Forensic Science 2 Flashcards
A person that may have committed a crime
suspect
The first step in analyzing a crime scene; used to determine the nature of the crime, possible suspects, eyewitnesses accounts, etc.
interview
The last step in analyzing a crime scene where evidence is collected
process
Evidence that includes eyewitnesses accounts of an accident or crime
testimonial
An alternate crime scene where additional evidence of a crime may be found
secondary
Software program used to create facial composites using information from eyewitnesses
FACES
Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime scene
alibi
Type of evidence found in blood, body fluids, and tissues that contains genetic information
DNA
A person associated with suspect that may have committed a crime
accomplice
Crime scene that is the original location of a crime or accident
primary
Can be classified as arches, loops, or whorls
fingerprints
Physical evidence that is found at a crime scene in small, but measurable amounts
trace
Evidence found at a crime scene in the form of a physical object
physical
Combined DNA Index System used by law enforcement to identify DNA samples from a crime scene
CODIS
Intentionally setting a fire to cause damage or to destroy evidence of another crime
arson
What are the four steps used to analyze a crime scene?
interview, examine, document, process
What type of evidence does the FBI consider to be the most valuable?
DNA
List three ways investigators use evidence collected at a crime scene
- blood (DNA) could help find out who the person is
- check his/her wallet/purse to see if it was a robbery gone wrong
- try and find fingerprints of a possible suspect
Usually the first to arrive at a crime scene; responsible for securing the scene and detailing persons of interest
police officers
Documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence
CSI units
Helps to determine if any search warrants are required to proceed and obtains those warrants from a judge
medical examiner
May be called if an expert is needed to analyze insect evidence or skeletal remains
specialists
Interviews witnesses and works with the CSI unit to investigate the crime
detectives
What are three main factors that might affect a person’s ability to remember what happened during a crime or identify a suspect?
- age
- race
- drugs
- hatred
- media
