Evidence Law and Admissibility

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Questions and Answers

When should you create a crime scene sketch?

Before photographing the scene

After photographing the scene and before detailed work (correct)

After writing the report

After interviewing witnesses and suspects

What is the purpose of a crime scene sketch?

To supplement field notes and photographs (correct)

To replace field notes and photographs

To document only the testimony of witnesses

To document only the positions of objects

What information should be written on a piece of paper or whiteboard before photographing or sketching a crime scene or person?

Case number, location, date and time, and officer's name (correct)

Officer's name and report number only

Case number and location only

Date and time only

Why is it necessary to indicate in your report that you photographed or sketched the crime scene or person?

To testify that the photographs or sketch are true and accurate representations Signup and view all the answers

What can crime scene sketches show that are not easily visible in photographs?

Positions of objects in relation to one another Signup and view all the answers

When can you use crime scene sketches during an interview?

During interviews with witnesses, victims, and suspects Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the sketches if you use them during an interview?

Include them in the report Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to document where you recovered evidence in the scene?

To document where you recovered evidence in the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an investigation at a crime scene?

To determine what happened during an incident, identify and locate the suspect, and develop evidence to establish probable cause Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the good-faith exception doctrine?

It permits the admission of evidence seized under a warrant later deemed invalid, if the officers acted in good faith Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when securing a crime scene?

To ensure the safety of all persons involved and prevent further evidence destruction Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication is protected by privilege?

Communication between a sexual assault counselor and a sexual assault victim Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the preliminary investigation?

To establish whether a criminal act has been committed and, if so, what type and when and where it was committed Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ensuring that crime scene evidence is admissible?

It ensures that the evidence was obtained legally and can be used in court Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of privileged communications in an investigation?

To ensure the confidentiality of certain communications, such as those between a sexual assault counselor and a sexual assault victim Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a crime scene investigation?

To support successful prosecution of a crime Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary consideration when searching for evidence at a crime scene?

The type of crime committed Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a grid search pattern indoors?

It is more methodical and thorough Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to study the whole scene before searching for evidence?

To understand the relationships of the items' positions Signup and view all the answers

What should you keep in mind when handling evidence?

Exposure to certain substances can be harmful or fatal Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence would you search for at a burglary scene?

Evidence of illegal entry, such as pry marks on a doorframe Signup and view all the answers

When searching for evidence, what should you use to ensure a thorough search?

A systematic approach or pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when documenting photographs or sketches of a crime scene and evidence on a person?

Not provided in the content Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when searching and handling evidence?

To protect the officer from exposure to harmful substances Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when encountering a large amount of powder suspected to be fentanyl?

Evacuate the area immediately and call a hazmat team Signup and view all the answers

What should you wear when handling substances suspected to be fentanyl or carfentanil?

Gloves, long sleeves, a surgical or dust mask, and eye protection Signup and view all the answers

What is the antidote for opioid overdose?

Naloxone Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when packaging sharp objects, such as needles or syringes?

Package them in a puncture-proof package clearly labeled with the words 'WARNING: SHARPS' Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of exposure to fentanyl or carfentanil?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when collecting drug paraphernalia?

Package sharp objects, such as needles or syringes, in puncture-proof packages clearly labeled with the words 'WARNING: SHARPS' Signup and view all the answers

Why should you have another officer nearby when conducting a field test on a substance suspected to be fentanyl or carfentanil?

To assist you in case of exposure to the substance Signup and view all the answers

Where should you place a substance suspected to be fentanyl or carfentanil when transporting it?

In the trunk of your vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying the lifting tape smoothly from the tabbed end to the rolled end?

To release any trapped air and avoid foreign matter Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to follow agency policies and procedures when handling firearms evidence?

To avoid contaminating the evidence with your fingerprints and DNA Signup and view all the answers

What information should be recorded on the back of the fingerprint print card?

The date, case number, location of the crime scene, and any other agency-required information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of elimination prints in a crime scene investigation?

To distinguish between prints belonging to victims, witnesses, or suspects Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid touching the lifting tape to another surface when lifting it from the print?

To prevent contamination of the tape with foreign matter Signup and view all the answers

What should you use to smooth out the lifting tape and release any trapped air?

Your finger, pen, or another object Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to place the lifting tape on the fingerprint card?

Place the tape on the correct side of the card, in the designated area Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in collecting latent prints?

Submitting the latent print cards as evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crime Scene Investigation

The good-faith exception doctrine allows evidence to be admissible in court even if the search warrant is later deemed invalid, as long as the officer executing the warrant believed it to be valid at the time.

Privileged Communication

The Florida Evidence Code recognizes the importance of protecting certain privileged communications, such as those between a sexual assault counselor and victim, or a domestic violence advocate and victim.
These communications are private, protected, and confidential, and their disclosure cannot be forced.

Securing and Protecting the Crime Scene

The purpose of an investigation is to determine what happened, identify and locate the suspect, and develop enough evidence to establish probable cause to make an arrest.
The preliminary investigation focuses on establishing whether a criminal act has been committed and, if so, what type and when and where it was committed.

Photographing Evidence

Photograph evidence on a person before sketching the crime scene.
Include the following information on a piece of paper or whiteboard and take a photograph:
- Case number
- Location
- Date and time
- Officer's name
Indicate in the report that the photographs or sketches are true and accurate representations of the crime scene or person.

Sketching the Crime Scene

Sketch the crime scene after photographing the scene and before beginning detailed work.
A crime scene sketch supplements field notes and photographs, and aids in reconstruction, explanation, and permanent recording of an incident.
Use sketches to document where evidence was recovered in the scene.
Sketches can show positions of objects in relation to one another that are not easily visible in photographs.

Evidence-Handling Procedures

Search for evidence using a systematic approach or pattern, depending on the type of crime committed.
Use standard precautions and apply PPE when searching and handling evidence to avoid exposure to harmful substances.
Follow agency policies and procedures for collecting, packaging, and preserving evidence.

Collecting Latent Prints

Use a lifting tape to collect latent prints from a surface.
Apply the tape carefully to avoid trapping foreign matter or air bubbles.
Smooth out the tape from the tabbed end back toward the rolled end or vice versa.
Lift the tape slowly, being careful not to touch the tape to another surface.
Place the tape on the fingerprint card in the same way that it was placed over the print.
Record the date, case number, location, and any other required information on the back of the fingerprint print card.

Elimination Prints

Elimination prints allow fingerprint analysts to distinguish between prints belonging to victims and witnesses, or possible suspects.
Take fingerprints from anyone who may have been at the crime scene to eliminate their prints from the pool of suspects.

Firearms Evidence

When recovering a firearm or ammunition at a crime scene, follow agency policies and procedures for handling such evidence.
Apply PPE to avoid contaminating the firearm or ammunition with fingerprints and DNA.

Chemical or Toxicological Evidence

Identify various controlled substances and drug paraphernalia by sight or odor.
Use a field test kit to test a substance before collecting and packaging it as evidence.
Package sharp objects, such as needles or syringes, in puncture-proof packages clearly labeled with the words "WARNING: SHARPS."
Follow agency policies and procedures for handling hazardous substances, such as fentanyl or carfentanil.

Fentanyl and Carfentanil

Fentanyl and carfentanil are highly potent and hazardous substances that can be absorbed through mucous membranes.
When encountering these substances, follow agency policies and procedures for field-testing, collecting, packaging, and transporting.
Use PPE, such as gloves, long sleeves, a surgical or dust mask, and eye protection.
Conduct field-testing in an open environment with no wind.
Mark the package as "suspected fentanyl" and transport it with caution.
If exposed to fentanyl or carfentanil, follow agency policies and procedures for decontamination.
Signs of exposure include disorientation, difficulty speaking or walking, slowed pulse, nausea, slow shallow breathing, and respiratory arrest.

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Description

Test your knowledge of evidence law, including the good-faith exception doctrine and privileged communication. Learn how to ensure evidence admissibility in criminal investigations.