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Questions and Answers
What is forensic science?
What is forensic science?
The application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest to a legal system.
What is one of the key responsibilities of a forensic scientist?
What is one of the key responsibilities of a forensic scientist?
A forensic scientist prepares reports describing their __________ and findings.
A forensic scientist prepares reports describing their __________ and findings.
methodologies
Which of the following is NOT a method of crime-scene recording?
Which of the following is NOT a method of crime-scene recording?
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Notes taken at a crime scene are optional rather than necessary.
Notes taken at a crime scene are optional rather than necessary.
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What is physical evidence?
What is physical evidence?
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What must be done once physical evidence is found?
What must be done once physical evidence is found?
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Forensic scientists are usually needed at the scene of every crime.
Forensic scientists are usually needed at the scene of every crime.
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The examination of evidence often requires comparison with a known __________ sample.
The examination of evidence often requires comparison with a known __________ sample.
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What is forensic science?
What is forensic science?
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What are some tasks performed by forensic scientists?
What are some tasks performed by forensic scientists?
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Which of the following is NOT a method of crime scene recording?
Which of the following is NOT a method of crime scene recording?
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All three methods of crime scene recording should ideally be used.
All three methods of crime scene recording should ideally be used.
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What should be done first at a crime scene?
What should be done first at a crime scene?
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What is physical evidence?
What is physical evidence?
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Taping notes at a crime scene can be advantageous.
Taping notes at a crime scene can be advantageous.
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A standard/reference sample is physical evidence whose origin is known, such as ______.
A standard/reference sample is physical evidence whose origin is known, such as ______.
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What is the first step in securing a crime scene?
What is the first step in securing a crime scene?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Forensic Science
- Forensic science applies various scientific disciplines to answer legal questions.
- Forensic scientists aid legal professionals in criminal and civil cases.
Roles of a Forensic Scientist
- Analyze physical evidence from crime scenes and illegal drug submissions.
- Utilize modern technologies for evidence examination.
- Prepare detailed reports outlining methodologies and findings.
- Provide expert testimony in court.
Forensic Science Methodology
- Microscopical Examination: Detailed examination of evidence under a microscope.
- Color Reactions: Testing evidence with specific reagents to produce distinctive color changes for identification.
- Spectral Analysis: Using techniques like UV-Vis spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry to identify compounds based on their unique spectral patterns.
- Chromatographic Techniques: Separating and identifying components of a mixture, often used for drug analysis.
- DNA Profiling: Analyzing DNA samples to compare individuals and establish relationships.
Securing a Crime Scene
- Immediate priority is medical assistance and apprehension of the perpetrator.
- Strict access control with ropes, barricades, and guards to prevent contamination.
- Lead investigator assesses the scene and develops a comprehensive strategy.
- Thorough documentation and photography of all items.
Recording a Crime Scene
- Three primary methods: photography, sketches, and notes.
- Ideally, all three methods are employed for comprehensive documentation.
- Photographs must be taken from multiple angles, including close-ups.
- Utilize measuring scales for size reference.
- Sketches should be drawn to scale, showing the location of all relevant objects.
- Detailed notes should be taken throughout the entire process.
Physical Evidence
- Any object that can establish a crime or link a suspect to the crime or victim.
- Forensic science begins at the crime scene, requiring recognition, proper collection, and preservation of evidence.
- Maintain the original condition of the evidence as much as possible.
Importance of Evidence
- Reveals the existence of a crime.
- Identifies key elements of the crime.
- Links a suspect to the crime.
- Assists detectives with further investigation.
- May exonerate a suspect.
Dealing with Physical Evidence
- Thorough and systematic search for evidence, even when suspects are apprehended.
- Proper collection and storage to maintain integrity for forensic analysis.
- Forensic scientists may be needed for complex evidence or major crimes.
Standard / Reference Samples
- Comparison with a control sample is often required for analysis.
- Standard/reference samples are known sources of evidence for comparison (e.g., suspect's blood, victim's hair).
- Collected from victims, suspects, or other known sources.
Forensic Science
- Forensic science applies various scientific disciplines to address legal inquiries.
- A forensic scientist is an expert who utilizes their knowledge to assist legal professionals in criminal and civil cases.
Forensic Scientist Responsibilities
- Analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes or illicit drug submissions.
- Employ contemporary technologies for evidence examination.
- Prepare reports detailing methodologies and findings.
- Provide expert testimony in court.
Forensic Science Methodology
- Microscopical Examination: Analyze the structure and composition of materials.
- Color Reactions: Utilize specific chemical reagents to identify substances based on color changes.
- Spectral Analysis: Analyze the spectral characteristics (light absorption and emission) of substances for identification.
- Chromatographic Techniques: Separate mixtures into individual components for identification and quantification.
- DNA Profiling: Analyze genetic material for individual identification and linkage to crime scenes.
Securing the Crime Scene
- Primary focus is immediate medical aid and perpetrator apprehension.
- Strict access control is implemented using ropes, barricades, and guards.
- Unauthorized entry is restricted to prevent evidence contamination.
- The lead investigator conducts a thorough evaluation, determines boundaries, and establishes a strategy.
- Comprehensive documentation and photography are essential.
Recording the Crime Scene
- Three methods are employed: photography, sketches, and notes.
- Ideal practice involves utilizing all three methods.
- The crime scene should remain undisturbed except for immediate medical needs.
- Objects should not be moved until photographed.
- Photography should encompass the crime scene and surrounding areas from various angles.
- Specific photography guidelines apply if a body is present.
- Sketches are created after photography and typically drawn to scale.
- Sketches show the location of all relevant objects.
- Measurements and a compass heading are included.
Notes
- Note-taking is a constant activity throughout the crime scene investigation.
- Notes serve as a memory aid for future reference.
- Tape-recording notes can facilitate detailed and rapid documentation.
Physical Evidence
- Any object that establishes a crime or links a crime with a victim or suspect is considered physical evidence.
- Forensic science begins at the crime scene.
- Investigators must identify, collect, and preserve evidence properly for laboratory analysis.
- Evidence must be maintained in its original condition whenever possible.
Importance of Evidence in Investigations
- Provides evidence of a crime.
- Identifies crucial elements of a crime.
- Links suspects to crime scenes.
- Aids detectives in investigations.
- Can prove the innocence of a suspect.
Handling Physical Evidence
- Evidence search must be thorough and systematic, even when suspects are apprehended.
- Collected evidence is stored in a way that preserves its integrity for forensic analysis.
- Forensic scientist involvement on scene is often necessary for complex evidence or major crimes.
Standard/Reference Samples
- Evidence examination frequently requires comparison with known standards/reference samples.
- Standard/reference samples, like blood or hair from a suspect, are compared to crime scene evidence.
- Samples can be obtained from victims, suspects, or other sources.
- Standard/reference samples facilitate forensic analysis.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamentals of forensic science, detailing the roles and methodologies utilized by forensic scientists in legal cases. Participants will learn about evidence analysis, modern technologies, and various testing techniques that play a crucial role in criminal investigations and court proceedings.
