Forensic Science Study Guide Review

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of securing a crime scene?

  • To prevent contamination of evidence (correct)
  • To speed up the investigation process
  • To allow anyone to enter freely
  • To reduce the cost of the investigation

Why is understanding the chain of custody important in forensic science?

  • To increase the value of the evidence
  • To simplify the investigation process
  • To speed up evidence processing
  • To ensure evidence integrity and admissibility in court (correct)

What is the main purpose of packaging and storing evidence properly?

  • To hide the evidence from suspects
  • To make it easier to transport
  • To preserve its integrity for analysis (correct)
  • To save storage space

What are universal precautions in forensic science?

<p>Standard safety measures to prevent exposure to potential hazards (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is recording the crime scene important in forensic investigations?

<p>To create a permanent record of the scene before evidence collection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the first step taken by a first responding officer at a crime scene?

<p>Secure the scene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between presumptive and confirmatory tests in forensic analysis?

<p>Presumptive tests provide a definite identification while confirmatory tests only suggest the presence of a substance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the majority of a forensic analyst's work take place?

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

In forensic analysis, what does the term 'examination' refer to?

<p>Initial observation and assessment of evidence (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting Microchemical confirmatory tests for blood in a forensic analysis?

<p>To confirm the presence of blood based on color changes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of Short Tandem Repeat Multiplexes in forensic analysis?

<p>Profiling methods for DNA analysis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique is commonly used for visualizing latent fingerprints in forensic investigations?

<p>Powder dusting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Testimony Recording Chain of Custody?

<p>To record the handling and storage of evidentiary items (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

<p>Sample analysis results (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

'Angle of Impact' is a concept related to which area of bloodstain pattern analysis?

<p>Target surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the parameters that should be considered when validating a method in forensic analysis?

<p>Reproducibility and repeatability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of forensic laboratories, what does DQ stand for in the process of equipment and instrumentation management?

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

Why is a final report necessary in forensic analysis?

<p>To document the entire analysis process and results (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of archiving in a forensic laboratory?

<p>To preserve records and evidence for future reference or legal requirements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of chain of custody in forensic science.

<p>Chain of custody is crucial to maintain the integrity and admissibility of evidence by documenting who had possession of the evidence at all times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of packaging and storing evidence properly in forensic investigations.

<p>Proper packaging and storing of evidence prevent contamination, degradation, or loss of evidence, ensuring its integrity for analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some measures taken with outdoor crime scenes in forensic investigations?

<p>Measures include protecting the scene from environmental factors, documenting the scene thoroughly, and collecting and packaging evidence with care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of universal precautions in forensic science.

<p>Universal precautions are necessary to protect forensic professionals from exposure to potential hazards like bloodborne pathogens or chemicals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the role of first responding officers at a crime scene in forensic investigations.

<p>First responding officers secure the scene, prevent contamination, and document initial observations to guide further investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of markers of death in identifying human remains in forensic science?

<p>Markers of death, such as rigor mortis or livor mortis, provide valuable information on the time of death, aiding in establishing a timeline for forensic analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of an analytical procedure in method validation?

<p>The components include specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and uncertainty of measurement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does DQ, IQ, OQ, and PQ stand for in the context of equipment and instrumentation?

<p>They stand for Design Qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements included in a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)?

<p>The components of an SOP include detailed instructions, safety precautions, quality control measures, and record-keeping procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of Test Article Tracking (Chain of Custody) in forensic analysis?

<p>Test Article Tracking, also known as Chain of Custody, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of evidence by documenting its handling from collection to analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a final report necessary in forensic analysis?

<p>A final report in forensic analysis is required to document the findings, procedures, and results of an examination, providing a comprehensive and formal record of the analysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of archiving in a forensic laboratory and why is it done?

<p>Archiving in a forensic laboratory involves storing and preserving case-related materials, including evidence, reports, and documentation, for future reference or legal purposes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between presumptive and confirmatory tests in forensic analysis.

<p>Presumptive tests indicate the possible presence of a substance, while confirmatory tests conclusively identify the substance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ABO Blood Grouping in forensic analysis?

<p>ABO Blood Grouping helps in narrowing down potential suspects and victims based on their blood type.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between examination and analysis in forensic science.

<p>Examination is the observation and description of evidence, while analysis involves interpreting and drawing conclusions from the evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of conducting Short Tandem Repeat Multiplexes in forensic analysis?

<p>Short Tandem Repeat Multiplexes are used for DNA profiling and identifying individuals based on unique genetic markers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the process of drug degradation and why it is important in forensic toxicology.

<p>Drug degradation refers to the breakdown of substances over time, which can impact the accuracy of toxicology results and interpretation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common preliminary/presumptive tests used in toxicology analysis?

<p>Marquis test, Scott test, Duquenois-Levine test</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is considered the 'gold standard' in drug confirmation.

<p>GC/MS provides highly accurate and specific identification of drugs through separation and analysis of compounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of DNA extraction in a forensic laboratory.

<p>DNA extraction involves isolating DNA from a sample using various methods such as organic extraction or chelex extraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of blood spatter pattern analysis in forensic science?

<p>Blood spatter pattern analysis helps in reconstructing events at a crime scene, determining the direction and angle of impact, and identifying the area of origin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Forensic Science History

  • Basic important people and general timeframe of discoveries made

Basic Tenets of Forensic Science

  • Understand basic principles of forensic science
  • Value of evidence and types of evidence
  • Significance of various types of evidence

Crime Scene Investigation

  • Securing the crime scene
  • Contamination and prevention measures
  • Searching and collecting evidence
  • Preservation, packaging, and storing of evidence
  • Types of searches: primary, secondary, and thorough
  • Recording the scene and scene walkthrough
  • First responding officer's role

Biological Samples

  • Types of biological samples: blood, semen, saliva, urine, feces, vaginal secretions, and touch DNA
  • Collection, packaging, and storage of each type of sample
  • Importance of proper handling and preservation of biological evidence

Human Remains and Identification

  • Means of identifying time of death
  • Markers of death: algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis
  • Measures taken for outdoor and indoor scenes, including environmental factors

Evidence Handling

  • Documentation and reference standards
  • Controls and appropriate packaging of samples
  • Crime scene safety: routes of exposure, universal precautions, and personal protective equipment

Laboratory Analysis

  • Examination procedure followed by forensic biologists
  • Process of sample analysis from collection to storage
  • Difference between presumptive and confirmatory tests
  • Examples of each type of test

Serology

  • ABO blood grouping and secretor status
  • Blood enzymes and proteins: tissue distribution and storage
  • Blood spatter and hemodynamics
  • Clot formation and bruising
  • Bloodstain pattern analysis: physics, target surface, directionality, area of origin, and angle of impact

DNA Structure

  • Profiling methods: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) and Multiplexes
  • Extraction methods: organic, chelex, and differential
  • Quantitation and amplification (PCR)
  • Steps involved in DNA analysis

Fingerprints

  • Definitions and patterns
  • Skin structure and sub-patterns
  • Latent prints, visualization, and recovery methods
  • Powders and other visualization methods

Trace Evidence

  • Significance and use of glass, hair, fiber, and paint evidence
  • Fracture patterns, measurements, and layering
  • Means of examination and analysis

Firearms and Toolmarks

  • Definitions and terminology
  • Means of comparison, Gunshot Residue (GSR), and analysis
  • Test firing and distance determination

Fires and Explosive Examination

  • Definitions and terminology
  • Importance of understanding fires and explosions in forensic science

Illicit Drugs

  • Controlled Substances Act and schedules
  • Common illicit drugs: cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, marijuana, hallucinogens, LSD, and psilocybin
  • Identification and analysis of unknown drug samples
  • Contamination issues and significance of drug evidence

Forensic Toxicology

  • Drug analysis: processing unknown samples from intake to final confirmatory analysis
  • Drug degradation: causes, importance, and effects
  • Preliminary/presumptive tests: definition, examples, and principles
  • Examination processes: Liquid-liquid extraction, Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and more

Testimony and Recording

  • Chain of custody: importance, process, and documentation
  • Pretrial preparation, cross-examination, and direct examination
  • Jury impact: credibility, education, and experience
  • Error recovery: handling mistakes on the stand
  • Deposition: definition, purpose, and process
  • Public speaking techniques: presentation, dress, and manner

QAQC

  • Key elements: personnel/training, facilities, files, equipment, and instrumentation
  • Test Article Tracking (Chain of custody)
  • Standard Operating Procedures: components and importance
  • Method validation: components, parameters, and importance
  • Final report and archiving: components, importance, and process
  • Inspections and compliance: accreditations and audits

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