Crime Scene Investigation Protocol

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Questions and Answers

Which field focuses on analyzing the marks left by tools at a crime scene?

Forensic Anthropology

Toolmarks (correct)

Pathology

Odontology

What is the primary responsibility of a forensic specialist in the field of Pathology?

Analyzing blood spatter patterns

Examine ammunition and gunpowder

Studying human remains

Investigating the cause and manner of death (correct)

Which type of evidence includes oral or written statements from witnesses?

Physical Evidence

Circumstantial Evidence

Documentary Evidence

Testimonial Evidence (correct)

In forensics, what role does a bloodstain pattern analyst fulfill?

Study blood spatter found at a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of insects called, which can help determine the time of death in forensics?

Forensic Entomology Signup and view all the answers

What term describes evidence that can be easily changed or lost at a crime scene?

Transient Evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered pattern evidence?

Blood spatter Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence identifies a particular person or object?

Individual Evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence can be linked only with a group of items that share characteristics?

Class Evidence Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence is represented by a statement made under oath?

Testimonial Evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence is produced through direct contact between individuals or objects?

Transfer Evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of biological evidence?

Hair Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of evidence collection at a crime scene?

To reconstruct the crime Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to scientists who analyze body fluids for criminal clues?

Serologists Signup and view all the answers

What role do psychologists play in forensic investigations?

They understand the scientific study of the mind and human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

In the crime scene protocol, what is the second step?

Examine Signup and view all the answers

Which type of forensic investigator analyzes digital media?

Cyber forensic investigator Signup and view all the answers

What does CODIS stand for?

Combined DNA Index System Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step of the crime scene protocol?

Process Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a person suspected of aiding in committing a crime?

Accomplice Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'latent' refer to in forensic science?

Hidden or not immediately observable evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which is the primary objective of a crime scene investigation?

To recognize, document, and collect evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does Locard's Principle state?

Every contact leaves a trace Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not classified as circumstantial evidence?

A confession by the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence can establish a link between a suspect and a crime based on unique characteristics?

Individual evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which option is an example of trace evidence?

Fingerprints on a glass Signup and view all the answers

Hair or body fluids collected at a crime scene would be categorized as what type of evidence?

Biological evidence Signup and view all the answers

The chain of custody in evidence handling ensures what?

Evidence can be tracked from collection to court presentation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about physical evidence is accurate?

It includes material items found at the crime scene or related to suspects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crime Scene Protocol

The first step is to interview witnesses and victims
Second, examine the scene
Third, document findings with sketches and photographs
The last step is to collect evidence using the correct techniques

Evidence Types

Physical evidence can be either testimonial or physical
Examples of testimonial evidence: Grand jury testimony, Statements given in response to police interrogation
Examples of physical evidence:
- Blood, semen, and saliva
- Documents
- Drugs
- Explosives
- Fibers
- Fingerprints

Evidence Types (cont.)

Transient evidence is temporary and can be easily lost
Pattern evidence is produced by a direct contact between people or objects
Conditional evidence is the result of a specific event or action
Associative evidence links a victim or suspect to a scene

Evidence Classifications

Individual evidence can identify a specific person or thing
Class evidence can identify a group that shares similar properties or characteristics
Chemical evidence includes elements that may be found on a victim, a suspect, or at a crime scene
Items that may associate a victim or suspect with a scene or each other; ie, personal belongings
Biological evidence includes body fluids, hair, plant parts, natural fibers

Locard's Principle

States that every contact leaves a trace

Key Terms

Serologists test bodily fluids to find clues
Latent print specialists identify fingerprints, footprints, and palmprints
CODIS is a database of DNA profiles from suspects and crimes
Botany is the study of plants, which can be used to identify location information
Toxicologists test body fluids to find drugs or poison
Forensic Psychologists study the mind and human behavior to provide clues about crimes
Forensic Physics is applied to crime scene investigation to analyze forces and motion
Computer forensic investigators specialize in digital evidence and cybercrime
DNA profiling identifies individuals by their unique genetic makeup
Suspect is someone thought to have committed a crime
Accomplice is someone believed to have assisted in a crime
Alibi is the statement a suspect provides that explains their whereabouts at the time of a crime
Crime scene is the location of a crime
Secondary crime scene is the location of additional evidence related to the original crime scene
Facial composite is a sketch of a person’s face
Physical evidence is a material item that can be tested
Polygraph is a lie detector

Evidence Collection

The primary goal of evidence collection is to document, recognize, and collect evidence that may be relevant to a crime
Chain of custody tracks evidence from collection to presentation in court

True or False

True: Physical evidence includes items present at a crime scene or on a victim
False: Class evidence does not narrow the identity to one specific individual
True: Biological evidence is often placed in a paper bindle
True: Direct evidence directly proves a fact without inference
True: Law enforcement and specialists may be involved in a CSI team

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Description

Test your knowledge on the protocols of crime scene investigation. This quiz covers the steps of the investigation process, types of evidence, and evidence classifications. Enhance your understanding of how evidence is collected and analyzed in criminal cases.