Q+A Flashcards

1
Q

The “chain of evidence” is the official record of exhibit what?

A

Collection, security and movement.

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2
Q

Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when exposed to extremes of weather conditions?

A

Yes.

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3
Q

Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when handled without gloves or masks?

A

No.

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4
Q

Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when it has exited the body for up to two hours?

A

No.

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5
Q

Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when packaging creates conditions that cause it to degrade?

A

Yes.

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6
Q

Can impressions be left by the sole of a shoe?

A

Yes.

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7
Q

Can impressions be left by a tool used as a lever?

A

Yes.

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8
Q

Can impressions be left by a drop of saliva or semen?

A

No.

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9
Q

Can impressions be left by a finger or palm print?

A

Yes.

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10
Q

What is the forensic concept that best described how the collection of forensic evidence is affected when the crime scene is doused in continuous rainfall?

A

Deterioration.

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11
Q

What is the forensic concept that best described how the collection of forensic evidence is affected when many people enter and leave the scene?

A

Contamination.

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12
Q

What is the forensic concept that best described how the collection of forensic evidence is affected when the movement of exhibits is not recorded?

A

Evidential integrity.

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13
Q

What is the forensic concept that best described how the collection of forensic evidence is affected when the offender is taken back into a scene for interview?

A

Evidential integrity.

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14
Q

Is blood biological or physical evidence?

A

Biological.

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15
Q

Is semen biological or physical evidence?

A

Biological.

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16
Q

Are paint flakes biological or physical evidence?

A

Physical.

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17
Q

Are glass fragments biological or physical evidence?

A

Physical.

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18
Q

What is “persistence” when used as a forensic term?

A

The length of time that biological evidence remains for collection following a crime.

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19
Q

Could evidential contamination occur when evidential material obtained cannot be linked to the investigation at hand?

A

No.

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20
Q

Could evidential contamination occur when a crime scene lacks defined boundaries and guards?

A

Yes.

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21
Q

Could evidential contamination occur when persons handling exhibits don’t change their gloves?

A

Yes.

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22
Q

Could evidential contamination occur when biological material is accidentally added to an exhibit?

A

Yes.

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23
Q

What is an elimination sample?

A

A sample taken from a person legitimately in contact with evidence.

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24
Q

Is a seized cellphone an example of tangible evidential material?

A

Yes.

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25
Q

What is an example of intangible evidential material?

A

The contents of a USB flashdrive or FB account.

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26
Q

Generally, does contamination occur when material is added to an exhibit after the offence?

A

Yes.

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27
Q

Generally, does contamination occur when material is exposed to rain or sunshine?

A

No.

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28
Q

Generally, does contamination occur when exhibits are not correctly packaged or secured?

A

Yes.

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29
Q

Generally, does contamination occur when equipment used has not been properly cleaned?

A

Yes.

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30
Q

What is the “golden hour”?

A

The time soon after an offence when evidential material is most readily available for collection.

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31
Q

Can trace evidence be seen by the human eye?

A

No.

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32
Q

Is trace evidence usually found in fragments or small particles?

A

Yes.

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33
Q

Can trace evidence only be seen by specialist forensic personnel?

A

No.

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34
Q

Can trace evidence be both biological and physical?

A

Yes.

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35
Q

What is entomology the study of?

A

Insects.

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36
Q

Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by repeated handling of exhibits before packaging?

A

Yes.

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37
Q

Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by a searcher leaving traces on an exhibit?

A

Yes.

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38
Q

Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by equipment not being cleaned before use?

A

Yes.

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39
Q

Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by people or animals who have entered the scene?

A

Yes.

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40
Q

Is forensic evidence at all reliant on what people say or do?

A

No.

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41
Q

Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when the offender is at the scene following the offence?

A

Yes.

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42
Q

Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when they are not separated in the first instance?

A

Yes.

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43
Q

Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when they are transported in the same vehicle, even at different times?

A

Yes.

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44
Q

Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when professional medical attention is provided to a victim?

A

No.

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45
Q

Secondary transfer occurs when initial transfer between two people has already occurred, and the recipient of this initial transfer then in turn transfers material on to a third person who has not had actual contact with the first person - true or false?

A

True.

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46
Q

Can evidence that does not have a tendency to prove anything that is of consequence to the case still be relevant?

A

Yes - it can also disprove.

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47
Q

Who are elimination samples taken from?

A

People who had legitimate contact with the crime scene or exhibits.

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48
Q

Will deleting images from a digital camera permanently remove them?

A

No.

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49
Q

Can deleted images be retrieved from the memory card of a camera?

A

Yes.

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50
Q

Will reformatting a digital camera remove images from it?

A

No.

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51
Q

Should digital images of a crime scene be taken on an approved camera?

A

Yes.

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52
Q

As deleted images are easily recovered from digital cameras, all cameras should be what?

A

Assigned to a named position or employee.

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53
Q

Should you promptly package, seal and label a wet exhibit, to avoid further deterioration?

A

Yes.

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54
Q

What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around used gloves and clothing contaminated with body fluids?

A

Discard in a biohazard container.

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55
Q

What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around abrasions on hands when handling items contaminated with body fluids?

A

Cover and double glove.

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56
Q

What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around exhibits contaminated with body fluids?

A

Package securely and label with biohazard warning.

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57
Q

Do the Digital Imaging Guidelines direct that images that are to be produced as evidence must be secured in a master copy “read only” format?

A

Yes.

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58
Q

Do the Digital Imaging Guidelines direct that images that are to be produced as evidence must have been downloaded onto a police or otherwise secure computer?

A

Yes.

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59
Q

Do the Digital Imaging Guidelines direct that images that are to be produced as evidence must have been taken by a person trained in photography?

A

No.

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60
Q

Do the Digital Imaging Guidelines direct that images that are to be produced as evidence must be validated by image numbering and the taker?

A

Yes.

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61
Q

What POL must accompany an exhibit package that is to be forwarded for analysis?

A

A POL 143.

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62
Q

When forwarding exhibits for analysis, can you include in one package several items of evidence?

A

No.

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63
Q

When forwarding exhibits for analysis, must they have been sealed by the collector at the time of collection?

A

Yes.

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64
Q

When forwarding exhibits for analysis, does the labelling of them have any correlation to potential contamination?

A

No.

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65
Q

What are the four steps undertaken when uplifting exhibits from a serious crime scene?

A

Record (Photograph), Notes, Uplift, Secure.

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66
Q

Is a scene record of a crime scene completed before searching for and uplifting exhibits?

A

Yes.

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67
Q

What is the procedure for packaging an exhibit in a standard brown paper exhibit bag?

A

Fold over the open end 2-3 times and secure with one length of wraparound tape, signing the seals.

68
Q

If you are uplifting a forensically significant exhibit, should you be wearing gloves and protective clothing?

A

Yes.

69
Q

Can a statement made by a dying victim be admissible, even if it isn’t signed?

A

Yes.

70
Q

After a victim is confirmed deceased by a medical officer at a suspicious death and you have secured the scene, should you touch or move the body?

A

No.

71
Q

Should the initial action party at a scene be responsible for establishing a CAP?

A

Yes.

72
Q

When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you use emergency tape to cordon?

A

Yes.

73
Q

When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you extend the parameters as widely as possible?

A

Yes.

74
Q

When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you cordon only the area where the incident occurred?

A

No.

75
Q

When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you arrange and brief scene guards?

A

Yes.

76
Q

Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by taking physical samples from witnesses?

A

Yes.

77
Q

Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by transporting the victim and offender in different vehicles?

A

Yes.

78
Q

Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by using different interview rooms for victims, witnesses and suspects?

A

Yes.

79
Q

Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by taking photographs of the victim’s injuries ASAP?

A

Yes.

80
Q

What is the first priority of staff arriving at a serious crime scene.

A

The safety of Police staff.

81
Q

What is the only set of circumstances under which it is OK to move any items in a serious crime scene?

A

If they will be affected by the weather and cannot otherwise be protected.

82
Q

What information should the handover briefing to the OC investigation by the OC initial incident include?

A

What needs to be done, what has not been done, and what action has been taken.

83
Q

What is the first priority of the initial I-car attending a vehicle crash scene?

A

The safety of the scene.

84
Q

What three components must an initial action plan for scene entry have?

A

Avoiding any known suspect path from the scene, Consideration of factors that may affect scene preservation, and delegation of responsibilities between team members.

85
Q

What is the main priority of initial attendance officers when conducting a reconnaissance of the scene?

A

Surveying the scene in order to relay the action required to secure it.

86
Q

Why would an officer accompany a S29 VRA victim who is transported to hospital?

A

In order to collect their clothing as exhibits.

87
Q

Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to ascertain their legal reason to be at the scene?

A

No.

88
Q

Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to gather information for a handover briefing?

A

Yes.

89
Q

Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to obtain their ID and details?

A

Yes.

90
Q

Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to ascertain who needs to be kept separated?

A

No.

91
Q

With potential suspects at a serious crime scene, what should be noted in your notebook?

A

Their details, and demeanor.

92
Q

What circumstances would justify the immediate uplift of a relevant item from a serious crime scene by the initial action party?

A

If that item could not be protected from weather and would deteriorate.

93
Q

Do the initial action procedures for serious crime aim to prevent the transfer of material between offender and victim by directing that they are not transported in the same vehicle?

A

Yes.

94
Q

Do the initial action procedures for serious crime aim to prevent the transfer of material between offender and victim by directing that interviews are conducted in separate rooms?

A

Yes.

95
Q

Do the initial action procedures for serious crime aim to prevent the transfer of material between offender and victim by directing that they are separated at the scene and kept apart?

A

Yes.

96
Q

Do the initial action procedures for serious crime aim to prevent the transfer of material between offender and victim by directing that scene guards are appointed to take care of each?

A

No.

97
Q

If you find a dry substance in a jar at a crime scene examination, what could you do to determine if it is to be collected for analysis?

A

Examine it with gloved hands.

98
Q

Why is it important to consider the sequencing of examinations when submitting crime scene material for forensic analysis?

A

Because DNA analysis can destroy the forensic evidence required for fingerprint examination.

99
Q

What are the minimum standards governing the collection of exhibits that are likely to be submitted for DNA forensic analysis?

A

Handle one item of evidential material at a time, gloves and masks should be worn.

100
Q

If you find a turned-on cellphone at a crime scene, what action should you take to uplift it?

A

Leave it switched on, and contact ECL for advice.

101
Q

What is the basic rule for electronic equipment found at a crime scene?

A

If it is on, leave it on. If it is off, leave it off.

102
Q

How should small quantities of powders or tablets found at a crime scene be packaged to avoid loss or contamination?

A

In self sealing bags in a standard drugs envelope.

103
Q

Why is it important to call a fingerprint officer to a homicide scene?

A

Because latent fingerprints in blood and other contaminants on a body can be destroyed when the body is moved.

104
Q

When you notice the window frame at a crime scene shows signs of a tool being used to force entry, would you try fitting a tool into the mark to confirm this?

A

No.

105
Q

When you notice the window frame at a crime scene shows signs of a tool being used to force entry, would you photograph the impression prior to collecting evidence?

A

Yes.

106
Q

When you notice the window frame at a crime scene shows signs of a tool being used to force entry, would you remove the entire area, if possible, for forensic examination?

A

Yes.

107
Q

When you notice the window frame at a crime scene shows signs of a tool being used to force entry, would you take control samples of paint or wood from the surrounding area?

A

Yes.

108
Q

If you locate a cellphone at a crime scene, should you turn it off or let the battery run flat?

A

No.

109
Q

When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you unfold dry papers and package in a plastic sleeve/envelope?

A

Yes.

110
Q

When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you include warning notes on the labels to indicate if the document also needs to be fingerprinted?

A

Yes.

111
Q

When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you enclose it between sheets of card?

A

Yes.

112
Q

When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you attach completed labels to the exhibit package?

A

Yes.

113
Q

Why is a CAP established?

A

To control access to the scene to prevent contamination.

114
Q

Would when and where an offence occurred be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?

A

Yes.

115
Q

Would how the offender entered the scene be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?

A

Yes.

116
Q

Would the type of property removed from a scene be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?

A

Yes.

117
Q

Would fingerprints providing positive identification be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?

A

No.

118
Q

Is establishing the relevance of an exhibit to an enquiry one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?

A

No.

119
Q

Is managing the receipt, control and storage of exhibits one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?

A

Yes.

120
Q

Is preparing exhibits in the best manner for display to the court one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?

A

Yes.

121
Q

What does adopting a search pattern at a crime scene achieve?

A

Examining the scene in a thorough and controlled manner.

122
Q

As part of the OC scene’s responsibility to minimize the risk of contamination of the material collection from a scene, should they directly brief persons working in the scene about the zonal requirements?

A

Yes.

123
Q

As part of the OC scene’s responsibility to minimize the risk of contamination of the material collection from a scene, should they ensure staff are packaging exhibits in clean and dry containers?

A

Yes.

124
Q

As part of the OC scene’s responsibility to minimize the risk of contamination of the material collection from a scene, should they ensure staff are using gloves to remove and package any exhibit?

A

Yes.

125
Q

As part of the OC scene’s responsibility to minimize the risk of contamination of the material collection from a scene, should they ensure that staff work quickly removing exhibits?

A

No.

126
Q

Is the police interview record of a suspect’s admissions a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?

A

No.

127
Q

Is a suspect located soon after an incident a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?

A

Yes.

128
Q

Is a vehicle that has been used as a getaway car a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?

A

Yes.

129
Q

Is a victim of an assault a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?

A

Yes.

130
Q

Would the re-use of scene equipment without cleaning it pose a serious risk of cross-contamination?

A

Yes.

131
Q

Do staff examining exhibits in the hot zone have to wear full protective clothing?

A

Yes.

132
Q

Do staff entering the hot zone by way of stepping plates have to wear full protective clothing?

A

Yes.

133
Q

Do staff transitioning from the warm zone to the hot zone have to wear full protective gear?

A

Yes.

134
Q

Do staff processing the exhibit collection in the warm zone have to wear full protective gear?

A

No.

135
Q

Does an exhibit schedule contain records of the ID number allocated to each exhibit?

A

Yes.

136
Q

Does an exhibit schedule contain records of all the material gathered for forensic analysis?

A

No.

137
Q

Does an exhibit schedule contain photographs and DVD interviews?

A

Yes.

138
Q

Does an exhibit schedule contain only those exhibits collected at the crime scene?

A

No.

139
Q

Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check an exhibit package is sealed and signed?

A

Yes.

140
Q

Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to maintain a log of exhibit movement?

A

Yes.

141
Q

Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check the label on each exhibit is complete?

A

Yes.

142
Q

Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check the collection is safely secured?

A

Yes.

143
Q

With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene display instructions about protective clothing?

A

Yes.

144
Q

With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene place guards to monitor entry and exit?

A

No - not for the hot zone.

145
Q

With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene establish a transition area for hot zone protection?

A

Yes.

146
Q

With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene brief searchers on the search strategy?

A

Yes.

147
Q

What is the warm zone designed for with regard to exhibits?

A

Collection, recording and securing of the collection.

148
Q

Are scene guards expected to keep notebook records of all movements near the scene?

A

Yes.

149
Q

Are scene guards expected to give a general response to public or media questions?

A

No.

150
Q

Are scene guards expected to prevent all unauthorised access to the scene?

A

Yes.

151
Q

Are scene guards expected to be alert to circumstances that may cause contamination?

A

Yes.

152
Q

Are stepping plates used so that they can conceal evidence embedded in the scene?

A

No.

153
Q

Name three reasons why stepping plates are useful.

A

They can be easily cleaned and reused, they can be easily placed and repositioned in the scene, they can direct examiners to a pathway through the scene.

154
Q

In which zone are logbook records kept of staff movements?

A

Cold zone.

155
Q

In which zone do scene examiners discard protective clothing?

A

Warm zone.

156
Q

In which zone is the scene search strategy communicated?

A

Cold zone.

157
Q

In which zone are exhibits packaged, stored and sorted?

A

Warm zone.

158
Q

What is a scene examination strategy?

A

A documented report providing an overview record of the management strategies, procedures followed and the outcomes achieved at the scene examination phase.

159
Q

What information is essential to the integrity of a crime scene examination, when an OC initial action hands over to the OC scene?

A

Any details of post-incident movement in the crime scene.

160
Q

What points must be covered by an OC scene when they are communicating a scene examination strategy?

A

Management of scene security, conducting of the forensic examination, site and timing of scene briefings, search pattern.

161
Q

What are the four objectives that zoning a scene helps to achieve?

A

Establish set procedures for evidence collection.

Control access to the crime scene.

Avoid contamination of the scene and exhibits.

Maintain an appropriate standard of safety.

162
Q

What are four points to remember regarding scene reconnaissance?

A

Recon encompasses 4-step appreciation.

Recon is the preliminary survey of the scene.

Recon includes a deliberate and purposeful assessment of the scene.

The outcome of a recon is a plan for action.

163
Q

What are the four types of search pattern?

A

Grid, lane, zone and spiral.

164
Q

Why is the decontamination zone model used at a major crime?

A

Because the scene will contain both biological and physical evidence.

165
Q

What are the three main reasons why scene logs of people movements are essential when investigating a major crime?

A

They are a component of safe systems for managing crime scenes.

They are an essential component of the chain of evidence.

They verify the use of elimination samples.