Crime Scene Investigation Procedures

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a statement of facts produced by SOCO?

To document the evidence collected at a crime scene (correct)

To inform the public about crime statistics

To summarize witness testimonies

To provide expert opinions on evidence

Which element is NOT typically included in a crime scene report?

Photographs of the crime scene

Location sketches

Details of witness interviews (correct)

Observations about local conditions

How is a crime scene report different from SOCO's statement of facts?

A crime scene report requires an opinion from the CSI.

A crime scene report is more technical and provides fewer details.

A crime scene report is only used for civil cases.

A crime scene report contains observations and the context of the scene. (correct)

What aspect of a crime scene report varies significantly between agencies?

The style and layout of the report Signup and view all the answers

What is included as part of the observations in a crime scene report?

Environmental conditions like weather and light Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a statement produced by SOCO at a crime scene?

To record activities and evidence at the scene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be included in a SOCO statement?

A signed declaration of the truthfulness of the contents Signup and view all the answers

According to the Criminal Procedures and Investigation Act (1996), what must both prosecution and defense disclose?

Any material that could undermine their case Signup and view all the answers

What should a SOCO include when describing their attendance at the crime scene?

Details of photographs taken and samples recovered Signup and view all the answers

In what situation could the defense apply for a court order regarding material held by the prosecution?

To access information that could assist the defense’s case Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of logging every movement of evidence?

To maintain continuity of evidence and establish custody. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the packaging of evidence is compromised?

No examination should take place. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following details is NOT essential on the evidence label?

Name of the police officer. Signup and view all the answers

What documentation method is NOT mentioned as an acceptable form for scene examination?

Typed reports on a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of creating crime scene sketches?

Accurate measurements and dimensions of the scene. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered important to ensure that evidence remains secure during transport?

All edges of the packaging must be secured with tamper-proof tape. Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when marking the location of seized items in a sketch?

Exact locations from which the items were recovered. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of evidence transportation is emphasized as crucial?

Signatures should indicate who has transported or examined the evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for scene preservation in forensics?

To prevent the contamination of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a Common Approach Path (CAP) at a crime scene?

To minimize the impact on evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a safe distance for a vehicle cordon at a bombing scene?

300 meters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of scene preservation?

Adding new evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the zoning of a crime scene help investigators to do?

Break down the scene into manageable sections for searching Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using evidence markers at a crime scene?

To indicate locations of key pieces of evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to establish a systematic search pattern in a crime scene zone?

To ensure thoroughness and reliability in evidence collection Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when someone approaches a cordoned-off scene?

Strictly prohibit entry to maintain integrity of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to include in a crime scene report?

Details of the crime incident Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a recommended detail for photographing a crime scene?

Time of day Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when writing a crime scene report?

Including statistical information only Signup and view all the answers

What type of details about victims must be included in a crime scene report?

Details of the victims involved in the incident Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding statements prepared for court is correct?

They must provide all details regarding what was observed and actions taken. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a crime scene report?

An investigative tool for law enforcement purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of the analysis regarding actions taken by offenders?

Items abandoned by the offender Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a detail that must be recorded about the crime scene?

Point and method of entry to the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using Electrostatic Document Examination (ESDA)?

To reveal indented writing Signup and view all the answers

Which method can be used to reveal invisible ink?

Gentle heating or ultraviolet fluorescence Signup and view all the answers

What does 'printer steganography' refer to?

The analysis of yellow dot patterns to trace printers Signup and view all the answers

What does the MG21 document specifically relate to?

Submission of forensic evidence for analysis Signup and view all the answers

Why might an organization's General Examination Record (GER) differ from others?

They are tailored to fit the needs of different forensic service providers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fingerprints is true?

Bertillonage was proposed as a means of identifying individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the limitations of graphology as proposed in the 1600s?

It linked writing style to personality traits but lacked scientific evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What information might be included in a General Examination Record (GER)?

Descriptions and sketches of evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods helps to determine the order of ink deposition?

Microscopy Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Bertillonage proposed as a method of identification?

1883 Signup and view all the answers

What could be a common use for invisible ink throughout history?

Messages between spies Signup and view all the answers

What can be determined by analyzing printed text closely?

The type of printer used Signup and view all the answers

What feature of ink can help in identifying printers?

Colors within black ink can vary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools plays a role in advanced analysis of documents?

SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 1 - Introduction and Evidence

Direct evidence establishes facts (eyewitness testimony or confessions).
Circumstantial evidence requires interpretation; most evidence falls into this category.
Locard's exchange principle: every contact leaves a trace.
Eye witness testimony has limitations, such as intentional blindness and change blindness.
The role of forensic science involves:
- Determining if a crime has been committed (scientific examination of evidence).
- Identifying the responsible party (fingerprints, footmarks, DNA is used).
- Assessing if a suspect is responsible (corroborating evidence).
- Determining if prosecution is supported (investigative evidence is examined by CPS to determine if prosecution is successful).

Week 2 - Crime Scenes

Crime scene: location of an illegal act; where most physical evidence is retrieved.
Crime scene investigations are conducted by trained law enforcement personnel (SOCOs, CSIs) or forensic scientists (laboratory-based).
Primary crime scene is where the crime occurred.
Secondary crime scenes are related to the crime but not the location of the crime.

Week 3 - Documenting a Scene

CSI job number, initials of person who recovered sample and the recovery sequence number; are logged to maintain continuity of evidence,
Details of every person who moved the evidence from scene to lab are recorded to ensure continuity of evidence,
Scene must be photographed; documenting the scene, and logging the actions and evidence.

Week 4 - Documents, Fraud and Forgery

Documents can contain information in a superficial or a deeper level.
Examination of a document is used to:
- Demonstrate its authenticity
- Identify the author
- Determine if the document has been altered
- Extract contextual information (e.g., hidden messages).
Types of examinations include handwriting, typewriters, photocopiers, inks, papers, etc.

Week 5 - Fingerprints

Fingerprints are collected under controlled conditions. Fingerprints are a method for identifying individuals.
Bertillonage (anthropometry) identified individuals using their bone measurements
Measurements for 11 body parts were recorded; using this technique identified people who had the same name but had different, unique fingerprints.

Week 6 - Fingermarks

Fingermarks are traces left by contact between fingers and surfaces.
They are used for identification.
Fingermarks are formed by the interaction of a finger and a surface.
Types of fingermarks include latent, patent, negative, plastic, and exemplar.
Surface and environmental exposure conditions must be considered when developing a fingermark.

Week 7 - Trace Evidence

Fingerprints are still a common method of identification by police.
Fingerprints can be used to check on the identity of a suspect.
Fingerprints can be matched with a database.
Fingerprints can be used to establish whether someone was at a crime scene or handled an object.
Taking the analysis account of the surface and environmental exposure to the fingerprints.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential elements of crime scene reporting and the role of the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO). Test your knowledge on the differences between SOCO's statements and overall crime scene reports, including legal obligations under the Criminal Procedures and Investigation Act (1996). Understand what is typically included in these documents and the variations across agencies.