Forensic Vocabulary Study Notes

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Questions and Answers

What is crime-scene investigation?

To recognize, document, and collect evidence at the scene of a crime.

What is trace evidence?

Hair, skin cells, clothing fibers, pollen, glass fragments, debris from a person's clothing, makeup, or any number of different types of material.

What does direct evidence include?

Firsthand observation such as eyewitness accounts or police dashboard video camera footage.

What is circumstantial evidence?

Indirect evidence that can be used to imply a fact but does not directly prove it. Signup and view all the answers

What is physical evidence?

Evidence that reduces the number of suspects to a specific, smaller group of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is biological evidence?

Evidence that narrows the group of suspects down to a likely individual, which is more persuasive in court. Signup and view all the answers

What is individual evidence?

Evidence that narrows identity to a single person or thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is class evidence?

Evidence that narrows identity to a group of people or things. Signup and view all the answers

Who is part of the crime scene investigation team?

Police officers, crime scene investigators, medical examiners, detectives, specialists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the first responder?

Securing the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary crime scene?

The location where the crime took place. Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary crime scene?

A location other than the primary crime scene that is related to the crime, where evidence is found. Signup and view all the answers

Name the 4 patterns used to search for evidence.

Grid, linear, quadrant or zone, spiral. Signup and view all the answers

What is a paper bindle?

A folded paper used to hold trace evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What does chain of custody refer to?

The documented and unbroken transfer of evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is crime scene reconstruction?

A hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime was committed through its commission. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forensic Vocabulary Study Notes

Crime-scene investigation: Involves recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence at a crime scene.
Trace evidence: Includes materials like hair, skin cells, clothing fibers, and pollen transferred between individuals, crucial for linking suspects to a crime.
Direct evidence: Comprises firsthand observations such as eyewitness accounts and video footage from police cameras, providing clear proof.
Circumstantial evidence: Refers to indirect evidence that supports inference of a fact but does not conclusively prove it.
Physical evidence: Helps narrow down suspects to a specific, smaller group, enhancing investigative focus.
Biological evidence: Further reduces suspect groups to likely individuals, often holding greater weight in court.
Individual evidence: Identifies a single person or thing, providing definitive links in criminal cases.
Class evidence: Narrows identity to a group, lacking the specificity of individual evidence but still valuable in investigations.
Actors in crime scene investigation: Includes police officers, crime scene investigators, medical examiners, detectives, and specialists, each playing a critical role in evidence collection and analysis.
First responder: The initial police officer on scene is responsible for securing the area and ensuring the safety of the public and evidence.
Primary crime scene: The exact location where the crime occurred, essential for gathering evidence.
Secondary crime scene: Any location related to the crime aside from the primary scene, such as places where evidence may have been discarded.
Evidence search patterns: Common searching strategies include grid, linear, quadrant/zone, and spiral, aiding thorough evidence recovery.
Paper bindle: A folded piece of paper used for collecting and securing trace evidence, preventing contamination.
Chain of custody: Documentation of an unbroken transfer of evidence, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in court.
Crime scene reconstruction: Hypothesis developed regarding the sequence of events surrounding the crime, aiding in understanding the dynamics of the case.

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Description

Explore key vocabulary related to forensic science in this quiz. Understand essential terms such as crime-scene investigation, types of evidence, and their importance in linking suspects to crimes. Enhance your knowledge of forensic terminology that is crucial for investigations.