Exam 1

Question 1

What is the difference between forensic science and criminalistics?

Question 2

What is the chain of custody?

Question 3

What are common types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes?

Question 4

What is the role of a forensic pathologist?

Question 5

What is an autopsy?

Question 6

What are the common causes of death?

Question 7

What is the role of the forensic entomologist in death investigation?

Question 8

What is the role of the forensic anthropologist in death investigation?

Question 9

How is physical evidence analyzed and presented in the courtroom by forensic scientists?

Question 10

What measures are taken upon arrival at a crime scene? (as a first responder)

Answer 10

1. Acquiring medical assistance for injured victims
2. detaining any potential suspects or witnesses
3. securing the crime scene to the greatest extent possible
4. statements are taken from victims, witnesses, and suspects.
5. Call for additional personnel, such as other officers and/or forensic investigators.

Question 11

What are the proper techniques for packaging common types of physical evidence?

Question 12

What role does the expert witness play?

Answer 12

As an expert witness, one can provide opinions based on specialized knowledge, training, and experience.

Question 13

What is testimonial evidence?

Answer 13

Evidence in the form of statements from the victim(s) or witness(es).

Question 14

What is physical evidence?

Answer 14

Tangible evidence (can touch) such as fibers, biological material, hairs, or latent fingerprints.

Question 15

Types of crime scenes

Answer 15

outdoor
indoor
conveyance (Something that serves as a means of transportation)

Question 17

What measures are taken while securing, recording, and searching a crime scene?

Answer 17

1. The lead investigator will determine the boundaries of the scene and establish the perpetrator’s possible path of entry and exit.
   The crime scene must be secured with crime scene tape, ropes, or cones.

Question 18

Line/Strip search pattern

Answer 18

One or two investigators start at the boundary of the crime scene and search in straight lines across to the other side of the crime scene

Question 19

Grid search pattern

Answer 19

Two or more investigators form a grid by searching in-line patterns that overlap and are perpendicular to each other

Question 20

Spiral search pattern

Answer 20

One investigator searches in a spiral path from the center of the crime scene to the boundary (outward) or from the boundary of the crime scene to the center (inward)

Question 21

Wheel/Ray search patter

Answer 21

Several investigators search in straight lines from the center to the boundary (outward) or from the boundary to the center (inward)

Question 22

Quadrant/Zone search pattern

Answer 22

The crime scene is divided into smaller sections (zones). One or more investigators are assigned to search each zone.