FIFA Flashcards
Describe the Forensic Identification Field Assessment (FIFA)
-assessment period of 3 to 6 months
-supervised by a specialist
-consists of practical and written exercises with on the job experience
The Forensic Identification Apprentice Training Program consists of how many phases?
Three phases:
-Phase 1 - FIFA
-Phase 2 - FIC
-Phase 3 - Apprenticeship
What is meant by a Forensic Identification Certification Board?
-three FIS specialists administer an oral exam and a moot trial
-evaluate if the FIS employee is qualified to give expert opinion testimony
Who becomes a Forensic Identification Specialist (FIS)?
- an apprentice who successfully completes phase 3 of the FIATP
Which Forensic Identification duty will take precedence over other Forensic Identification duties?
-examination of crime scenes to locate evidence
What is the policy regarding forensic examination of major crime scenes?
-2 FIS employees involved with the lead investigator being a FIS specialist
-photograph and video of scene
-forensic light sources for search
-scene measurements or digital scanning for scene drawing
-aerial photographs and 3D impressions photographed and cast for later analysis and eventual presentation in Court
-For bloodletting: conduct visual assessment, evaluate value, consider bloodstain analyst
-Scenes with bullet impact: assess and evaluate value, consider Firearms Toolmark section
What is the Forensic Identification Services Policy on preparation of evidence charts to support expert testimony?
-use illustrative chart when tendering comparison evidence in Court
-1 chart for impression having greatest probable evidentiary value
-expert report (FRAR - Friction Ridge Analyst Report)
What are the permitted conclusions for physical impression evaluations (excluding friction ridge comparisons)?
-Identification
-Higher Degree of Association
-Association of Class Characteristics
-Inconclusive
-Exclusion
What criteria must be met in order for a person to be lawfully fingerprinted?
-in lawful custody
-charged with or…
-under conviction of an indictable offence
(Sec 2 (1)(a)(b)(c)(d) ICA
information must be sworn
Where would you find your authority to fingerprint a young person?
-Identification of Criminals Act (sec 137)
-YCJA 113(1)
Besides fingerprinting, what other processes are sanctioned by the Identification of Criminals Act?
-rolled, plain, palm prints
-accused details
-photographs
Does the Identification of Criminals Act provide you with authority to obtain fingerprints for comparison purposes?
No
Where will you find the legal authority to obtain foot impressions from an individual during an investigation?
-In the Criminal Code of Canada Sec 487.092
-a justice may issue a warrant compelling someone to submit to hand-printing, fingerprinting, footprint and foot impressions, and teeth
-or other body parts for print or impression.
What are the four common law requirements stipulated in R. Vs Moran in order for Expert Opinion Evidence to be heard and accepted in Court? RNAP
-Relevance
-Necessity in assisting the trier of fact
-absence of any exclusionary rule
-properly qualified expert
What are the legal disclosure requirements stipulated under Sec 657.3 of the Criminal Code of Canada in regard to expert opinion evidence testimony?
-advise the member that they are required in Court
-provide 30 days notice to defence that Crown intends to call an expert witness
-provide defence with the name of the witness, description of the area of expertise, CV and any reports prepared by the witness
Can a Forensic Identification employee use any technique and/or equipment during the course of their duties?
-No
-has to be approved by CSA and director IFIS
What must occur when a Forensic Identification employee has been exposed to a biological or chemical hazard through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion or injection?
-Seek medical help
-Report occurrence to FIS unit commander or supervisor
-Have supervisor complete 34.14 Hazardous Occurrence Report
-investigate and take corrective action if necessary
Can all Forensic Identification employees use specialized personal protective equipment at CBRNE and clandestine labs?
No…. Only FIS employees trained in using specialized PPE
When must a Forensic Identification employee evaluate the types and levels of hazards present at a crime scene?
-Before a walk through or processing the scene
-continually monitor and evaluate the scene for hazards
In the laboratory, where must all examinations using hazardous chemicals be performed?
Within the appropriate vented fume hood or wet station.
What is your responsibility when working in a potentially hazardous area?
-be aware of potential hazards
-share with others if necessary
-protect yourself accordingly
What is a WHMIS label and why should hazardous material be labeled?
-used internationally to consistently and properly classify hazardous materials
-ensures containers are properly labelled and documented
-which ensures safe handling of that material
What is the absolute minimum information a workplace label must have according to WHMIS legislation?
-product identifier
-safe handling instructions
-a reference to the Material Safety Data Sheet
According to WHMIS legislations, what are the labeling requirements if hazardous material is kept in a container other than its original?
-same label unless…
-only one using it
-used immediately
-used all in one shift