104
In order to fix a regularly shaped item in a scene using triangulation a minimum of this number of straight line measurements from two distinct landmarks to two distinct points of the item is needed?
4 measurements
105
In order to fix an irregular shaped item in a scene using triangulation a minimum of this number of straight line measurements from 2 distinct landmarks to 1 distinct points of the item is needed?
1 measurement
106
what mapping method requires fixing of a datum point from which a line extends. Items are then placed along the line and that point is measured back to the datum point?
Polar coordinates
107
This mapping technique is good for if evidence is significantly scattered over a large outdoor scene?
polar coordinates
108
3 measurements needed for polar coordinates?
difference in elevation, the horizontal distance, and the horizontal angle
109
```
when using a total station, if multiple datum points are necessary, the system is moved and the datum point are tied to one another through a technique known as:
A. datum point connector
B. Back view
C. Back Sight
D. Rear View
E. Rear Sight
```
C. Back sight
110
```
It is necessary to combine mapping methods in instances such as:
A. gravesites
B. indoor homicide scenes
C. exterior scenes
D. A and B only
E. all of the above
```
E. all of the above
111
true or false: if an investigative technique has a positive result, it is sufficient to make a note of it within the investigative notes?
False
112
What is considered an investigators best evidence?
Notes
113
```
This section of the report identifies and describes aspects of the scene that are pertinent to the investigation.
A. intro
B. conditions of the scene
C. environmental conditions
D. characteristics of the scene
```
B. conditions of the scene
114
```
This section of the report is intended to provide a general description of the scene and associated features of the scene and their relationship to the surrounding area.
A. intro
B. conditions of the scene
C. environmental conditions
D. characteristics of the scene
```
D. characteristics of the scene
115
T or F: on the electromagnetic spectrum, the lower the wavelength the lower the energy level?
False
116
Which is the best sequence for processing techniques of examination of dry paper?
A. Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer
B. DFO, silver nitrate, Physical developer
C. DFO, ninhydrin, silver nitrate
D. ninhydrin, DFOl, silver nitrate
C. DFO, ninhydrin, silver nitrate
117
T or F: when processing human skin for latent fingerprints, skin dampness will negatively affect the adding machine paper process?
False
118
```
A method for examining blood prints on a scene is:
A. luminol
B. LCV
C. SPR
D. Amido Black
E. Both B and D
F. All of the above
```
E. Both B and D
119
```
SPR can be used to process wet surfaces for prints. it reacts with what component of the residue?
A. Fats
B. Salts
C. Amino Acids
D. Magnesium
```
A. Fats
120
the most effective way to visualize dust prints is by using _____.
oblique lighting (from a flashlight)
121
T or F : rubberizing casting compounds are an effective way of recovering bite marks from human skin.
False
122
True or False : when searching with ALS for fiber evidence set it to 485n m.
False
123
True or False : dark hairs will likely fluoresce and can be detected with an ALS set to 530nm.
False
124
a ____ wound is one that enters the body but does not make an exit.
Penetrating Wound
125
a ___ wound is one that both enters and exits the body.
Perforating wound
126
Sodium Rhodizonate tests for the presence of ____
Lead
127
DTO tests for the presence of ____
Copper
128
Acid Phosphate tests for the presence of ____
Semen
129
Amalayse tests for the presence of ____
Spit
130
When the temperature in a confined space reaches 1100 degrees F, nearly any ignitable surface in the room will begin burning. is referred to as
Flashover
131
True or false: fire patterns are visible and measurable physical effects of fire on material in the scene
True
132
nature of soot, color of smoke, and the color of flame are all indicators of
Arson
133
T or F: the presence of multiple locations of low burn in a fire scene identifies the fire as arson
False
134
T or F: when located, CSIs can lay out a proper skeletal configurations to visualize what still needs to be located
False (CSIs are not anthropologists)
135
what entomological specimens is easiest to locate and collect? Flies, Beatles, larvae, or ants
Larvae
136
the final step to crime scene processing is ____.
Analysis
137
```
Per Gardner, this person is perhaps the first investigative author to set out a specific crime scene analysis methodology.
A. Hans Gross
B. Paul Kirk
C. Luke May
D. Edward Heinrich
```
D. Edward Heinrich
138
Constructing event analysis requires concentration on testimonial evidence or physical evidence?
Physical
139
T or F: relative chronology makes no association about time
True
140
What are the 3 pre-fixes associated with event chronology?
Ante, Peri, and Post
141
T or F: Risk management needs to be taken immediately upon arrival at the scene.
False
142
T or F: it is with frontline field personnel that risk management always fails
False
143
T or F: with entomological evidence, half of the sample is preserved in the condition as found and half is kept alive in order to mature
True
144
The basis of crime scene reconstruction is this multi-step process.
the scientific method
145
most crime scene photography can be taken with a ___mm lens.
50
146
Who introduced an arbitrary point system (which is no longer used in the US) for fingerprint comparisons since 1973
Edmund Locard
147
Who is credited with the first forensics lab in the US
Edumund Locard
148
Who is credited with thickening Luminol with xantum gum
Cheeman
149
The first reporting of DNA was in ____. Before Watson and rick later discovered it in 1950.
1868
150
the use of which Polyester/Dracon or cotton swabs is suggested for typical DNA source collection (eg. blood, saliva, semen)
Polyester/Dracon it holds up much better and doesn't leave strands and there is no electrical charge associated with it.
151
hair/trace analysis is often times for class or individualizing characteristics?
class
152
T or F : taped trace evidence that is collected using tape lifts should be placed onto a clear plastic backing so that examiners can conduct a visual examination
True
153
fracture match can provide _____ characteristics.
individualizing
154
T or Fa: for paint chips/transfers: the technician should cut beneath the transfer in order to get the full thickness.
True
155
how much soil should be collected as a sample?
1/2 to 1 cup is suggested for analysis
156
T or F: for GSR , SEM analysis seeks to find fused particles of lead, antimony, and barium.
True
157
cartridges can be either ____ fire or ____ fire.
center, rim
158
3 general categories of firearms
handguns, rifles, shotguns
159
Firearms analysis in any crime lab begins with _________________.
an operational check
160
T or F: Pellets and Smooth bore weapons do not hold individualizing characteristics
True
161
T or F: slugs and shot cups MAY hold potential for comparison
True
162
name 3 markings that can give individualizing characteristics for firearms.
breech-face marks, firing pin impressions, and ejector marks
163
```
tools with opposing jaws create ___ marks.
A. compression,
B. striation
C. drill
D. saw
```
A. Compression
164
True or False: tracings can be identified to the writer
False
165
indented writing is most often detected by :
- ESDA
- GCMS
- FTIR
- ALS
ESDA : electro static detection apparatus
