Evidence rules & concepts
The admissibility of evidence depends on several factors including:
-The evidence must be relevant to the case
- The evidence cannot be unfairly prejudicial, confusing, or based on hearsay
- The officer must _________
List some key questions that help you assess a situation adequately:
(List at least 3)
-What is the location?
-Are there any weapons involved?
-How many people are involved?
-Do you need additional services?
-Do you need special equipment?
- How many officers are needed?
Name the different people involved in incidents:
-Victims
-Witness
-Suspects
-Complainant
This should be the first thing to take place when documenting A crime scene:
Photographing the crime scene
When should you change your PPE?
As often as necessary
The book lists 4 different things a crime scene can be, name them:
-Location
-Person
-Place
-Object
After finding the incidents location, identifying officer safety concerns, any victims, and need for backup, what should you do next?
Secure the crime scene
What are some questions you should ask an injured person on scene? (list 3)
-Who hit you?
-Where were you hit?
-When were you hit?
-How were you hit?
-Why were you hit?
-What did the suspect use to hit you?
List the 3 different types of photographs to take of a crime scene:
-Close-up
-Midrange
-Overall
List some signs of of fentanyl exposure:
-Disorientation
-Difficulty speaking or walking
-Slowed pulse
-Nausea
-Slow, Shallow breathing
- Respiratory Arrest
Explain the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine.
This doctrine holds that the court may exclude evidence from trial if the officer obtained it illegally.
What is at risk when unauthorized people enter a crime scene?
Contamination and Officer safety
True or False: it is best to separate family members during a difficult situation
False: Separating family members during crisis could make a bad situation worse (p366)
When photographing specific items like blood drops, weapons, or tire marks what should be placed in the photograph?
A Scale or identifier.
Explain the chain of custody and its importance:
Chain of custody documents everyone who handled evidence as well as when, why and what changes if any were made to it.
Evidence has 3 basic functions when offered in court, name them:
- To prove or disprove a crime
- To support or undermine other evidence
- To help determine an appropriate sentence
True or False: It is a violation of someone's civil rights to arrest them if they cross an area marked by crime scene tape after a warning.
False
Florida law allows officers to review ___ to assist with testifying.
Footage from your BWC
True or false: a suspect has the right to refuse photographing injuries such as scratches from the victim or blood evidence
False
(p369)
The book Lists 7 types of physical evidence
Name 5
Trace evidence, Biological evidence, Impression evidence, Firearms evidence, Electronic Evidence, Chemistry or toxicological Evidence, Questioned Documents Evidence.
Explain the differences between direct and indirect evidence, and give an example of each.
Direct Evidence proves a fact without an inference or presumption.
ex: if someone is speeding, admission of guilt by the driver would be direct evidence
Indirect evidence requires a presumption or inference to prove a fact.
ex: eyewitness testimony that a defendant entered a victims house around the time of a crime would be indirect evidence
List at least 3 of the details documented on a crime scene log:
-Name
-Agency
-Rank
-Date
-Time
-Reason for being on scene
______ who provide services to the victim need to be documented, because the court may call them as witnesses
Names of Medical Personnel
Before photographing or sketching a crime scene what information should be documented on a piece of paper or whiteboard?
-Case Number
-Location
-Date and Time
-Officers name
*Draw on the white board*
list and draw 4 different types of search patterns
-Grid
-Spiral
-Strip/Line
-Zone/Quadrant