Phase 1

Question 1

Describe the Forensic Identification Field Assessment

Answer 1

The Forensic Identification Field Assessment is a pre-course involving training and an evaluation period at your home ident unit with an anticipated completion date of 3-6 months, it is used to determine your suitability for the program and will prepare the member for the forensic identification course

Question 2

The Forensic Identification Apprentice training Program (FIATP) consists of how many phases?

Answer 2

Three phases
1 - the Forensic Identification Field Assessment
2 - The Forensic Identification Course
3 - the apprenticeship (12-18 months)

Question 3

What is meant by the Forensic Identification Certification Board?

Answer 3

The certification board consists of 3 forensic identification specialists that with administer an oral Q and A and moot trial to determine whether or not the member is qualified to give expert opinion testimony.

Question 4

Who becomes a Forensic Identification Specialist?

Answer 4

A member that successfully completes the 3 phases of the FIATP, passes their certification board and follow up recommendations.

Question 5

Which forensic identification duty will take precedence over other forensic identification duties?

Answer 5

Processing crime scenes to locate evidence with take precedence

Question 6

What is the policy regarding forensic examination of major crime scenes?

Answer 6

• There must be at least two FIS employees present on scene.
• Measurements must be taken to ensure a crime scene drawing can be completed.
• Try to be present for the investigators briefing and consider the Forensic Identification Major Crime Scene debrief (form 6028).
• The member may also use the physical evidence report (form 3407).
• For blood letting crime scenes consider contacting a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst.

Question 7

What is the Forensic Identification Services policy on preparation of evidence charts to support expert testimony?

Answer 7

A forensic identification specialist will prepare and use an illustrative chart when tendering comparison evidence for court.

Question 8

What are the permitted conclusions for physical impression evaluations (excluding friction ridge comparisons)?

Answer 8

• Identification - the unknown has been compared to a known source and identified to that known source.
• Exclusion - the unknown has been compared to a known source and has been determined to not have originated from the known source.
• Inconclusive - there is a lack of sufficient detail, either the unknown or known, for an exclusion or identification.
• Association of Class Characteristics - A known object is a possible source of the impression and therefore could have produced the impression or many others could have as well.
• Higher Degree of Association - the characteristics observed display a strong association between the unknown and known however the quality and/or quantity were insufficient for identification

Question 9

What criteria must be met in order for a person to be lawfully fingerprinted?

Answer 9

• Any person who is in lawful custody, charged with or convicted of an indictable or hybrid offence unless designated under the Conventions Act.
• Charged or convicted with an offence under the Security of Informations Act.
• Anyone apprehended under the extradition act.
• Anyone compelled to appear under s.485.2(1), 500(3), 501(4), 509(5) or 515.01 of the Criminal Code.
• Anyone compelled by warrant under s. 487.092 of the Criminal Code
• Anyone in lawful custody in relation to s. 83.3 (arrest is necessary to prevent a terrorist attack) of the criminal code.

Question 10

Besides fingerprinting what other processes are sanctioned by the identification of criminals act?

Answer 10

Obtaining photographs, fingerprints and palm impressions.

Question 11

Where will you find the legal authority to obtain footwear impressions from an individual during an investigation?

Answer 11

Section 487.092 of the criminal code

Question 12

What are the four common law requirements stipulated in R vs MOHAN (1994) 2 SCR9, in order for expert opinion evidence to be heard and accepted in court?

Answer 12

• Relevance - the evidence must be relevant to the case without any prejudicial effect (bring the court into disrepute). Time to obtain evidence cannot outweigh its worth.
• Assist the trier of fact - the judge or jury would not be able to reasonably come to the conclusion without the assistance of the expert.
• Absence of the exclusionary rule - evidence cannot have been o gained by breaching anyone’s charter rights.
• Properly Qualified Expert - an expert has acquired special or peculiar knowledge through study or experience in respect of the matters on which he or she undertakes to testify,

Question 13

What does ISO represent in digital photography?

Answer 13

The ISO represents the camera’s sensitivity to light, the lower the ISO the less sensitive your camera is to light and vise versa.

Question 14

What is depth of field in photography?

Answer 14

The depth of field is essentially the amount of your image that is in focus both in front and behind the subject. It is the distance between the nearest and the farthest objects in an image judged to be in acceptance focus.

Question 15

When calibrating an image using the crop method in photoshop, should you use “resampling”?

Answer 15

No, resampling changes the image. It will add or remove pixels therefore we do not resample.

Question 16

Can a forensic identification employee use any technique and/or equipment during the course of their duties?

Answer 16

Forensic identification employees can only use approved IFIS techniques and chemicals, the list can be found under “IFIS approved chemical list”

Question 17

What must occur when a forensic identification employee has been exposed to a biological or chemical hazard through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion or injection?

Answer 17

A lab 1070 and a hazardous occurrence investigation report must be completed as soon as practicable.

Question 18

Can all forensic identification employees use specialized PPE equipment at CBRNE and clandestine laboratories?

Answer 18

Only FIS employees with the appropriate training can use the specialized PPE

Question 19

What is your responsibility when working in a potentially hazardous area?

Answer 19

Use the appropriate PPE and continually assess the hazards. Should the scene be determined to be too hazardous or the proper PPE is not present OH&S or a subject matter expert must be consulted

Question 20

What is a WHMIS label and why should hazardous material be labelled?

Answer 20

A WHMIS label is a label that is required on products in the workplace that meet the criteria to be classified as hazardous products. The hazardous materials need to be labeled to ensure the safety of the employees and make them aware of the products they are using and how to properly use them.

Question 21

What’s is the absolute minimum information a workplace label must have according to WHMIS legislation?

Answer 21

The workplace label must have a product identifier (name), safe handling information and a reference to the SDS

Question 22

According to WHMIS legislation, what are the labelling requirements if hazardous material is kept in a container other than its original?

Answer 22

Workplace labels are required when the product is made and used in that workplace. The product is decanted into another container and/or the supplier label is lost or illegible.

Question 23

Under WHMIS who is responsible for labelling chemicals and chemical solutions?

Answer 23

The supplier is responsible, however the employer is also required to ensure all chemicals and chemical solutions are properly labelled.

Question 24

What is the mechanism within the RCMP for reporting hazardous incidents and who is responsible for making the report?

Answer 24

A lab 1070 and a hazardous occurrence investigation report must be completed by your supervisor/FIS unit commander as so as practicable

Question 25

What is a safety data sheet (SDS)?

Answer 25

A SDS is an information sheet provided by the manufacturer or distributor of any hazardous product found in a workplace. The label must state the products hazard l, how to safely use the product, what to expect if instructions are not followed, how to recognize symptoms of exposure and what to do if emergencies occur.

Question 26

What is a fingerprint impression?

Answer 26

A fingerprint impression is what is left behind when your last finger joint comes into contact with the surface. The friction ridge on the skin leaves behind an impression which is a unique identifier to one person.

Question 27

Who was the first European to allude to the uniqueness of the friction ridge skin?

Answer 27

The first European to identify the uniqueness was the German doctor Dr. J. C. A. Mayer

Question 28

Who was the first person to start a fingerprint persistency study?

Answer 28

Sir William James Herschel

Question 29

Who is often recognized by the forensic community as the “father of fingerprinting” (they were the first to publish in a scientific journal about the value of fingerprints as crime scene evidence)

Answer 29

Henry Faulds

Question 30

What is the function of the anatomical layers?

Answer 30

They provide the body with a protective barrier body temperature regulation sensation, excretion, immunity, blood reservoir, and the synthesis of vitamin D - Epidermis prevents water loss through evaporation acts is a receptor organ and provides a protective barrier for underlying tissues. It is also important in synthesizing vitamin D via melanocytes
- Dermis connective tissue that supports the epidermis consist of cells fibres blood vessels And gelatinous material that provides structural support and nourishment for the epidermis. The dermis is also a blood reserve and participates in sensory reception and temperature regulation
- Hypodermis consists of loose connective tissue that contains a part of adipose cells that contour the body and serve as an energy reserve fibres link all of the anatomical layers together.

Question 31

Where do you find volar skin?

Answer 31

Underside of the hands and feet

Question 32

What is the difference between volar and smooth skin?

Answer 32

• Smooth skin has hair and sebaceous glands
• Smooth skin lacks friction ridges
• Volar skin only has sweat glands

Question 33

What is the concentration of eccrine sweat glands on friction skin?

Answer 33

2500-3000/2.5cm2

Question 34

What type of injury would cause a scar?

Answer 34

An injury that penetrates the basale layer of the dermis

Question 35

What ensures the persistency of friction ridge skin?

Answer 35

The friction skin persists because of the physical attachments throughout the skin and the regulation of keratinocyte production and differentiation.

Question 36

What are the three main fingerprint pattern groups?

Answer 36

The loop, arch and whorl

Question 37

Alfred Hale was a critical researcher who provided information in regards to the embryological growth information of the friction skin. His measurements in terms of age were noted in crown to rump length what would these critical times of friction Ridge skin development B if they were stated in weeks (outline, each key stage of development)

Answer 37

• 3 weeks - epidermis is one cell thick
• 6 weeks - The hand is paddle like, some volar pads are starting to appear
• 8 weeks - The fingers have separated and elongated
• 10 weeks - The interdigital and digital pads are prominent and the thumb has rotated.
• 10 to 12 weeks - Flexion creases appear
• 10 to 13 weeks and onward - Volar Pads regress or are absorbed by the growth of the hands
• 12 to 13 weeks and onward - primary ridges begin to form at the bottom of the epidermis, each primary ridge unit develops pores
• 15 to 16 weeks and onward - secondary ridges begin to form at the bottom of the epidermis ceasing the development of the primary ridges
• 17 to 20 weeks - The process is complete, time of differentiation, final configuration of ridges is established following the development of the dermal papillae filling voids between primary and secondary ridges.

Question 38

Define the tented arch pattern

Answer 38

A pattern that possess either an angle, an upthrust or two of the three basic characteristics of a loop.

Question 39

Define the loop pattern

Answer 39

One or more friction ridges enter upon one side, recurve, touch or pass an imaginary line between the delta and core and flow out.

Question 40

What are two types of impressions recorded on a form C-216?

Answer 40

Rolled, plain fingerprints and palm prints

Question 41

What are the three types of fingerprints found at crime scenes?

Answer 41

Latent, visible and molded

Question 42

What fingerprint pattern is the most common?

Answer 42

Loop

Question 43

How are latent fingerprints or physical evidence to be marked prior to photographing and lifting?

Answer 43

After locating or developing impressions, circle the impression or physical evidence and mark it with an “R” number, your initials, the date and file number.

Question 44

List two recommended methods of developing/enhancing latent fingerprints on plastic bags.

Answer 44

Cyanoacrylate fuming with or without dye stains or vacuum metal deposition.

Question 45

Are two fingerprint/friction ridge impressions of the same finger ever exactly alike? If not, why?

Answer 45

No, no print is ever perfectly replicated due to external factors such as pressure, matrix, distortion and the substrate. Essentially the print is never exactly alike because the exact circumstances are never the same.

Question 46

What two fundamental principles of the skin must be understood by an examiner prior to reaching a conclusion from the examination process?

Answer 46

The two fundamental principles are friction ridge impressions being persistent and unique and the details in the two sufficient prints agree.

Question 47

What three conclusions can be rendered during the evaluation stage of the process according to RCMP policy?

Answer 47

Identification - the unknown impression has been compared to a known source and identified to that known source.
inconclusive - there is lack of sufficient detail for an exclusion or an identification
exclusion - compared to a known source and is determined to not have been made by that known source.

Question 48

When was the Canadian “National Fingerprint Bureau” established and how many sets of fingerprints were part of the original files?

Answer 48

February of 1911 and it consisted of 2042 sets of prints

Question 49

What are the effects of aging on the skin?

Answer 49

The arrangements of the friction ridges do not change; the ridges and furrows maintain their position in the skin. However the surface ridges tend to flatten making them appear less sharp and they lose their elasticity in the dermis which causes the skin to become flaccid and wrinkle.

Question 50

What is meant by volar pad regression?

Answer 50

When the volar pad growth begins to slow their contour becomes progressively less distinct on the more rapidly growing surface.

Question 51

Why does the SDS for CA caution against the use of cotton gloves?

Answer 51

Because the adhesive can generate heat causing smoke, skin burns and irritating vapours.

Question 52

Why are friction ridges unique?

Answer 52

Many factors contribute to the development of friction ridges, genetics, volar pads, stress or strain during the developmental phase, chemical factors, etc.

Question 53

What affects the exposure of an image?

Answer 53

Shutter speed, aperture and ISO

Question 54

What is meant by white balance in digital photography?

Answer 54

White balance is a setting on your camera to ensure the images are as natural looking as possible. The setting allows for a more accurate colour temperature of light for the images.

Question 55

When must a forensic identification employee evaluate the types and levels of hazards present at a crime scene?

Answer 55

The FIS employee must continually monitor and re-evaluate the hazards at the scene.

Question 56

What are the anatomical layers of the skin?

Answer 56

Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis

Question 57

Identify each of the basic components of friction skin

Answer 57

Dermal papillae
Primary ridge
Secondary ridge
Ridge
Furrow
Pores
Sweat glands

Question 58

Does the identification of criminals act provide you with authority to obtain fingerprints for comparisons purposes?

Answer 58

No

Question 59

What are you doing when calibrating an image?

Answer 59

You are altering the scale so that the image is shown as a 1/1. This allows for the image to be scaled for interpretation.

Question 60

Where would you find your fingerprint authority to fingerprint a young person?

Answer 60

S. 113 of the youth criminal justice act (YCJA)

Question 61

When was the use of the fingerprint system established in Canada and under what legislative sanction?

Answer 61

July 21st, 1908 under the identification of criminals act.

Question 62

Which technique is recommended for developing fingerprints on wet or damp non-porous surfaces?

Answer 62

Small particle reagent and/or molybdenum disulfide

Question 63

The employer has numerous responsibilities under WHMIS. Under the Canada labour code what responsibilities are placed on you as an employee?

Answer 63

A - Use any safety materials, equipment, devices, and clothing that are intended for the employees protection and furnished to the employee by the employer or that are prescribed.
B - follow prescribed procedures
C - take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of the employee
D - comply with all instructions from the employer concerning the health and safety of employees
E - cooperate with any person carrying out a duty imposed under this part
F - cooperate with policy and workplace committees or the health and safety representative
G - report to the employer anything or circumstance in a workplace that is likely to be hazardous to the health or safety of anyone
H - report in the prescribed manner every accident or other occurrence arising in the course of or in connection with the employees work
I - comply with every written direction of the head or the board concerning the health and safety of employees and
J - report to the employer any situation that the employee believes to be a contravention of this part by anyone

Question 64

What personal protective measures are indicated on the SDS for ninhydrin?

Answer 64

Avoid all unnecessary exposure: Wear protective gloves, chemical goggles or safety glasses, wear approved mask and when using do not eat, drink or smoke.

Question 65

How can you increase your depth of field?

Answer 65

• select a small aperture
• increase the distance between the object and the camera
• re-focus your hyper focal point
• use a shorter focal length lens

Question 66

What is meant by resolution in digital imaging?

Answer 66

Resolution is measured by pixel count and is essentially the level of detail in a photo. The higher the resolution the more crisp and clear the photo.

Question 67

What is the building block of an image?

Answer 67

Pixels

Question 68

How does a digital camera capture an image?

Answer 68

The light entering the lens reaches the image sensor. The sensor outputs a signal and is processed within the camera and image data is then created and stored.

Question 69

Who was the first to identify and name specific friction skin imitate and how are they defined?

Answer 69

Sir Francis Galton. The details consist of a uniting or dividing ridge (Bifurcations). The end or beginning of a ridge (ending ridges), a short is-land (short ridge), and an enclosure (two bifurcations facing each other).

Question 70

Who was Alphonse Bertillon and what was his contribution to the identification of criminals act?

Answer 70

He was a clerk at the Prefecture of Police in Paris, France before becoming the Chief of the Department of Judicial Identity. He developed Anthropometry (method of body measurements for identification purposes).

Question 71

What are the five layers of the epidermis?

Answer 71

1 - stratum corneum
2 - stratum lucideum
3 - stratum granulosum
4 - stratum spinosum
5 - basal layer

Question 72

In the lab where must all examinations using hazardous chemicals be performed?

Answer 72

Appropriate vented fume hood or wet station.

Question 73

What is the purpose of a lens?

Answer 73

The purpose of a camera lens is to bring light to a fixed focal point specifically the digital sensor.

Question 74

Define the arch pattern

Answer 74

The friction ridges enter on one side of the impression and flow, or tend to flow, out the other side with a rise or wave in the center.

Question 75

What are the legal disclosure requirements stipulated under Sec. 657.3 of the Criminal Code of Canada in regard to expert opinion evidence testimony?

Answer 75

The evidence of an expert may be given/ disclosed as a report accompanied by an affidavit of solemn declaration of the person which sets out their qualifications of the person as an expert.
Notice should be given and all reports disclosed 30 days prior to trial if an expert witness is going to be called.

Question 76

What affects pattern type?

Answer 76

The size, shape and symmetry of volar pads at the onset of primary ridge development.

Question 77

What are volar pads?

Answer 77

Volar pads are transient swellings of tissue called mesenchyme under the epidermis on the palmar surface of the hands and soles of the feet in the human fetus.

Question 78

Describe the levels of details found in a friction ridge impression?

Answer 78

First level detail: General overall direction of ridge flow in the print. Every impression that is a friction ridge will have a general direction ridge flow which is not considered to be unique.
Second level detail: Follows the path of a specific ridge, which includes the starting position of the ridge, its path, the length and where the ridge path stops. Sequences and configurations with other ridge paths are part of second level detail, these are considered unique. Second level detail cannot exist without first level detail and does not require path termination to occur

Third level detail: Encompasses the morphology of the ridge (edges, textures and pore positions). The features of third level detail are unique in their shapes, sequences and configurations. You cannot have third level detail without first and second level detail. All three levels of details also apply to other features (creases, scars, incipient ridges and other imperfections) in the same way.

Question 79

Name and describe the recommended friction ridge examination method?

Answer 79

ACE-V is the recommended friction ridge examination method. The method consists of analysis, comparison and evaluation and repeatable determination with verification. The examiner will analyze the provided impression to determine whether or not it is suitable for comparison. The examiner does so by separating the components of the impression down (substrate, matrix, development medium, deposition pressure, pressure and motion distortion and development medium. Typically, a segment of the impression is isolated which ideally consists of third level detail to easily compare. The impression is then compared side by side to determine whether the details of the isolate segment are in agreement (similarity, sequence and spatial relationship).

The examiner than makes comparative measurements (both mentally and physical) of all types od details their sequences and configurations.
Comparative measurements of first, second and third level details are made along with comparisons of the sequences and configurations of ridge paths. The examiner must have a certain tolerance for variations in the print (less tolerate with more clarity, more tolerant with less clarity).
Ultimately before moving on, in this phase the examiner will determine whether the comparable impressions are in agreement or disagreement.
With the evaluation stage the examiner will formulate a conclusion. The examiner with make a final determination on whether a finding of individualization or same source of origin can be made. The examiner will ultimately arrive at the following conclusions’ identification, exclusion and inconclusive. The last step is verification where a different qualified examiner will look at the result and come to the same conclusion. The verifier must reach an unbiased conclusion, verification is optional for exclusion or inconclusive determinations but is mandatory for all identifications.

Question 80

Define the whorl pattern?

Answer 80

Plain whorl
Consists of one or more friction ridges that make, or tends to make a complete circuit with two deltas, between which, when an imaginary line is drawn, at least one recurving friction ridge within the inner pattern area is cut or touched.
Central Pocket Loop
A pattern type that has two deltas and at least one friction ridge that makes, or tends to make, one complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of a circle.
An imaginary line drawn between the two deltas must not touch or cross any recurving friction ridges within the inner pattern area.

Double loop
A pattern type that consists of two separate loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas.
Accidental
A pattern type consisting of the combination of two different types of patterns (excluding the plain arch) with two or more deltas.
A pattern type that possesses some of the requirements for two or more different types of patterns.
A pattern type that conforms to none of the other definitions