INV104 - Crime Scene Investigation Flashcards
What is the definition of admissible (in relation to evidence)?
Means that evidence is allowable and can be accepted by the court
What is the definition of biological material?
Biological material provides a link directly to a person
What are the four categories of biological material?
- Body fluids; blood, semen, saliva
- Trace biological; epithelial cells (skin cells)
- Hairs; hair shaft, hair with root
- Toxicology; drugs in blood, urine, hair
List seven different types of bloodstain patterns and explain what they can show investigators
- Cast-off; thrown from the implement onto a surface during movement
- Pooled blood; shows how a person had been lying in one position for a period of time
- Dripped bloodstains; indicates direction and movement
- Spattered bloodstains; indicates impact or blows
- Arterial spurting; indicates injury type
- Backspatter; from a firearm wound
- Latent blood stains; not evident to the naked eye and require luminal testing
What is the definition of chain of evidence?
Is the record of all people who have had custody of an exhibit since it was first discovered, to its presentation in court and its security in Police records
What is the definition of a control sample?
Control samples are samples of known origin that can be compared with materials found on items being examined, also known as reference samples
What is the definition of intangible?
Unable to be touched, not having physical presence
What is the definition of order of examination?
Applies to any exhibit where multiple evidence types are present. It means the preferred sequence of examination or analysis undertaken on a document exhibit. The order is determined by the investigative need
EA2007, S7 states “It is a fundamental…?”
“It is a fundamental principle that relevant evidence is admissible”
What is the definition of tangible?
Perceptible by touch, clear and definite, real
What is the definition of toxicology?
The analysis of body samples for alcohol, illicit drugs or poisons. It includes the detection of drugs in blood, urine, hair and fingernails
What is the hot zone?
The part of a scene requiring examination and evidence protection. It is closely controlled by the OC scene. Exhibits are collected and packaged for forensic analysis in the hot zone
What is the warm zone?
The warm zone is a transition zone where;
- Scene examiners put on / take off protective clothing
- Scene examiners access equipment
- The OC exhibits receives and records exhibits
What is the cold zone?
An area in the outer cordon of the scene. It is a place where the OC scene manages the scene examination and the staff involved. eg, briefing and debriefing, meals, maintaining scene records
What is the definition of trace evidence?
Microscopic or minute samples of evidence. May contain biological or physical evidence and may or may not be visible to the human eye
EA2006 states “Evidence is relevant if it has…?”
Evidence is relevant if it has a tendency to prove or disprove anything that is of consequence to the determination of the proceeding
What things should the initial action party consider en-route to the scene?
- All accurate information has been received by Comms for making future decisions, plan an approach to minimise risk ands maximise safety. Discuss with your partner your responsibilities and roles. Plan your approach
What things should the initial action party consider upon arriving at the scene?
- Park in a safe area
- Note any vehicle attempting to leave the scene and time of arrival
- Approach the scene and locate the informant / complainant
- Record a common approach path for scene staff. Avoid any path known to be used by the suspect
What does VAWSEIPO mean?
Victim, appreciation, witnesses, scene, exhibits, ingredients, powers, offender