Forensic Science Overview
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Questions and Answers

What should be done if the evidence is damp before repackaging?

  • Leave it to dry outside in the sunlight.
  • Dry it completely before repackaging. (correct)
  • Repackage it immediately to prevent further damage.
  • Sign the evidence label first before drying.
  • Which statement accurately describes how to handle the original packaging of evidence?

  • Use only one signature label to keep it simple.
  • Seal it with a regular adhesive tape for easier access later.
  • Reseal using thick sticky tape and place signature seals on the cut. (correct)
  • Repackage the evidence in a new container to ensure freshness.
  • Which of the following actions could invalidate evidence?

  • Recording the location of the exhibit.
  • Taking a photograph without a scale. (correct)
  • Signing the CJA continuity label correctly.
  • Replacing the evidence in original packaging.
  • What is the purpose of signing the CJA continuity label?

    <p>To confirm that packaging has not been tampered with. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with diagrams created during evidence examination?

    <p>They must be labeled clearly and include significant measurements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included on the label attached to evidence?

    <p>Name and date of birth of the suspect(s) if known (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of compromised tamper-proof packaging of evidence?

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

    What is the purpose of documenting a crime scene according to best practices?

    <p>To create a permanent record of the evidence and its context (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should happen if there is a discrepancy between the label and the logbook?

    <p>The evidence's examination must be halted until the issue is resolved (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of records are considered contemporaneous according to forensic best practices?

    <p>Records made at the exact time of item seizures from the scene (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods is NOT a form of documentation for a crime scene?

    <p>Post-scene interrogations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices ensures continuity of evidence?

    <p>Logging each movement of evidence meticulously (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What details must be marked on the packaging of evidence?

    <p>Initials and date with tamper-proof security (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which technique primarily utilizes the physical and chemical properties of fingermark constituents for material deposition?

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

    What is the purpose of using coloured filters when combined with white light during fingermark imaging?

    <p>To suppress distracting backgrounds and increase contrast (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods would NOT be classified under fingermark imaging techniques?

    <p>Magnetic powder dusting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In fluorescence examination, what is the characteristic feature that aids in increasing contrast?

    <p>Fingermark fluoresces while background does not (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes the outcome of specular lighting in fingermark examination?

    <p>It improves contrast by highlighting the ridges of the fingermark. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) in forensic investigations?

    <p>To protect evidence from external contamination (A), To ensure the safety of the crime scene investigator (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason to examine documents in forensic analysis?

    <p>To establish ownership (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'superficial level' refer to in the context of information in documents?

    <p>The physical characteristics like handwriting style (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of document examination involves detecting changes in the document's form?

    <p>Altercation detection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of 'sequence determination' in document examination?

    <p>It aids in identifying the chronological order of changes or events (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following tools is primarily used for indent detection in forensic document examination?

    <p>High-intensity light source (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to handle evidence carefully during forensic analysis?

    <p>To comply with legal requirements and minimize contamination risks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which primary aspect of document examination involves assessing if a document has been altered?

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

    What was a significant limitation of the Bertillonage system as demonstrated in the West Brother’s case?

    <p>It could not differentiate between individuals with the same name. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which percentage of all fingerprints are classified as arches?

    <p>5% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which gland is exclusively found in the areas where fingerprints are formed?

    <p>Eccrine glands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Tented arch characterized by?

    <p>Central upthrusting ridges that meet at a 90-degree angle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do fingerprint enhancement techniques primarily exploit?

    <p>Differences between the fingerprint properties and surface characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect determines the selection of enhancement techniques for fingermarks?

    <p>The Triangle of Interaction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are latent fingerprints often made visible?

    <p>Through enhancement techniques that create a contrast. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome of fingerprints due to the local conditions experienced during their formation?

    <p>They show variations even in identical twins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the fingerprint manual advise on?

    <p>Which technique to use based on surface type and order of application. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What generally does not change throughout an individual's life regarding fingerprints?

    <p>The unique patterns formed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary motivation behind the initial development of graphology in the 1600s?

    <p>To link writing style to the characters of authors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does ESDA stand for, and what is its primary use?

    <p>Electrostatic Document Examination; to detect indented writing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which basic method can be used to reveal invisible ink made from lemon juice?

    <p>Heating the document gently (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the identification of printers?

    <p>Ink composition can help identify different brands of inkjet printers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique feature can color printers leave behind that may assist in tracing the exact printer used?

    <p>Yellow dot patterns detectable under forensic analysis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the MG21 ‘Request for Analysis Form’ in forensic contexts?

    <p>To document evidence submission and provide case background (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the GER (General Examination Record) assist forensic examiners?

    <p>It keeps contemporaneous notes and ensures consistency in evidence examination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the principle behind Bertillonage as proposed in 1883?

    <p>Systematic measurement of human physical features (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the order of ink deposition in forensic document analysis?

    <p>It helps understand authorship and authenticity of markings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge exists when trying to link a document to a specific printer?

    <p>Black ink is typically made from multiple color combinations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are complex chemistries developed for inks in forensic testing?

    <p>To reveal inks only with specific chemical developers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way that microscopy can aid in document examination?

    <p>It can help determine the sequence of ink line deposition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'Bertillonage' considered a precursor to in identification processes?

    <p>Fingerprinting techniques (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about invisible ink is false?

    <p>All invisible inks can be revealed by ultraviolet light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Initial Examination

    The initial visual inspection of evidence to identify any visible stains or damage.

    GER Documentation

    Documenting the condition and details of the evidence item using a specific form called the GER.

    Contemporaneous Notes

    Recording all details about the evidence, like measurements and diagrams, while the examination is happening.

    Drying Damp Evidence

    The process of restoring an item to its original condition before packaging to ensure accurate documentation and analysis.

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    Invalidating Evidence

    Incorrect handling or alteration of evidence that can compromise its integrity and validity in court.

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    Evidence Chain of Custody

    Logging every movement of evidence, including who handled it, when, and where it was taken.

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    Signatures on Evidence

    Signatures on evidence indicate individuals who have handled, transported, or examined it. These signatures ensure accountability and provide a record of custody.

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    Labeling Evidence

    Proper labeling of evidence includes details like the name of the suspect, the item's description, location of discovery, and date of collection. This ensures clear identification and organization of collected items.

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    Securing Evidence

    Packaging evidence with tamper-proof tape and marking it with the collector's initials and date helps prevent tampering and ensures the evidence's integrity.

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    Label-Logbook Matching

    All label information must match the corresponding logbook entry, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the chain of custody.

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    Compromised Evidence Packaging

    Any compromise in the packaging of evidence, such as broken seals or tears, indicates potential contamination or tampering.

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    Crime Scene Sketches

    Crime scene sketches should be detailed and accurate, providing measurements and positions of objects. This helps visualize the scene and understand the spatial relationships of objects.

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    Compiling Crime Scene Documentation

    Comprehensive documentation of a crime scene includes various forms, such as hand-written notes, voice recordings, photographs, videos, and sketches.

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    Locard's Principle

    A fundamental principle in forensics that states that every contact leaves a trace, meaning that any interaction between individuals or objects will result in the transfer of material.

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    PPE

    Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, used to protect both the investigator and the crime scene from contamination.

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    Document Information Levels

    The type of information contained within a document, including the visible content (writing, printing) and the deeper analysis (author identification, printing source, alterations).

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    Document Examination

    The process of examining and analyzing documents to determine their authenticity, identify the author, detect alterations, and uncover hidden messages.

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    Document Alterations

    Changes made to a document after its original creation.

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    Sequence Determination

    Identifying the sequence of events by analyzing the layers of writing or printing to determine what happened first.

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    Indentation Detection

    Analyzing indented marks left on a document below the original writing, often revealing erased or hidden information.

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    Message Decipherment

    The process used to uncover hidden messages, such as through the use of invisible ink or chemical treatments.

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    Graphology

    The study of handwriting to determine personality traits or authorship.

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    Ink Sequencing

    A technique used to identify the order in which inks were applied to a document.

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    Invisible Ink Revelation

    A method of revealing hidden writing by applying heat or ultraviolet light.

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    Printer Identification

    A technique used to determine the type of printer used to produce a document.

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    Yellow Dot Patterns

    Tiny dots of yellow ink left by color printers, which can be used to trace the specific printer used.

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    MG21 Request for Analysis Form

    A form used by police to document the submission of evidence to a laboratory.

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    General Examination Record (GER)

    A form filled out by forensic examiners when examining an item of evidence.

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    Fingerprint Collection

    The process of collecting fingerprints under controlled conditions.

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    Fingermark

    A fingerprint accidentally left at a crime scene.

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    Bertillonage

    A system of identification based on body measurements, introduced by Alphonse Bertillon in 1883.

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    Anthropometry

    The study of body measurements used for identification. Also referred to as Bertillonage.

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    Fingerprints

    Distinct patterns formed by ridges on fingers and palms, used for identification due to their uniqueness and permanence.

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    Plain Arch

    A fingerprint pattern characterized by ridges flowing from one side to the other, rising smoothly in the center like a wave.

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    Tented Arch

    A fingerprint pattern resembling an arch but with a central upthrusting ridge(s) meeting at a 90-degree angle.

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    Latent Fingerprints

    Fingerprints that are invisible to the naked eye and require specialized techniques to make them visible.

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    Fingerprint Enhancement

    Techniques that utilize chemical or physical processes to enhance latent fingerprints, making them visible for analysis.

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    Triangle Of Interaction

    The process of selecting the most effective fingerprint enhancement techniques based on the surface, type of mark, and environment it has been exposed to.

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    Fingerprint Manual

    A comprehensive guide that provides recommendations on which fingerprint enhancement techniques to use, for which surfaces, and in what order.

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    Fingermark Enhancement

    The application of procedures and techniques to make latent fingerprints visible and suitable for analysis.

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    Chemical Reactions In Fingerprint Enhancement

    Chemical reactions utilized in fingerprint enhancement that produce colored or fluorescent products, increasing contrast and improving visibility.

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    Fingerprint Imaging

    The process of enhancing contrast between a fingerprint and the background using light and filters.

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    Oblique Lighting

    Using a specific light angle to create shadows, making ridge details more visible.

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    Specular Lighting

    Illuminating the fingerprint from the front, making the ridges appear dark against a bright background.

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    Darkfield illumination

    A technique using light scattered from the sides of the fingermark to make it appear bright against a dark background.

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    Color Filtration

    Using colored filters with white light to enhance contrast between the fingerprint and the background, or to suppress distracting colors.

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    Study Notes

    • Forensic science encompasses a wide range of topics, and understanding the types of evidence collected and examined is crucial.
    • Direct evidence establishes facts, often through eyewitness testimony or confessions, but can be questionable.
    • Circumstantial evidence requires interpretation and often involves DNA, fingerprints, or other trace evidence.
    • The Locard's exchange principle states that 'every contact leaves a trace'. This means that evidence is ubiquitous at crime scenes.
    • Forensic science plays a vital role in determining if a crime occurred, identifying responsible individuals, and establishing if a prosecution is supported.
    • The establishment of forensic laboratories in the US occurred in the 1920's and 1930's, driven by gang warfare, in particular, related to the illegal alcohol trade.

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    Description

    Explore the essentials of forensic science, including the different types of evidence and their importance in crime investigation. Understand the significance of direct and circumstantial evidence and the historical context of forensic laboratories in the United States. Test your knowledge of key principles like Locard's exchange principle.

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