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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of crime scene investigators at a crime scene?
What is the primary role of crime scene investigators at a crime scene?
Which step in the crime scene investigation process involves ensuring that the integrity of evidence is maintained from the scene to the courtroom?
Which step in the crime scene investigation process involves ensuring that the integrity of evidence is maintained from the scene to the courtroom?
What does the term 'chain of custody' refer to in forensic science?
What does the term 'chain of custody' refer to in forensic science?
During which step of the crime scene investigation process are witnesses separated?
During which step of the crime scene investigation process are witnesses separated?
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What is the primary purpose of scanning the scene in a crime investigation?
What is the primary purpose of scanning the scene in a crime investigation?
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What is the primary reason for separating witnesses at a crime scene?
What is the primary reason for separating witnesses at a crime scene?
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Which step in crime scene management involves marking evidence swiftly?
Which step in crime scene management involves marking evidence swiftly?
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What is the purpose of the crime scene sketch?
What is the purpose of the crime scene sketch?
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How is evidence documented during a crime scene investigation?
How is evidence documented during a crime scene investigation?
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Which action follows securing and excluding unauthorized individuals from a crime scene?
Which action follows securing and excluding unauthorized individuals from a crime scene?
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Match the following roles at a crime scene with their primary responsibilities:
Match the following roles at a crime scene with their primary responsibilities:
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Match the following steps in the crime scene investigation process with their descriptions:
Match the following steps in the crime scene investigation process with their descriptions:
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Match the following specialists with their fields of expertise:
Match the following specialists with their fields of expertise:
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Match the following steps of crime scene investigation with their sequential order:
Match the following steps of crime scene investigation with their sequential order:
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Match the concepts in crime scene investigation with their definitions:
Match the concepts in crime scene investigation with their definitions:
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The chain of custody ensures that evidence is lost during its transfer from the crime scene to the courtroom.
The chain of custody ensures that evidence is lost during its transfer from the crime scene to the courtroom.
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The first step in the crime scene investigation process is 'Securing and Collecting Evidence'.
The first step in the crime scene investigation process is 'Securing and Collecting Evidence'.
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Crime scene investigators are the only professionals allowed to interact with the crime scene.
Crime scene investigators are the only professionals allowed to interact with the crime scene.
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Witnesses are separated during the 'Scanning the Scene' step of crime scene investigation.
Witnesses are separated during the 'Scanning the Scene' step of crime scene investigation.
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Forensic science begins at the crime scene and cannot proceed without recognizing the evidence present.
Forensic science begins at the crime scene and cannot proceed without recognizing the evidence present.
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Study Notes
Investigative Processes: Crime Scene Investigation
- CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) procedures are crucial for maintaining evidence integrity.
- Evidence is essential to criminal cases, used for conviction, exoneration, or proving defendant guilt.
- Forensic science begins at the crime scene. Proper evidence recognition and preservation are critical.
- First responders (law enforcement, paramedics, fire fighters) are the first at a crime scene.
- Crime scene investigators document the scene and collect evidence.
- Medical examiners/coroners determine cause of death (COD).
- Detectives investigate leads and interview witnesses.
- Specialists (entomologists, psychologists, anthropologists, sketch artists) support the investigation.
- Investigators follow steps to secure, collect, and transport evidence to court.
- The chain of custody is a documented sequential record of evidence handling.
- Evidence is secured, collected, logged, & transported meticulously throughout investigation & court.
- Proper packaging for various evidence types is important
- Evidence packaging must be sealed with tape.
- The chain/log must be complete (and unbroken).
- Steps for crime scene investigation include securing the scene, separating witnesses, scanning the scene, seeing (photographing) the scene, sketching the scene, searching the scene, securing and collecting evidence.
- Evidence must be packaged appropriately, according to the type and state of the evidence.
- Small items may be packaged in a bindle (druggist's fold).
- Large items may be wrapped in paper.
- Dangerous objects (like weapons) should be packaged carefully, often swabbed for DNA and put in containers.
- Wet items (blood-soaked clothing, plants) must be air-dried or placed in breathable containers for prevention of molding.
- Evidence that could degrade must be handled with care and sometimes refrigerated.
- Arson evidence (like accelerants) is packaged to prevent leaks of vapors in airtight containers (e.g., metal cans).
- Throughout all steps of the process, proper chain-of-custody logging is very important, and ensures evidence is protected and not tampered with.
- If evidence is small & tiny, investigators place it in a "binde" (or druggist's fold).
- Investigators wear gloves to prevent contamination when handling evidence.
Securing the Crime Scene
- The first officer at the scene must preserve and protect the area.
- Prioritizing medical assistance for victims and arresting the perpetrator is essential.
- Unauthorized personnel are excluded; ropes or barricades are often used.
Separating Witnesses
- Witnesses must not communicate with each other.
- This helps prevent influence on their testimony.
Scanning the Crime Scene
- Investigators quickly scan the scene and mark evidence location.
- Useful for quick record keeping.
Seeing the Crime Scene
- A trained photographer documents evidence with photos.
- Photos must be made when new evidence is found.
Sketching the Scene
- A rough sketch shows the scene’s dimensions and evidence location.
- The sketch should match the photographs.
Searching the Scene
- Investigators thoroughly search the scene for evidence.
- A methodical search should cover the entire area.
Securing and Collecting Evidence
- Physical evidence can range from large items to microscopic traces.
- Each piece must be preserved and its integrity maintained.
- Evidence must be handled carefully and separately to avoid contamination.
- Proper packaging is crucial for transport and analysis.
Securing and Collecting Evidence: Packaging
- The chain of custody protects evidence. It records who handled evidence and where evidence was.
- Appropriate packaging is used depending on the evidence type, the item size, the material, the item's fragility.
- Small items can be bagged or folded into a bindle.
- Large items can be placed into bags or wrapped.
- Evidence should only be moved carefully and with careful documentation.
- Proper record-keeping and signatures are necessary to complete the chain of custody.
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Description
Explore the essential procedures for Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and the roles of various professionals in preserving evidence. Understand how evidence integrity is maintained from the moment first responders arrive at a crime scene to its presentation in court. This quiz delves into the critical steps involved in secure evidence handling and documentation.
