Forensic Disciplines
What does the biology unit of a crime lab examine?
Blood, body fluids, hair, and DNA.
What is the main goal of evidence collection?
Preserve and protect evidence integrity for court.
What is forensic odontology the study of?
Teeth and bite marks used in investigations.
What is a tool mark?
Any impression, scratch, or cut made by a tool on a surface.
What is impression evidence?
Marks or patterns left on a surface by another object.
Which unit analyzes firearms, bullets, and tool marks?
The Firearms (Ballistics) Unit.
What should investigators do before collecting evidence?
Photograph and document the scene.
Why are teeth useful for identifying human remains?
identifying human remains?Teeth resist decomposition, fire, and trauma.
Which type of tool mark is made when a tool slides across a surface?
Abrasion mark.
What type of impression is visible because of a substance transfer?
Patent impression.
What type of evidence is handled by the trace evidence unit?
Small materials like fibers, glass, or paint.
Why is each item of evidence packaged separately?
To prevent contamination and cross-transfer.
What can bite mark analysis help determine?
If a suspect’s teeth match bite marks on a victim or object.
A hammer leaves what type of tool mark?
Indentation mark.
What material would a plastic impression most likely be found in?
Soft material like mud or clay.
Whose role includes preforming autopsies and investigating injuries and causes of death?
Medical Examiners
What is the “chain of custody”?
The documented record of who handled evidence from collection to court.
Besides identification, what can odontologists estimate from teeth?
A person’s age.
What is the first step before collecting a tool mark at a crime scene?
Photograph it in place.
What’s the first thing investigators should do before lifting or casting an impression?
Photograph it.
What is the main role of the toxicology unit?
Analyze biological and other samples for the presence of drugs, alcohol, and poisons
Name one type of physical, biological, and trace evidence.
Physical: weapon, Biological: hair, Trace: paint chip.
What are three types of evidence odontologists might use for comparison?
Dental X-rays, fillings, and tooth shape/patterns.
How do forensic scientists compare tool marks in the lab?
By making test marks and using microscopes to compare striations.
Name one method used to lift a latent impression.
Electrostatic or gel lifter.