Q+A Flashcards
1
Q
The “chain of evidence” is the official record of exhibit what?
A
Collection, security and movement.
2
Q
Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when exposed to extremes of weather conditions?
A
Yes.
3
Q
Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when handled without gloves or masks?
A
No.
4
Q
Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when it has exited the body for up to two hours?
A
No.
5
Q
Is a DNA (blood) sample known to deteriorate when packaging creates conditions that cause it to degrade?
A
Yes.
6
Q
Can impressions be left by the sole of a shoe?
A
Yes.
7
Q
Can impressions be left by a tool used as a lever?
A
Yes.
8
Q
Can impressions be left by a drop of saliva or semen?
A
No.
9
Q
Can impressions be left by a finger or palm print?
A
Yes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14
Q
Is blood biological or physical evidence?
A
Biological.
15
Q
Is semen biological or physical evidence?
A
Biological.
16
Q
Are paint flakes biological or physical evidence?
A
Physical.
17
Q
Are glass fragments biological or physical evidence?
A
Physical.
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.
19
Q
Could evidential contamination occur when evidential material obtained cannot be linked to the investigation at hand?
A
No.
20
Q
Could evidential contamination occur when a crime scene lacks defined boundaries and guards?
A
Yes.
21
Q
Could evidential contamination occur when persons handling exhibits don’t change their gloves?
A
Yes.
22
Q
Could evidential contamination occur when biological material is accidentally added to an exhibit?
A
Yes.
23
Q
What is an elimination sample?
A
A sample taken from a person legitimately in contact with evidence.
24
Q
Is a seized cellphone an example of tangible evidential material?
A
Yes.
25
What is an example of intangible evidential material?
The contents of a USB flashdrive or FB account.
26
Generally, does contamination occur when material is added to an exhibit after the offence?
Yes.
27
Generally, does contamination occur when material is exposed to rain or sunshine?
No.
28
Generally, does contamination occur when exhibits are not correctly packaged or secured?
Yes.
29
Generally, does contamination occur when equipment used has not been properly cleaned?
Yes.
30
What is the "golden hour"?
The time soon after an offence when evidential material is most readily available for collection.
31
Can trace evidence be seen by the human eye?
No.
32
Is trace evidence usually found in fragments or small particles?
Yes.
33
Can trace evidence only be seen by specialist forensic personnel?
No.
34
Can trace evidence be both biological and physical?
Yes.
35
What is entomology the study of?
Insects.
36
Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by repeated handling of exhibits before packaging?
Yes.
37
Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by a searcher leaving traces on an exhibit?
Yes.
38
Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by equipment not being cleaned before use?
Yes.
39
Can material at a crime scene be contaminated by people or animals who have entered the scene?
Yes.
40
Is forensic evidence at all reliant on what people say or do?
No.
41
Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when the offender is at the scene following the offence?
Yes.
42
Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when they are not separated in the first instance?
Yes.
43
Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when they are transported in the same vehicle, even at different times?
Yes.
44
Can forensic transfer between a victim and an offender occur when professional medical attention is provided to a victim?
No.
45
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?
True.
46
Can evidence that does not have a tendency to prove anything that is of consequence to the case still be relevant?
Yes - it can also disprove.
47
Who are elimination samples taken from?
People who had legitimate contact with the crime scene or exhibits.
48
Will deleting images from a digital camera permanently remove them?
No.
49
Can deleted images be retrieved from the memory card of a camera?
Yes.
50
Will reformatting a digital camera remove images from it?
No.
51
Should digital images of a crime scene be taken on an approved camera?
Yes.
52
As deleted images are easily recovered from digital cameras, all cameras should be what?
Assigned to a named position or employee.
53
Should you promptly package, seal and label a wet exhibit, to avoid further deterioration?
Yes.
54
What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around used gloves and clothing contaminated with body fluids?
Discard in a biohazard container.
55
What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around abrasions on hands when handling items contaminated with body fluids?
Cover and double glove.
56
What are the safety precautions that should be undertaken around exhibits contaminated with body fluids?
Package securely and label with biohazard warning.
57
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?
Yes.
58
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?
Yes.
59
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?
No.
60
Do the Digital Imaging Guidelines direct that images that are to be produced as evidence must be validated by image numbering and the taker?
Yes.
61
What POL must accompany an exhibit package that is to be forwarded for analysis?
A POL 143.
62
When forwarding exhibits for analysis, can you include in one package several items of evidence?
No.
63
When forwarding exhibits for analysis, must they have been sealed by the collector at the time of collection?
Yes.
64
When forwarding exhibits for analysis, does the labelling of them have any correlation to potential contamination?
No.
65
What are the four steps undertaken when uplifting exhibits from a serious crime scene?
Record (Photograph), Notes, Uplift, Secure.
66
Is a scene record of a crime scene completed before searching for and uplifting exhibits?
Yes.
67
What is the procedure for packaging an exhibit in a standard brown paper exhibit bag?
Fold over the open end 2-3 times and secure with one length of wraparound tape, signing the seals.
68
If you are uplifting a forensically significant exhibit, should you be wearing gloves and protective clothing?
Yes.
69
Can a statement made by a dying victim be admissible, even if it isn't signed?
Yes.
70
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?
No.
71
Should the initial action party at a scene be responsible for establishing a CAP?
Yes.
72
When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you use emergency tape to cordon?
Yes.
73
When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you extend the parameters as widely as possible?
Yes.
74
When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you cordon only the area where the incident occurred?
No.
75
When setting scene boundaries for a serious crime, should you arrange and brief scene guards?
Yes.
76
Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by taking physical samples from witnesses?
Yes.
77
Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by transporting the victim and offender in different vehicles?
Yes.
78
Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by using different interview rooms for victims, witnesses and suspects?
Yes.
79
Should the initial response team to a serious crime prevent cross contamination by taking photographs of the victim's injuries ASAP?
Yes.
80
What is the first priority of staff arriving at a serious crime scene.
The safety of Police staff.
81
What is the only set of circumstances under which it is OK to move any items in a serious crime scene?
If they will be affected by the weather and cannot otherwise be protected.
82
What information should the handover briefing to the OC investigation by the OC initial incident include?
What needs to be done, what has not been done, and what action has been taken.
83
What is the first priority of the initial I-car attending a vehicle crash scene?
The safety of the scene.
84
What three components must an initial action plan for scene entry have?
Avoiding any known suspect path from the scene, Consideration of factors that may affect scene preservation, and delegation of responsibilities between team members.
85
What is the main priority of initial attendance officers when conducting a reconnaissance of the scene?
Surveying the scene in order to relay the action required to secure it.
86
Why would an officer accompany a S29 VRA victim who is transported to hospital?
In order to collect their clothing as exhibits.
87
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?
No.
88
Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to gather information for a handover briefing?
Yes.
89
Is one of the purposes of a preliminary interview with a witness at a serious crime scene to obtain their ID and details?
Yes.
90
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?
No.
91
With potential suspects at a serious crime scene, what should be noted in your notebook?
Their details, and demeanor.
92
What circumstances would justify the immediate uplift of a relevant item from a serious crime scene by the initial action party?
If that item could not be protected from weather and would deteriorate.
93
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?
Yes.
94
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?
Yes.
95
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?
Yes.
96
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?
No.
97
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?
Examine it with gloved hands.
98
Why is it important to consider the sequencing of examinations when submitting crime scene material for forensic analysis?
Because DNA analysis can destroy the forensic evidence required for fingerprint examination.
99
What are the minimum standards governing the collection of exhibits that are likely to be submitted for DNA forensic analysis?
Handle one item of evidential material at a time, gloves and masks should be worn.
100
If you find a turned-on cellphone at a crime scene, what action should you take to uplift it?
Leave it switched on, and contact ECL for advice.
101
What is the basic rule for electronic equipment found at a crime scene?
If it is on, leave it on. If it is off, leave it off.
102
How should small quantities of powders or tablets found at a crime scene be packaged to avoid loss or contamination?
In self sealing bags in a standard drugs envelope.
103
Why is it important to call a fingerprint officer to a homicide scene?
Because latent fingerprints in blood and other contaminants on a body can be destroyed when the body is moved.
104
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?
No.
105
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?
Yes.
106
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?
Yes.
107
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?
Yes.
108
If you locate a cellphone at a crime scene, should you turn it off or let the battery run flat?
No.
109
When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you unfold dry papers and package in a plastic sleeve/envelope?
Yes.
110
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?
Yes.
111
When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you enclose it between sheets of card?
Yes.
112
When packaging documents to send to the document examination section, should you attach completed labels to the exhibit package?
Yes.
113
Why is a CAP established?
To control access to the scene to prevent contamination.
114
Would when and where an offence occurred be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?
Yes.
115
Would how the offender entered the scene be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?
Yes.
116
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?
Yes.
117
Would fingerprints providing positive identification be a type of evidence that could be instrumental in establishing the MO of an offender?
No.
118
Is establishing the relevance of an exhibit to an enquiry one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?
No.
119
Is managing the receipt, control and storage of exhibits one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?
Yes.
120
Is preparing exhibits in the best manner for display to the court one of the responsibilities of the exhibits officer?
Yes.
121
What does adopting a search pattern at a crime scene achieve?
Examining the scene in a thorough and controlled manner.
122
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?
Yes.
123
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?
Yes.
124
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?
Yes.
125
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?
No.
126
Is the police interview record of a suspect's admissions a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?
No.
127
Is a suspect located soon after an incident a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?
Yes.
128
Is a vehicle that has been used as a getaway car a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?
Yes.
129
Is a victim of an assault a place that fits the definition of a possible crime scene?
Yes.
130
Would the re-use of scene equipment without cleaning it pose a serious risk of cross-contamination?
Yes.
131
Do staff examining exhibits in the hot zone have to wear full protective clothing?
Yes.
132
Do staff entering the hot zone by way of stepping plates have to wear full protective clothing?
Yes.
133
Do staff transitioning from the warm zone to the hot zone have to wear full protective gear?
Yes.
134
Do staff processing the exhibit collection in the warm zone have to wear full protective gear?
No.
135
Does an exhibit schedule contain records of the ID number allocated to each exhibit?
Yes.
136
Does an exhibit schedule contain records of all the material gathered for forensic analysis?
No.
137
Does an exhibit schedule contain photographs and DVD interviews?
Yes.
138
Does an exhibit schedule contain only those exhibits collected at the crime scene?
No.
139
Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check an exhibit package is sealed and signed?
Yes.
140
Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to maintain a log of exhibit movement?
Yes.
141
Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check the label on each exhibit is complete?
Yes.
142
Is it the responsibility of the exhibits officer to check the collection is safely secured?
Yes.
143
With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene display instructions about protective clothing?
Yes.
144
With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene place guards to monitor entry and exit?
No - not for the hot zone.
145
With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene establish a transition area for hot zone protection?
Yes.
146
With regard to managing the hot zone at a scene, should the OC scene brief searchers on the search strategy?
Yes.
147
What is the warm zone designed for with regard to exhibits?
Collection, recording and securing of the collection.
148
Are scene guards expected to keep notebook records of all movements near the scene?
Yes.
149
Are scene guards expected to give a general response to public or media questions?
No.
150
Are scene guards expected to prevent all unauthorised access to the scene?
Yes.
151
Are scene guards expected to be alert to circumstances that may cause contamination?
Yes.
152
Are stepping plates used so that they can conceal evidence embedded in the scene?
No.
153
Name three reasons why stepping plates are useful.
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
In which zone are logbook records kept of staff movements?
Cold zone.
155
In which zone do scene examiners discard protective clothing?
Warm zone.
156
In which zone is the scene search strategy communicated?
Cold zone.
157
In which zone are exhibits packaged, stored and sorted?
Warm zone.
158
What is a scene examination strategy?
A documented report providing an overview record of the management strategies, procedures followed and the outcomes achieved at the scene examination phase.
159
What information is essential to the integrity of a crime scene examination, when an OC initial action hands over to the OC scene?
Any details of post-incident movement in the crime scene.
160
What points must be covered by an OC scene when they are communicating a scene examination strategy?
Management of scene security, conducting of the forensic examination, site and timing of scene briefings, search pattern.
161
What are the four objectives that zoning a scene helps to achieve?
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
What are four points to remember regarding scene reconnaissance?
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
What are the four types of search pattern?
Grid, lane, zone and spiral.
164
Why is the decontamination zone model used at a major crime?
Because the scene will contain both biological and physical evidence.
165
What are the three main reasons why scene logs of people movements are essential when investigating a major crime?
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.
