Criminal Justice Week 1-2 Overview
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Questions and Answers

What should be placed in every photograph taken of the evidence?

  • A timestamp
  • A scale or ruler (correct)
  • An identification tag
  • An eyewitness report

What must be done if the evidence is found to be damp?

  • Dry it before repackaging (correct)
  • Immediately discard the evidence
  • Seal it in a plastic bag
  • Repackage it without drying

When handling evidence, what action can invalidate the evidence?

  • Contamination or damage (correct)
  • Storing it in a secured location
  • Properly labeling the evidence
  • Documenting the chain of custody

What must accompany every diagram prepared during evidence examination?

<p>Significant measurements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which label must be signed and placed on the outside of the evidence packaging?

<p>Continuity label (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What direction does an inward spiral search begin?

<p>From the edge of the scene towards the center (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle highlights the importance of handling evidence to prevent contamination?

<p>Locard’s Principle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that can lead to evidence degradation?

<p>Inappropriate storage conditions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does cross-contamination in evidence recovery refer to?

<p>Unintentional transfer of evidence between different items or personnel (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered under Locard’s Principle?

<p>Color of the transferred material (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to maintain the integrity of evidence during recovery?

<p>Minimizing the number of handlers involved (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)?

<p>To store and search fingerprint and crime scene databases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which search pattern involves starting at the center of the scene and moving outward?

<p>Outward spiral (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is used to identify matches between a coded ridge detail and a fingerprint database?

<p>Search against the IDENT1 database (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many experts need to independently verify the fingerprint identification conclusion?

<p>Two (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of improper handling of evidence?

<p>Potential contamination of evidence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to analyze fingermarks non-destructively?

<p>To retain the original condition of the evidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT considered during the analysis of developing a fingermark?

<p>Color of the material (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can fingerprints NOT be used to determine according to the provided information?

<p>The type of crime committed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in identifying fingerprint matches after coding ridge details?

<p>Select potential matches from the database (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method used for developing fingerprint marks?

<p>Wet chemical reagents (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which materials are primarily used in modern pigments to create fluorescence?

<p>Microcrystalline host based on oxides, sulphides, and rare earth elements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enables the authenticity of certain designs to be checked?

<p>Changing the viewing angle and illumination settings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To maintain continuity of evidence and its custody (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines bichromatic inks?

<p>They change color when viewed from different angles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of modern fluorescence-related materials?

<p>They are composed solely of natural pigments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which information is NOT required on the evidence label?

<p>Witness contact information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes disappearing inks?

<p>These inks are visible only under specific light conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>No examination should take place (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to document a crime scene?

<p>Social media postings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a contemporaneous record describe when seizing items from a scene?

<p>Exact locations from which the items were recovered (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of using tamper-proof tape on evidence packages?

<p>To secure the edges and deter tampering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When conducting sketches of a crime scene, what is crucial to include?

<p>Accurate measurements and location of objects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be written on the adhesive tape used for labeling evidence?

<p>Initials and date marking the time of collection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of using ultraviolet light in imaging?

<p>It may degrade biological material. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which optical process is particularly useful for revealing marks on multi-coloured backgrounds?

<p>Infrared reflection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many serious crime marks are held in the UK's national fingerprint database?

<p>173,260 serious crime marks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to fingerprint images in England and Wales once a suspect is charged?

<p>They remain unless the individual is acquitted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of matches made each year using data from the national fingerprint database?

<p>85,000 matches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of digital imaging in fingermarks imaging?

<p>It enables real-time imaging outside the visible spectrum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of prints does the UK's national fingerprint database incorporate?

<p>Fingerprints, palm prints, and scene of crime marks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the removal of mug-shot photographs from the database?

<p>They are removed upon acquittal in Scotland. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Outward Spiral Search Pattern

A search pattern where investigators start at the centre of the scene and move outwards in a spiral.

Inward Spiral Search Pattern

A search pattern where investigators start at the edge of the scene and move inwards in a spiral.

Evidence Preservation

The preservation of evidence involves protecting it from damage, degradation, contamination and cross-contamination.

Evidence Damage

Damage to evidence can occur due to improper handling or packaging.

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Evidence Degradation

Degradation of evidence can occur due to inappropriate storage conditions such as high humidity or temperature.

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Evidence Integrity

Maintaining the chain of custody ensures the evidence hasn't been tampered with.

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Evidence Contamination

Evidence contamination can occur through contact with other substances or individuals.

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Cross Contamination

Cross contamination occurs when evidence from different sources is mixed together.

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Initial Evidence Examination

Inspecting an item for visible stains or damage using your eyes and a light source if available.

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Recording Evidence Condition

Documentation of the item's condition, including a detailed description and any markings or measurements.

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Evidence Continuity Labels

Ensuring continuity of evidence by capturing the moment someone handles it.

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Drying Evidence

Drying out damp evidence before repackaging to prevent mold and deterioration.

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Invalidating Evidence

Actions that could compromise the integrity of evidence by altering its state or introducing contamination.

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Evidence Log

The process of recording every movement of evidence, from collection to analysis, ensuring its integrity and chain of custody.

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Evidence Label

A label attached to evidence, containing specific information about its origin, identity, and collection details.

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Evidence Packaging Security

Securing evidence packaging with tamper-proof tape, marked with initials and date, to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

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Crime Scene Sketch

Drawing with accurate measurements showing the scene layout, object positions, and relevant details.

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Contemporaneous Record

A record made at the time of evidence collection, capturing details about its location and recovery process.

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ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Investigators)

An international network of forensic science professionals advocating for best practices in crime scene investigations.

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Crime Scene Documentation

A comprehensive documentation method for crime scenes, including notes, sketches, photos, and video recordings.

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Chain of Custody

A system for ensuring evidence integrity, tracking its movement and handling by authorized personnel.

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UV Fluorescent pigments

A type of pigment that emits light when exposed to UV radiation, with the color of the light depending on the activator used.

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Anti-Stokes Features

A material that absorbs energy (like UV light) and then emits light at a longer wavelength.

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Bichromatic Inks

A material that changes color based on the angle from which it is viewed.

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Upconversion

A material that emits light at a shorter wavelength than the light it absorbs.

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Fluorescent Pigment Composition

Fluorescent pigments are composed of a 'host' material, like oxides or sulphides, and activated with 'activators'.

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AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)

A system that uses computers to compare and identify fingerprints.

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National Fingerprint Database

A database containing fingerprints of known individuals, often used to identify suspects.

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Unidentified Crime Scene Marks Database

A database containing unidentified fingerprints found at crime scenes.

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Ridge Detail Encoding

The process of converting fingerprint details into a digital format for comparison within AFIS.

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IDENT1 Database

A database used to compare the coded fingerprint details against a database of known fingerprints.

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Expert Fingerprint Comparison

The process of reviewing potential matches from the AFIS search and determining the most likely identification.

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Fingerprint Identification for Scene Evidence

The process of using fingerprints to determine if a person was present at a crime scene or handled an object.

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Fingerprint Identification for Suspect Verification

The process of using fingerprints to verify the identity of a suspect.

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UV light limitation

UV light can damage biological material, making it unsuitable for certain forensic applications.

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Infrared reflection in forensics

Infrared reflection is particularly effective for revealing markings on surfaces with complex patterns and colors.

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Digital imaging in forensics

Digital imaging in forensics allows real-time visualization outside the visible spectrum, image processing, and quick identification of captured details.

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UK Fingerprint Database

The UK's national database stores fingerprints, palm prints, and scene of crime marks for identification purposes.

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Fingerprint matching rate

The UK database matches 85,000 crime scene marks against stored fingerprints annually.

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Fingerprint collection in the UK

Every individual arrested in England, Scotland, and Wales has their fingerprints and palm prints taken and stored in the national database.

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Fingerprints removal in the UK

Fingerprint images are typically only removed from the UK database when a suspect is charged, but Scotland removes records upon acquittal.

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Fingerprint types in the UK database

The UK database contains information on both ink-based and scanned fingerprints.

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Study Notes

Week 1 - Introduction and Evidence

  • Direct evidence establishes facts, such as eyewitness testimony or confessions.
  • Circumstantial evidence requires interpretation; many types of evidence fall into this category. Examples include DNA evidence.
  • Locard's exchange principle states that "every contact leaves a trace."
  • Eyewitness testimony has limitations, including intentional blindness and change blindness.
  • Forensic science has roles in determining if a crime occurred, identifying the responsible party, confirming suspect responsibility and determining if prosecution is viable.

Week 2 - Crime Scenes

  • A crime scene is the location where an illegal act took place.
  • Trained law enforcement personnel, crime scene investigators (CSIs), or forensic scientists retrieve evidence.
  • The primary crime scene is where the actual crime occurred.
  • Secondary crime scenes are related to the crime but not the primary location.
  • There can be many secondary crime scenes.

Role of Investigators

  • Crime investigation process involves steps from crime to court.
  • Scene examination includes preserving, assessing, recording, documenting, identifying and gathering evidence.
  • Includes confirming crime committed, preserving scene, identifying key evidence, recording and recovering evidence, packaging storing, briefing and preparing statements, and presenting evidence in court.
  • Crime types are categorized as volume or major crimes.

Forensic Science Is Expensive

  • Minor crimes require a decision as to what items should be sent for analysis.
  • Major crimes often have high profile implications and require more extensive documentation.

Ensure Health and Safety

  • Set up cordons and rendezvous points.
  • Prevent people from accessing the crime scene.
  • Establish crime scene and attendance log.
  • Perform dynamic risk assessment, including environmental assessment (biological hazards and chemical hazards).
  • Control access to the crime scene with cordons.
  • Preserve continuity of evidence
  • Maintain a safe distance for individuals at the scene.
  • Follow cordon safety distances.

Scene Preservation

  • Loss of evidence, destruction of evidence, contamination of evidence, and movement of evidence should be prevented.
  • Establish a common approach path (CAP).
  • Initial preservation of evidence includes using stepping plates and placing evidence markers.

Managing Evidence

  • Zoning a crime scene is helpful for dividing into zones.
  • Physical zones are divided by barrier tapes.
  • Search methods in complex crime scenes include parallel/strip search and grid method, spiral methods (inward and outward)

Preserving Evidence: Evidence Packaging

  • Address damage to evidence, such as degradation and contamination.
  • Correct packaging is important.
  • Minimize handling of evidence.
  • Appropriate storage considerations- storage in a safe environment.

Crime Scenes, Items of Interest

  • Items of interest from crime scenes may be property, trace evidence, images, photographs, body fluid swabs, fingerprints or footwear analysis.
  • Photos of items of interest should be taken in situ.

Packaging, Considerations, Types

  • Consider health and safety, size, containment, contact preservation, potential freezing requirements, puncture/rip risks, and the need for easy viewing of the evidence.
  • Various types of packaging include paper bags, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, evidence bags or other similar materials.

Continuity and Labelling

  • Use unique identifiers for specific samples and scene conditions.
  • Comprehensive record keeping ensures accuracy and verification.

Week 3 - Documenting a Scene

  • Establish a CSI job number for each sample.
  • Track sample movement from scene to lab.
  • Ensure proper documentation and completion of an event log.

Week 4 - Documents, Fraud and Forgery

  • Documents, by definition, contain information.
  • Documents can be used to determine authorship, origin, alteration, or hidden messages.
  • Examination of documents includes handwriting, typewriters, photocopiers, laser printers, and ink-jet printers, fax machines, rubber stamps, price markers, label makers and the processes of printing, ink, pencil, paper.
  • Alterations, additions, erasures, obliterations can all be detected.

Week 5 - Fingerprints

  • Bertillonage is an older method for identifying individuals based on physical measurements.
  • Fingerprints are unique from birth and remain unchanged.
  • Patterns of ridges on fingers and palms help with grip.

Week 6 - Fingermarks

  • Fingermarks are the traces left on surfaces from contact.
  • Different types of fingermarks exist, such as latent, patent, and plastic.
  • The presence of contaminants at the scene may or may not be relevant.
  • The nature of the surface will affect the marks.

Week 7 - Trace Evidence

  • Trace evidence is anything left at a crime scene, and may be included as an important part of investigations.
  • Fingerprint matching uses the UK's national database.
  • Matching takes place with the database of fingerprints and palm prints, and incorporates other elements into the matching process.

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Forensic Science Notes - Week 1-2 PDF

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of criminal justice in this quiz, focusing on the types of evidence, crime scene analysis, and the roles of forensic science. Understand the significance of direct vs. circumstantial evidence and the importance of crime scene investigators. Test your knowledge of key principles and terminology related to evidence gathering and crime scene management.

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