FRSC 3010 Flashcards

1
Q

Motor vehicle theft/possession

A

Someone who steals a motor vehicle (s. 331.1(a) CC)

Everyone who commits theft is, if the property stolen is a motor vehicle, guilty of an offence and liable

(a) on proceedings by way of indictment, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years, and to a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term of six months in the case of a third or subsequent offence under this subsection; or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months.

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2
Q

Theft from vehicles

A

items are taken from either the expetior or interior of vehicle without consent/permission of the owner (theft under $5000, 334(b) CC).

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3
Q

Crime vehicles

A

a vehicle used/involved in the commission of a crime (various-impaired driving, fail to remain at an accident, fail to stop for police, break and enter, murder, dangerous driving).

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4
Q

Can a passenger be convicted for possession of stolen motor vehicle?

A

A passenger may be conviceted for possession of stolen motor vehicle if there are enough factors to determine control and knowledge.

A voluntary passenger in a stolen vehicle may be found to be an abettor as their presence may have the effect of encouraging the theft.

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5
Q

Rate of car theft in Canada in 2022

A

In 2022, a vehicle is stolen every 6 minutes in canada.

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6
Q

Three reasons a vehicle may be stolen

A

Joyriding

Sell false vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

Dismantled for parts.

Used to commit another crime (“crime vehicle”).

Sold abroad illegally

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7
Q

Rule of thumb for searching Vehicles

A

Level of examination should be proportional with the level of the offence committed

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8
Q

5 identifiers for a car

A

Make and model, colour, licence plates, VIN

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9
Q

CPIC

A

Canadian Police Information Center

Any officer or Police agency that runs avehicle in the future will be informed of its status as a stolen vehicle

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10
Q

Section 8 of the Charter

A

Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure

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11
Q

What type of evidence should take precedence in vehicle examinations?

A

if there are areas that should be swabbed for DNA such as bloodstain or the mouthpiece of an opened drink container, then this should take precedence over fingerprinting.

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12
Q

4 vehicle rules when searching

A

Does it look wrong → check it out;
Does it smell? → drugs or alcohol;
Does it feel odd? → hidden contraband (seats);
Does it sound odd? → hidden contraband (hollows).

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13
Q

Steps for vehicle submissions

A

Call CRO in advance of submitting and prior to picking up a vehicle following CFS analysis.

Only include one vehicle per submission.

Include authority (a copy of the warrant/consent), as well as keys to the vehicle with the submission.

Indicate if the vehicle (outside and/or inside) needs to be protected for fingerprints.

If a bicycle is involved in an occurrence, submit the entire unit wrapped in paper

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14
Q

GPS

A

Global Positioning System

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15
Q

Counter measures for vehicle safety

A

Lock your vehicle.

Don’t leave FOBS near doorways and windows, store as far away as possible.

Place key FOBS in faraday bags.

Park vehicles in garages.

Motion senor lights tied into security system for app notification.

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16
Q

What does footprint evidence provide

A

Type and make of shoe

approximate size

number of suspects

pathway in

through and away from the crime scene

Possible sequence of events in a crime scene.

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17
Q

LlYOD HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

A

Footwear impression found in snow at the scene.

Tire track impressions found at the scene in snow.

Tire impressions linked to a possible make of vehicle.

Williams went through a police checkpoint driving that make of vehicle.

When interviewed later, williams wearing the same boots as that day on the property of Lloyd.

Footwear and tire track evidence were very important to the case.

People remember the police interview but not what got them there

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17
Q

Reasons footprint evidence is overlooked(3)

A

Lack of training in the proper technique

The evidentiary value of the footwear impression is not understood.

Lack of education in the comparison of footwear and report writing

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18
Q

OJ Simpson Trial

A

Civil Trial
Lasted 11 months. OJ Simpson was in custody for 474 days. 4 hours to decide the verdict. Not guilty on 2 charges of murder.

101 witnesses, 41 days of testimony, found guilty of “wrongful death”, to pay millions to two families (33.5 million)

Civil Lawsuit
Simpson was found liable for the deaths and was required to pay families of the victims over 30 million in damages.

Now owes in the range of 70 million. Bruno Magil shoes were a key piece of evidence.
Bruno Magli footwear- bodziak.

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19
Q

Class Characteristics of Footprints

A

Manufactured.

Intentional or unavoidable characteristics that repeat during the manufacturing process.

Example: pattern

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20
Q

Accidental Characteristics

A

Random.

Size, shape, position and orientation of these characteristics are, to some degree, dependent on chance.

Commonly associated with the shoe having been worn.

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21
Q

3 footprint collecting techniques

A

Geltin Lifter

Electrostatic Dust Print Lifting Device

Casting

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22
Q

Gelatin Lifter

A

A sheet of rubber with a low adhesive gelatin layer on one side that can lift prints from almost any surface, including porous, rough, curved and textured surfaces.

Typically used with fingerprint powders on two dimensional surfaces.

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23
Q

Electrostatic Dust Print Lifting Device

A

Operates by charging a plastic film, which is placed over the dust print, which creates electrostatic adhesions and draws the film onto the surface.

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24
Q

Casting

A

Used for recording three dimensional footwear impressions. Typically use dental stone.

For impressions found in snow, sand or soul.

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25
Q

Steps to locating two dimensional prints

A

Examine:
1) movement within the scene.
2) point of entry.
3) disturbed areas,
4) point of exit

May be visible to the eye. Can use oblique lighting to examine surfaces in the scene.

Floor will be the main source of impressions. Use a fingerprint brush to search for impressions on the floor.

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26
Q

Steps to location three dimensional prints

A

Typically located on the outside of the scenes.

Involves depth in addition to length and width.

Point of entry/exit, observation.

Various substrates (surfaces).

Placement of scale on plane with bottom of impression key. Use oblique lighting.

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27
Q

Notes to be recorded on footprints

A

Direction of travel

detail in impression (pattern),

substrate (dirt/snow/tile),

Any development or enhancement technique used (fingerprint powder, spray paint)?

How many? How many different types?

Any footwear for elimination from witnesses, victim, suspect?

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28
Q

LCV

A

Leucrystal Violet

Used to enhance the appearance of blood and give contrast.

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29
Q

Which surface texture often leads to less splatter

A

Hard and less porous surfaces

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30
Q

Which surface may lead to irregularly shaped stains with serrated edges and satellite splatter

A

Rough surfaces

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31
Q

What is some information we can get from blood stain pattern analysis

A

Direction from which blood originated.

Angle at which a blood droplet struck a surface.

Location or position of a victim at the time a bloody wound was inflicted.

Movement of a bleeding individual at a CS.

Minimum number of blows that struck a bleeding victim.

Approximate location/position of an individual delivering blows that produced a bloodstain pattern.

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32
Q

What does the shape of a blood stain say about the crime/evidence

A

Direction of travel
- The pointed end of an elliptical bloodstain indicated the direction of travel.

Impact angle of blood on surface determined by measuring the degree of a circular distortion of the stain.
- More circle, closer to 90 degree angle.

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33
Q

Determining the Angle of Impact Equation

A

Sin A = width of bloodstain / length of bloodstain

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34
Q

What is impact splatter

A

Occurs when an object impacts a source of blood.

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35
Q

Forward spatter

A

When blood travels away from the source in the same direction as the force that caused the spatter (exit wound from bullet).

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36
Q

Back splatter

A

When blood travels (projected) backward from a source that caused the spatter (bullet entrance wound)

As the velocity of the impact increases, the diameter of the resulting blood droplets decreases.

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37
Q

Low Splatter Velocity

A

5 ft per second or less and producing drops with diameters of greater than 4 mm.
Normally produced by gravity alone

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38
Q

Medium Splatter Velocity

A

Applied force moves at 5 to 25 feet per second. Produces drops that are 1-4 mm in size.

Blunt force trauma

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39
Q

High Splatter Velocity

A

100 ft /sec or faster. Produced blood droplets with diameters of less than 1 mm.

Gunshot wounds

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40
Q

Area of Convergence (2D)

A

area on a 2D plane where lines traced through the long axis of several individual bloodstains meet.

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40
Q

Area of origin (3D)

A

The location in 3D space from which blood that produced a bloodstain originated.

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41
Q

What is gunshot spatter

A

possible blowback spatter on weapon’s muzzle caused by a firing at a close distant

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42
Q

What is cast off spatter and what can this indicate

A

caused when blood is flung form an object that has blood on it is in motion.

May show minimum number of blows delivered to a victim.

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43
Q

Arterial Spray spatter

A

A bloodstain pattern caused by spurts that resulted from blood exiting under pressure from an arterial injury.
An injury to a main artery or heart would cause this pattern.

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44
Q

Experated blood

A

A pattern created when blood is expelled out of the nose, mouth of respiratory system as a result of air pressure and/or airflow. May contain air bubbles. May be lighter in colour do to being diluted by saliva.

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45
Q

Void patterns bpa

A

An area free of spatter where an object or person blocked the deposition of blood onto a surface or object.

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46
Q

Transfer patterns bpa

A

When an object with blood on it touches another object that did not have blood on it.

Swipe pattern caused by movement of bloody object across a surface.

Usually gets lighter as less and less blood is deposited from the transferring objects surface

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47
Q

Flows bpa

A

Patterns made by drops or large amounts of blood flowing with the pull of gravity.

Flow direction may show movement of objects or bodies.

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48
Q

Pools bpa

A

A pool of blood occurs when blood collects in a level, undisturbed place.

Skeletonization occurs when edges of a blood stain dry to the surface.

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49
Q

Drip trail patterns

A

A series of drops that is separate from other patterns and is formed by blood dripping off an object or injury.
Typically forms a kind of line.

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50
Q

Two ways to document bpa

A

Notes, photos and sketches need to be done. Close-up photos with scane needed.
Grid method: set up grid of squares of unknown dimensions over entire pattern.
Perimeter ruler method: set up a rectangular border of rulers around the pattern.

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51
Q

Luminol

A

Reacts with iron in hemoglobin to release blue light. The reaction is not specific to blood.

Sprayed onto area of crime scene suspected of having blood present.

Extremely sensitive, can detect minute traces of blood.

Must be performed in complete darkness (spraying and photos).

Possible damage to DNA.

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52
Q

Two methods used to capture tire track evidence

A

Main techniques used are photography and casting

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53
Q

what to include on notes for tire tracks

A

Where found (inside/outside),

direction of travel,

detail in impression (pattern),

substrate (dirt/snow/roadway)

any development or enhancement techniques used (fingerprint powder, spray paint)?,

How many, how many different types,

Any tires for comparison/elimination purposes from witnesses, victims, suspects?

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54
Q

Examples of skills and techniques in CSI

A

Photography and video

Notes

Autopsy

Exhibits

Sketches & Drawings

Specialized skills/units

Processing

Lab submissions

Disclosure

Court

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55
Q

MCM

A

Major Case Management

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56
Q

What system are Homicides in Ontario obligated to abide by

A

MCM

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57
Q

Tell me about MCM

A

The Major Case Management (MCM) System is a case management methodology emphasizing accountability and a multi-disciplinary approach to investigations of major case criteria offences.
It comprises a centralized coordinating body, investigative standards covering all areas, standardized training, and common case management technology for use by all Ontario police services during the investigation of criteria offences.

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58
Q

Major Cases covered by MCM

A

Homicides and attempts
Sex assaults and attempts
Non familial abductions and attempts
Suspicious missing persons
Found human remains (suspected homicide)
Criminal harassment (unknown)

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59
Q

Campbell inquiry (1996) identified issues in the Bernardo investigation

A

Lack of co-operation
Lack of communication
Need for common automated case management software

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60
Q

How does MCM help solve major police investigations?

A

Providing an efficient way to keep track of, sort and analyse huge amounts of information about a crime (names, locations, vehicles, phone numbers, etc.)

Streamlining investigations

Making it possible for police to see connections between cases so they can reduce the risk that serial offenders will avoid being caught

Preventing crime and reducing the number of potential victims by catching offenders sooner

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61
Q

What does a major case manager do

A

A) Assumes overall responsibility and accountability for the investigation
B) Determine strategies regarding the direction, speed and flow of the investigation
F) Identifies, acquires and deploys the necessary investigative and support resources
I) Ensures compliance with the Ontario MCM manual
N) Liase with the Office of the Chief Coroner, Centre of Forensic Sciences and representatives from other disciplines and agencies as required

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62
Q

VICLAS

A

Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System

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63
Q

Bernardo Investigation

A

Green ribbon task force
Involved police services from Halton, Niagara and Toronto
In the beginning they all were working independently
Initial incidents were in Toronto (Scarborough Rapist)
Then missing girl’s body found near St. Catharines area
Followed by missing girl’s body found in Burlington area

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64
Q

Charges in the bernardo investigation

A

Homolka - charged and convicted of 2 counts of manslaughter after deal with crown - 12 years

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65
Q

Finger prints

A

an impression of the friction ridges of all of or any part of the finger.

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66
Q

SWGFAST

A

Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis Study and Technoloogy.

Now known as organization of scientific area committees- OSAC.

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67
Q

Finger print theory (2)

A

1) Human friction ridge skin is unique. Each person possesses a unique (specific) arrangement of friction skin (no 2 fingerprints are same).
- Palmar: bottom of hands
-Plantar: bottom of feet

2) Human friction ridge skin is persistent (permanant) through the individuals life time.
Specifically, the sequence of the ridges and the arrangement of the minutia do not change throughout a person’s life. Except for an injury

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68
Q

When are fingerprints fully formed

A

6 month old fetus

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69
Q

Similarities with relatedness and fingerprints

A

unrelated persons of same race have very little similarity

siblings have slight similarity

identical twins have the most similarity

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70
Q

Thickest area of the skin

A

thickest area of the palms
Heels 4mm

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71
Q

Functions of skin

A

Acts as a container for the skeletal structure and internal organs.

Provides sensory input about external conditions such as heat and cold, wet and dry, sharp and soft.

Provides a means for the elimination of waste products such as salts, amino acids, ammonia and urea by sweating(controls body temperature as well).

Allows for the ability to grasp surfaces firmly and grip objects.

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72
Q

Anatomy of friction ridge skin

A

Has two distinct layers, epidermis (top) and dermis (bottom).

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73
Q

Epidermis

A

The outer layer of the skin.

Protective barrier for the underlying tissues.

It must constantly replace cells leaving the surface.

Consists of 5 different layers.

Layers of the epidermis– 28 day cell migration (Dust)

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74
Q

Skin layers

A

Stratum corneum

Stratum lucidum

stratum granulosum

stratum spinosum

stratum basale

Dermis

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75
Q

Dermis

A

The inner or bottom layer of skin.

A thick layer of fibrous and elastic tissue that
gives the skin its flexibility and strength.

Contains nerves, sweat glands, and blood vessels.

A layer of connective tissue that supports the epidermis.

A part of the sensory reception and temperature regulation process.

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76
Q

Fingerprint secretions

A

Almost 99% of a deposited print is composed of water.

Organic and inorganic salts, amino acids, and fats make up other 1%.

Chemical composition of residues changes with time.

As water evaporates, the print dries out and this effects the ability to visualize the print (therefore the need for different techniques).

As a result, the chance of developing a print is inversely proportional to the time since it was deposited.

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77
Q

Levels of examining fingerprints

A

Level 1- pattern
level two- ridge characteristics
level 3- ridge pores, ridge edges.

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78
Q

3 types of fingerprints

A

arch

loop

whorl

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79
Q

Loop pattern

A

65% fingerprints have this pattern

1 delta

lines enter on one side, recurve around & leave on same side.

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80
Q

Whorl Pattern

A

at lease 1 ridge does a complete circuit.

30% of fingerprints have this pattern.

2 deltas.

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81
Q

Arch Pattern

A

lines enter on one side and leave on the other side.

About 5% of fingerprints have this pattern.

No deltas.

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82
Q

Minutiae and Examples

A

Characteristics of ridge patterns. The average finger contains as many as 150 ridge characteristics.

Ridge ending, island or short ridge, bridge, eye or enclosure, delta, bifurcation fork, dot, spur, double bifurcation, trifucation.

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83
Q

Shapes of Ridge structures

A

Position of pores, edge shapes, creases, scares, and incipient ridges.

On their own, not used to identify a fingerprint.

Poor clairty of a print may limit the ability to see this level of detail.

Friction ridges that did not fully form. May appear as shorter and thinner in appearence .

Also known as “false” “rudimentary” or “nascent” ridges. Not used for classification purposes.

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84
Q

Incipient ridge

A

a immature friction ridge, thinner than those surrounding it.

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85
Q

ACE-V

A

Analysis, comparison, evaluation, verification

For analysis of fingeerprints

86
Q

Describe the first analysis step

A

The assessment of an unknown impression to determine suitability for comparison.

Pattern and ridge characteristics of unknown impression are observed and noted.

Notes made including: Level 1 detail (pattern), level 2 detail (ridge characteristics), level 3 details (ridge features. Substrate (surface), matrix (residue composition), deposition pressure, development medium, anatomical aspects, clarity.

87
Q

Describe comparison step

A

The observation (comparison) of two or more impressions to determine the existence of discrepancies, dissimilarities or similarities. Examiner compares the unknown print side by side the known (exemplar) print.

The comparison should be conducted in an objective manner.

88
Q

Describe evaluation step

A

The conclusion is the opinion of examiner and is subjective in nature

A quantitative and qualitative evaluation to determine if there is agreement of the friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient uniqueness to individualize.

Identification/evaluation: from the same source. Exclusion: not from the same source.
Inconclusive: unable to indiviualize/idetify or exclude as being from the same source.

89
Q

Are there a certain amount of characteristics that need to be identified when comparing fingerprints

A

There are no predetermined, minimum # of features/charachteristics required to report an identification decision

90
Q

3 types of fingerprint evidence that can be found at crime scenes

A

Latent
not readily visible to the naked eyes, needs the use of development technique.

Visible
readily visible without the use of development technique.

Moulded
impressions that retain the 3D shape of the ride detail within the surface. eg. wax, chewing gum, etc.

91
Q

What is used for fingerprinting on porous surfaces

A

chemical processes (paper.)

92
Q

What is used for fingerprinting on nonporous surfaces

A

powders or glue fuming (glass bottle).

93
Q

What is powdering, how does it work

A

the application of finely ground, colored powder to a nonporous object to make latent prints visible.

Powder clings to moisture, oil, and other residues.

Apply a small amount of powder onto the surface and begin to brush.

Brush in the direction of any ridges that begin to appear.

Build powder onto ridges and stop when latent print reaches point of sufficient clarity. A print can be over powdered.

94
Q

3 types of brushes for dusting

A

fiberglass filament brush, camel-hair brush, feather duster.

95
Q

What should guns be packaged in

A

cardboard box with the action open

96
Q

How should swabs be packaged

A

breathable boxes or containers.

97
Q

Reasons for maintaining control of the scene

A

Control movement of persons in the crime scene (victims, witnesses, suspects).

Limit who enters the crime scene (only those directly involved in investigation).

Minimize contamination.

Establish and maintain boundaries (scexne perimeter).

98
Q

purpose of a crime scene sketch

A

A record of the size and distance relationship of the crime scene and the evidence found within in.

Clarifies information from photos and video, because it allows the viewer to easily gauge distances & dimensions.

The easiest way to clearly present the crime scene layout and associated measurements.

99
Q

3 common measurement strategies

A

Triagnulation

Rectangular Co-ordinatate method

Baseline method

100
Q

Triangulation

A

The triangulation method utilizes two fixed permanent object within the crime scene.

Measurements are taken from each fixed point to each piece of evidence.

Do not want the fixed points too far from the evidence (be < 30 meters).

May need to use more than 1 set of reference points for measuring.

Most accurate of the three methods.

101
Q

Rectangulation

A

Used when measuring the distance to an object from two mutually perpendicular objects. Ex; interior of a room.

Useful for indoor scenes.

Need to know starting/reference point.

More accurate than baseline.

102
Q

Baseline measurement

A

Used to measure items of evidence when there are various objects in the crime scene.

Lay tape measure in the scene (baseline).

Measure exhibits/items from baseline at right angle.

Useful for outdoor scenes.

Basic and least accurate method.

103
Q

Polar Co-ordinate Mapping

A

2D mapping system.

Need to be able to measure angles (compass or transit required) & distance from fixed point.

New mapping technology is now often used in its place.

Large outdoor scenes with few landmarks.

104
Q

Alphonse Bertillon

A

1882 - Used anthmpometry

11 body measurements

replaced by fingerprints

also developed pictures of scene on tripod

105
Q

Hans Gross

A

1891- publication of his book, Criminal Investigation, was the first comprehensive description for using a physical evidence to solve crime.

Austrian professor and magistrate. Credited with coining the word “criminalistics”.

106
Q

Edmund Locard

A

1910- Locard created the first crime laboratory in Lyone, France. Forensic scientist.

“Locard’s exchange principle.” Now considered to be trace evidence.

“It is impossible for a criminal to act, espescially considering the intesity of crime, without leaving traces of this presence”.

Did extensive work in the study of fingerprints (Dactyloscopy).

107
Q

NAS report

A

released in 2009

indicates deficiencies and inconsistencies in a number of areas including variability of practice, training, policy, standard and oversight.

108
Q

Hart House Report

A

2012

Forensic Science in Canada.

Essentially Canadian Nas report

109
Q

PCAST Report

A

2016

PCAST Report discusses the various comparison disciplines in a full and frank manor.

110
Q

Forensic Role of Investigators

A

Recording, documenting and examining the scene. The collection and preservation of evidence.

Submitting exhibits for further examination (CFS in ontraio).

Carrying out their role independently and without tunnel vision.

Being a support service to front line officers and investigators.

Testifying in court.

111
Q

3 Steps to crime scene investigation

A

Learn- gather information/intelligence.

Plan (scene walk through)- assess, develop plan and prioirtize steps.

Act- processing the scene.

112
Q

UAV

A

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

113
Q

Lawful Authority of Crime Scenes

A

No crime scene can be entered upon or exhibits seized without the proper lawful authority in place. Obtained by

Consent (voluntary/wills),

search warrant (CC, controlled Drug & Substance Act),

Legislation (Coroners Act

114
Q

Voluntary Consent

A

An individual can give voluntary consent to police to examine themselves, vehicle, place of residence or business.

This is how the police typically examine most crime scenes. Ex: business calls police to report break & enter (B&E).

115
Q

Wills Consent (Informed Consent)

A

The person did consent to the search. The person has to have the authority to consent ot the search.

The person giving consent was aware of what the police were going to do.

The consent was voluntary (no threats or promises), the person was aware of the right to refuse to give consent.

The person was aware of the potential consequences of giving consent.

The R. v. Wills (1992) OJ 294 (ONCA), outlines the conditions what must be met in order for an individual to give informed consent

116
Q

Search Warrant

A

Authorizes, for a limited time, the search of a place for the purpose of seizing “things”.

“Things” does not include drugs. - must go through CDSA

117
Q

CDSA

A

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

118
Q

Scenario: 2 people struggled inside a residence over a shotgun. The shotgun went off striking a third person inside the home.
Victim driven to the hospital. Police attend and secure the scene. Police obtain a criminal code search warrant to process the scene (house, car, detached garage, are all included in the warrant but not a shed - aka “outbuildings”).
Items to be searched include: shotgun, ammunition, clothing. Outside the shed, police located an illegal marijuana grow operation. Can the drugs be seized?

A

No, any drugs cannot be seized.

Before dealing with the drugs, police must obtain a search warrant under the CDSA.

Failure to do so would likely mean that any drug charges would not proceed in court.

The drug evidence would not be admitted into court as it would have been obtained improperly.

Breach of section 8 of the Charter (unreasonable search and seizure).

119
Q

Coroner’s Act

A

Coroner may enter and inspect any place where a dead body is found and any place, based on reasonable grounds, a body was removed from.

Can inspect records and seize anything relevant to investigation.

Police must assist Coroner when request.

Coroner may authorize a police officer to exercise all or any of the Coroner’s power.

This allows police, under direction of coroner, to enter a scene in order to document deceased in situ (in original place) and remove them.

Does not allow for any other type of scene examination.

120
Q

Type of crime scenes

A

Primary: location where actual crime or initial crime occurred. Ex; murder scene- body location.

Secondary: location where subsequence crime or actions related to initial crime scene occurred.
Ex; Location where stolen vehicle was recovered that was used to flee from murder scene.
Body moved to location other than murder scene.

121
Q

Public Area and Right to Search

A

The police have the right to conduct investigations in public areas such as parks and roadways.

Do not need permission to close an area in the public domain (owned by some level of government).

122
Q

4 types of evidence

A

Impression evidence: fingerprints, footwear, tire tracks.

DNA: blood, hair, other bodily fluids.

Physical: clothing, weapons, tools, documents.

Digital: computers, security cameras, cell phones.

123
Q

CFS

A

Centre of Forensic Sciences

Established in 1932 (second lab in Canada). In 1966 the lab was renamed the Center of Forensic Sciences.

124
Q

CFS Sections (5)

A

Biology, chemisty, documents, firearms and toolmarks, toxicology.

125
Q

CFS DNA Sections

A

High Volume Service (HVS): Mainly B&Es, theft, drug offences, weapons, stolen vehicles.

They only accept: ciggarette butts, swabs, cut outs from envelope flaps.

Violent Crime Service (VCS): all primary designated offensence except B&E. Hommicides, robbery, sexual assault.

126
Q

NDDB

A

National DNA Data Bank

Assists law enforcement agencies in solving crimes by:
1. Linking crimes together where there are no suspects
2. Helping to identify suspects
3. Eliminating suspects where there is no match between crime scene DNA and a DNA profile in the national DNA Data bank.
4. And Determining whether a serial offender is involved.

127
Q

Two indices

A

The Convicted Offender Index(COI): electronic index developed from DNA profiles collected from offenders convicted of designated primary and secondary offences.

Crime Scene Index(CSI): separate electronic index composed of DNA profiles from crime scene investigations

128
Q

CODIS

A

Combined DNA Index System

129
Q

Interpol DNA Data Base

A

Automated DNA database is called DNA Gateway (2002). >280,000 DNA profiles from 87 countries.
Member countries submit profiles (offenders, Crime scene, missing persons, and unidentified remains).

130
Q

Four Main search techniques

A

Line search, grid search, zone search, spiral search

131
Q

Line Search

A

Accomplished by searches moving in parallel, along defined lanes, in the same direction.

Each lane is about 1 metre wide.

Suitable for outdoor areas or large indoor areas.

Looking for bigger items.

132
Q

Grid Search

A

Conducted by completing a line search in one direction and then completing it in the opposite direction.

Through method, time consuming, resource intensive.

133
Q

Zone Search

A

Involves dividing an area to be search into several adjacent zones. Good when searching for small objects.

Can be done by one or more searchers.

134
Q

Spiral Search

A

Searcher walks in a circular direction from the inside/outside to the outside/inside of the area to be searched.

Used when looking for evidence that is expected to be found within a specific distance or another piece of evidence (nearby). Ex, ejected spent casing near gun that was fired in that location.

135
Q

Case Example of Unorganized Investigation

A

Toronto, Andrea Atkinson, a 6 yr old girl was abducted in her apartment building, sexually assaulted & murdered.

Nine days later, her body was found in a boiler room on the sixth floor of the building by a janitor.

Police had searched the building, though there was no record of when or who had searched that room or if the was searched at all. It is believed that was the crime scene.

DNA evidence helped convict another janitor, an 18 yr old male of the crime.

136
Q

Scene Photos

A

General photos taken of the scene prior to processing.

Shows everything as found.

Not a defined process. Painting a picture. As found by the police forensic unit upon arrival.

137
Q

Exhibit Photos

A

A specific set of photos of an exhibit, object, or piece of evidence.

Follows a defined process.

Consists of a series of photos (typically 4). Area where evidence should be in the scene

138
Q

4 photographs required of the scene

A

Overall

Midrange

Close up

Close up w scale

139
Q

DSLR

A

Digital Single Lens Reflex

140
Q

CCD

A

Charged Coupled Device

141
Q

Exposure

A

(amount of light) is controlled by shutter speed/aperture.

142
Q

File formats

A

JPEG

TIFF

RAW

143
Q

JPEG

A

Joint Photographic Experts Group (fast, “lossy” format).

This is the most common image format used in digital cameras.

You lose some quality each time you open/close the file.

144
Q

RAW

A

proprietary format (original data, no standards)

ie.: this means that Nikon has their formal and cannon has their own.

Stores the highest quality image.

Has been called the digital “negative”.

145
Q

TIFF

A

Tagged Image File Format (high quality, large files, lossless compression).

Used when opening/saving file repeatedly.

146
Q

Aperture

A

Size of opening in the camera lens through which light passes.

Bigger opening, more light passes through

Also called F stop

The larger the fraction, larger the aperture (more light allowed).

Ex: F4, F5.6, F8, F11, F16, F22, F32.

F4 lets in the most light and F32 lets in the least amount of light.

147
Q

Shutter Speed

A

The length of time the camera shutter stays open exposing light onto the camera sensor.

The longer the shutter is open, the more light that will reach the sensor.

The faster the shutter speed, the shorter the time the image sensor is exposed to light; the slower the shutter speed, the longer the time the image sensor is exposed to light.

Each shutter setting is half (or double) that of the next one (ex: 1/60 is half of 1/30 so half the light).

148
Q

What causes “camera shake”

A

Any time over (longer 1/60 of a second can introduce “camera shake”) i.e. 1/30, 1/20

149
Q

ASA/ISO

A

A numerical rating that describes the sensitivity to light of CCD/film.

Does not affect the amount of light entering the camera!! It brightens a photo after the sensor has been exposed to light.

Rating ranges typically go from 100 to 3200 (although they can go lower and higher).

As you raise the number, the picture will get brighter but will also start to get grainier.

150
Q

Depth of Field

A

the distance between the closest and farthest object in a photo that appear acceptably sharp.

Controlled by aperture (f-stop) selection. Crime scene & evidence photos should have as much in focus as possible

Can also be affected by:
1) the distance from the subject to the camera, 2) the focal length of the lens.

151
Q

TTL Flash Metering

A

Stands for “through the lens”.

Pre-flash occurs which reflects light back through the lens.

This is measured & value is used to calculate amount of light needed for actual exposure. Not visible to human eye.

152
Q

Flash Techniques(7)

A

Direct flash, feathered flash, fill in flash, bounce flash, oblique flash, multiple flash (on camera), multiple flash (off)

153
Q

Direct Flash

A

Flash is pointed directly at the subject/item.

The flash is mounted on top of the camera on the hot shoe.

154
Q

Feathered Flash

A

The flash is off camera held above the lens. It is pointed into the scene where you want the light to go.

Usually pointed downwards about two-thirds of the way.

155
Q

Fill in Flash

A

Used on bright sunny days.

Camera reads the overall brightness when calculating the exposure.

Items in shadow areas will not be clearly visible.

Point flash in direction of shadow areas to raise the brightness level (on or off camera) in the shadow area.

156
Q

Bounce Flash

A

Used for less contrast, softer lighting & reducing the intensity of the light.

Flash head is typically set to 45o angle.

The surface the flash that is directed at should be clear of obstructions and lighter if possible.

157
Q

Oblique Flash

A

Typically used when photographing impression evidence(fingerprints, footwear).

Flash is connected to a flash sync cord and held at an angle to the subject being photographed (45o).

Used to show detail by creating shadows on the surface of the evidence. Various angles can be used.

158
Q

Multiple Flash (On Camera)

A

Camera mounted on tripod. Flash is activated manually. Typically used for low light/ no light scenes.

Longer exposure time is required to activate flash several times. A faster lens is used, wide aperture (Ex:f/1.4, f/1.8)

159
Q

Multiple Flash (Off Camera)

A

Aka “painting by light”. Useful for large outdoor scenes at night with little ambient light (streetlights, house lights).

Camera on tripod. Long exposure time. May use a “bulb” setting. May use portable flash

160
Q

Ring Flash

A

A circular flash that fits around a camera lens. Allows light to spread out evenly over the area being photographed.

Very good for macro (close-up) photography. Often used at autopsies. Seen on CSI type shows used incorrectly.

161
Q

What flash is used for impression evidence

A

Oblique Flash

162
Q

Admissibility of Photo Evidence in Court

A

Photo must be relevant to the point in issue.

The photo must not be prejudicial (autopsy) to the court or jury.

The photo must be free from distortion and not misrepresent what it claims to show.

163
Q

Civillian Positions

A

Crime scene investigator (CSI): Civillians.
Forensic ident assistant (FIA): sworn or civilian
Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO): civilian
Forensic services assistant (FSA): civillian
Scenes of Crime Specialist (SCS): sworn or civilian
Crime Scene support technician (CSST): civillan

164
Q

Commonly Used illegal drugs in Canada(7)

A

Cocaine

Meth

MDMA

Marijuana

Acid(LSD)

Speed

Heroine

165
Q

Prescription medications used illegally(4)

A

morphine

oxycodone

Benzodiazepines

Methadone

166
Q

Which drug causes the most overdose

A

Fentanyl is the drug causing the most deaths at this time by overdose

167
Q

Fentanyl

A

A synthetic opiate narcotic

Requires a prescription

Normally prescribed to people in
severe pain

Extremely potent

Growing abuse crisis in Canada
(and beyond)

168
Q

How much is a lethal dose of fentanyl

A

The lethal dose of pure fentanyl
for a non-opiate user is 2mg (1g
=1000mg) which is comparable
to 32 grains of salt or 7 poppy
seeds

The lethal dose of pure
Carfentanil is projected as 20
mcg (1 gram 1 million mcg)
which is approximately 1 grain
of salt.

169
Q

Naloxone

A

A drug that can temporarily
reverse the effects of an opioid
overdose

Precautions also being taken by
the CFS as they could receive
exhibits submitted for analysis
that contain traces of fentanyl

170
Q

Types of Firearms

A

Handguns

Long guns

171
Q

Handguns

A

Pistol

Revolver

172
Q

Long guns

A

Rifle

Shotgun

Two differences between them are
the ammunition and the barrel

Shotgun ammunition is called a
“shell”, rifle fires a “bullet”

Shell contains numerous ball
shaped projectiles called shot

Barrel of shotgun is smooth unlike
rifles which have grooves and lands

173
Q

Pistol

A

Handgun with a single barrel and
chamber

Fires a chambered round

Extracts and ejects the empty
casing

Loads a new round into the
chamber with each trigger pull

174
Q

Revolver

A

Handgun with a cylinder that has
multiple chambers

When trigger is pulled, cylinder
rotates around a central pin to
align the next chamber with the
firing pin

Fires one bullet per trigger pull

Single barrel

175
Q

Single Action vs Double Action

A

Single Action
the hammer must be cocked
manually and then the trigger
pulled to fire the gun

Must be done each time

Double Action
can be fired with
one pull of the trigger

This cocks and drops the hammer
with the pull of the trigger

176
Q

Rifling

A

Found in the barrels of rifles and
handguns

A manufacturing process that
creates lands and grooves in a
spiral down the length of the
barrel

177
Q

Shotguns

A

Projectile does not spin as it travels the length of the barrel

The shotgun shell contains the projectile

Shotguns are referred to by their gauge

Gauge is the measurement of the barrel’s inside diameter (smaller the
gauge, the larger the diameter)

May be single or double barreled which may be arranged side by side
or over under in configuration

178
Q

Common Shotgun gauges

A

10 gauge (.775”)

12 gauge(.725”)

16 gauge(0.665”)

20 gauge(0.615”)

28 gauge(0.545”)

.410 Bore (.410”)

179
Q

Types of Shotguns

A

Repeating – have a mechanical instrument to eject spent shot shell,
load a new round and cock the hammer after the round is fired
- Pump
- Bolt
- Lever action

Semi automatic – use the force of the gas produced during firing to
eject the spent cartridge, load a new round and cock the hammer

Break open action – must be loaded each time before it is fired
- Trigger needs to be pulled each time to fire the gun

180
Q

Rifles

A

Repeating – have a mechanical
instrument to eject spent cartridge,
load a new round and cock the
hammer after the round is fired
- Pump*
- Bolt
- Lever action
- Semi automatic – use the force of the
gas produced during firing to eject
the spent cartridge, load a new round
and cock the hammer
- *rare, older style

181
Q

3 types of projectiles

A

bullets

Shotgun shells

Shotgun slugs

182
Q

Shotgun shell info

A

Inside
Primer, Gunpowder, wad, shot

Outside
Rim, Brass head, shell casing

183
Q

Ammunition Terminology

A

Live ammunition is referred to as a “cartridge”, it has not been fired

Centre fire primer is most common

The base of a cartridge case will contain the manufacturer’s name or trademark on it

184
Q

Firearms Identification

A

Serial number

Manufacturer

Type of firearm (rifle,shotgun,handgun)

Loaded/unloaded/ch ambered

Any other descriptive characteristics (sawed off barrel, damage to
weapon)

185
Q

How to link firearms to scenes

A

Striations in fired bullet

Gunpowder residue pattern

Trajectory, ricochet, bullet holes

Fingerprints (rare)

Firing pin impressions

Ejector and extractor marks

Bullet damage to tissue

DNA

186
Q

How to link persons to firearms

A

Gunshot Residue (GSR)

Hands – within 8 hours of incident

Clothing – only exposed items

Vehicles – submit whole vehicle

187
Q

IBIS

A

Integrated Ballistics Identification System

used for the acquisition, storage, and comparison of
digital images from projectiles and/or cartridge/shotshell cases

188
Q

CIBIN

A

Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network

Assists police agencies in linking crime scenes or crime scene items to
firearms

189
Q

Distance Determination

A

Primarily involves clothing and excised tissue but may include vehicles, buildings and street signs,etc.

gunshot residue (GSR) travels from the barrel, the broader and less
concentrated the distribution of the residue becomes, useful for up to approximately 1 metre

190
Q

SFI

A

Suspicious Firearms Index

The SFI initiative is a streamlined process that provides police
agencies with investigative information regarding:

Whether a seized/recovered firearm is linked to a shooting occurrence

191
Q

Trajectory Analysis

A

Describes the curved path of the
projectile from the muzzle to the
target surface

Includes:
1) Inspection of the target surface for projectile damage
2) Identify entrance versus exit points
3) Identify corresponding (i.e. secondary) impact sites
4) Determine the directionality of the projectile path (front to back, right to left, etc.)
5) Measure vertical and horizontal angles of impact

192
Q

Intermediate target

A

The passage of a projectile(s) through an object before striking the primary target surface under examination

193
Q

Penetrate

A

To enter an object and stay in it

194
Q

Perforate

A

To pass all the way through an object

195
Q

Primary Impact

A

The first impact made by the projectile

196
Q

Secondary/Tertiary Impact

A

The second, third etc. impacts of a
projectile after the first impact

197
Q

What is a death investigation and what does it entail?

A

A death investigation is a process whereby a coroner or forensic pathologist seeks to understand how and why a person died.

Incldues:
Who
When
Where
How
By what manner

198
Q

Coroners authority

A

Gives police permission to enter scene and process deceased

Only coroner can order body to be moved

Any evidence collected must be do to extigent circumstances

Coroner can issue a coroners warrant for things such as medical and dental records

Coroner decides whether autopsy will be ordered or not

199
Q

Manner of Death

A

Natural - Medical reason

Unnatural
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Undetermined
- Accidentall

200
Q

Cause of death

A

The injury or disease responsible for causing the death (COD)

  • Person dies from cancer
    (manner: natural death)
  • Person dies from blunt force
    trauma (manner: homicide)
201
Q

Suicide investigations

A

Was the person physically able to accomplish the act?

Are the wounds within the reach of the deceased?

Are the wounds grouped together?

Is there more than one cause of death?* (from autopsy)

Are there any hesitation marks or wounds?

Describe the nature and position of the injuries

Look for position of knot on neck

Type of ligature

Cut between attached location and several inches above neck

Try to preserve knot(s)

Do not remove noose from neck

Take measurements of body position

202
Q

Shooting Investigations

A

Look for bloodstain pattern evidence, things like voids,
position of staining

Stippling from GSR/blood

How was trigger pulled?

Length of long gun and length of arm to trigger finger

Don’t handle the firearm unless you are sure how it works

203
Q

Overdose Investigations

A

History

Prescriptions- amounts, types, when last filled

Non prescription drugs – scene safety issues

Opioids

Seize bottles and remaining pills
(do not put in body bag)

Need to be stored properly

204
Q

Suspicious Death investigations

A

Cause of death is not clear

Decomposition can be one mitigating factor

No family or friends in area

Position/location of body

Stories/allegations

Lack of medical history

Identity is unknown

Location – inside/outside/buried

205
Q

Homicide Investigations

A

Death that has occurred as a result of someone else’s actions

Murder 1st degree – premeditated death (planned and deliberate)

Murder 2nd degree – meant to kill person but not preplanned

Manslaughter – person did not intend to kill person by their actions

206
Q

Forensic Odontology and Importance

A

involves using teeth to provide information about the identification of victims when a body is left in an unrecognizable state.

Tooth enamel is hardest substance of human anatomy, persists in harsh conditions

207
Q

Forensic Anthropology and Importance

A

concerned primarily with the identification and examination of human skeletal remains

this is in the context of
investigations (criminal or civil) to determine age, gender, ancestry, and other conditions

208
Q

Ground Penetrating Radar

A

Has the ability to detect buried items non-destructively

It gives quick and precise results
thereby making it efficient to use

Works in various environments

209
Q

GPR vs Metal Detector

A

GPR is more expensive than a metal detector ($15000 vs $ 1000)

GPR can work at much greater depths than a metal detector ( 1
metre vs about 30 cm)

GPR can cover more ground faster and more accurately

GPR requires a properly trained operator

GPR takes up more space and is not
as easy to transport to scenes

210
Q

Swiss Air 111 Crash

A

December 2nd, 1998

New York to Geneva

229 people on board

Electrical fire

Crashed in Atlantic Ocean off Peggy’s Cove

Estimated 15,000 body parts recovered

1 victim identified visually

30 by fingerprints and antemortem x-rays

90 by dental records

100 by DNA profiling

211
Q

Bite Mark Analysis

A

Relies on two assumptions:

1) that dental impressions are unique to an individual (i.e. like DNA)
2) that human skin reliably records the transfer and preservation of a bite
-mark impression

212
Q

Issues with bite mark evidence

A

Neither assumption has been proven

(PCAST) concluded that forensic bite mark evidence is not
scientifically valid and is unlikely to ever be validated

213
Q

Advantages to VR training

A

Students who learn using VR remember better and score higher

Offers an enhanced learning experience over video and books

Higher engagement compared to video

Lower cost than e-learning

Can be delivered in a passive (watch), semi-interactive (watch and
answer questions) and interactive format (take actions and make
choices)

VR is completely virtual, requires a headset and enhances a fictional
reality

214
Q

Augmented Reality

A

System that streams video from body
cameras worn by police officers/members
to experts elsewhere

Experts can guide officers by annotating
scene virtually with notes or verbally

Officers see these on a smartphone or
head mounted device like Google Glass

AR enhances both virtual and real world