Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary area of examination when packaging vehicle lamps for forensic analysis?
What is the primary area of examination when packaging vehicle lamps for forensic analysis?
Why is it important to submit undamaged lamps along with damaged ones?
Why is it important to submit undamaged lamps along with damaged ones?
How should filament be protected when packaging vehicle lamps?
How should filament be protected when packaging vehicle lamps?
What should be included in the submission package for the laboratory examiner?
What should be included in the submission package for the laboratory examiner?
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What is a key reason for not packaging multiple lamps together without protection?
What is a key reason for not packaging multiple lamps together without protection?
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Which lamps should be collected if impact damage occurred at the rear of the vehicle?
Which lamps should be collected if impact damage occurred at the rear of the vehicle?
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What detail is NOT needed when submitting a lamp for examination?
What detail is NOT needed when submitting a lamp for examination?
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What is the recommended method for packaging lamps for laboratory submission?
What is the recommended method for packaging lamps for laboratory submission?
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What should an officer do if the lamp switch is already turned on at the incident?
What should an officer do if the lamp switch is already turned on at the incident?
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When removing a lamp for evidence, which information should be marked for identification?
When removing a lamp for evidence, which information should be marked for identification?
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How should smaller lamps be packaged to protect fragile elements?
How should smaller lamps be packaged to protect fragile elements?
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Which of the following practices should be avoided during lamp collection?
Which of the following practices should be avoided during lamp collection?
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What is a critical piece of information to retain during the collection of lamps?
What is a critical piece of information to retain during the collection of lamps?
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What information can damaged lamp filaments provide during an investigation?
What information can damaged lamp filaments provide during an investigation?
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When should the entire lamp fixture be submitted instead of just the individual lamp?
When should the entire lamp fixture be submitted instead of just the individual lamp?
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What should an investigator consider regarding the condition of a lamp when collecting evidence?
What should an investigator consider regarding the condition of a lamp when collecting evidence?
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Which lamps should be submitted if the front of the vehicle was impacted?
Which lamps should be submitted if the front of the vehicle was impacted?
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Why is it important to know proper collection techniques for lamp filament evidence?
Why is it important to know proper collection techniques for lamp filament evidence?
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What does a thorough knowledge of collection techniques allow investigators to do?
What does a thorough knowledge of collection techniques allow investigators to do?
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What type of evidence is often overlooked but crucial during vehicle-related investigations?
What type of evidence is often overlooked but crucial during vehicle-related investigations?
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What role does the Trace Evidence Section play in vehicle lamp examinations?
What role does the Trace Evidence Section play in vehicle lamp examinations?
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Study Notes
Vehicle Lamp Examination Overview
- Damaged vehicle lamps can help determine prior events in an accident.
- The examination of lamps and filaments is often overlooked as potential evidence.
- If the "on" or "off" condition of a lamp is to be determined, the investigating officer must collect, identify, and preserve the evidence properly.
- Proper collection technique is crucial due to fragile nature of lamp filaments.
- If a lamp is damaged, the entire fixture may be submitted instead of attempting to remove the lamp which could further damage the filament.
- If the front of a vehicle is damaged, the headlamps, parking lamps, and front side marker lamps should be submitted.
- If the rear of a vehicle is damaged, the tail lamps, rear side marker lamps, backup and license plate lamps should be submitted.
Capabilities and Services
- Determines if vehicle lamps were on or off during an accident.
Collection Guidelines
- Collect lamps from vehicles involved in an accident or hit and run.
- Properly identify and package all collected lamps.
- Lamps should be marked as driver's or passenger's side.
- Record:
- Item description
- Area of vehicle where lamp was removed
- Make, model, and year of vehicle
- Date of recovery
- Agency case number
- Officer's initials
- Copy of accident report
- Photographs of the damaged area of the vehicle
- Remove the entire headlamp or taillight assembly, mark it with identifying information, and submit it with the lamps.
- Do not turn the lamp switch on at the scene, if already on, document this in notes.
- If the entire headlamp or taillight assembly can not be submitted, individual lamps should be submitted with identifying information on the container.
- Smaller lamps can be packaged in cups to protect the filament, mark cups with identifying information.
- Protect the filament and package individually to prevent damage, for example, properly wrap lamps in bubble wrap before placing in containers.
- Submit all damaged lamps from the affected areas and undamaged lamps from the opposite area, such as if the front driver's side is damaged, submit all lamps from the driver's side and the undamaged lamps from the passenger's side.
Discussion
- The filament is the primary area of examination.
- Undamaged lamps help the examiner with the comparison process.
- The accident report may help with reconstruction.
- Photographs show proximity.
- Additional case information may be shared with the investigator for clarification.
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of the examination of vehicle lamps and their importance in accident investigations. Learn about the proper collection techniques for fragile lamp filaments and the significance of the lamp's condition during an incident. Understand which lamps should be submitted based on the damage to the vehicle.
