Observation
Gathering information about what is around us through sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch
Observation
This person has the responsibility of securing the scene
The first responder
What precautions should forensic investigators take when collecting biological evidence to prevent contamination and degradation?
Precautions include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, using sterile tools, and packaging evidence in breathable containers.
What are the characteristics of hair that forensic scientists examine during analysis? List one
Characteristics such as color, length, diameter, and presence of dye or treatment.
Why is it crucial for forensic investigators to document the location and position of evidence within a crime scene?
Detailed documentation helps recreate the scene for later analysis and presentation in court.
Our brains can do this when we are missing information.
Fill in the blanks
Why should witnesses be separated?
So there is no collusion
Why is it important to document the chain of custody during evidence collection?
To maintain the integrity and admissibility of the evidence in court.
What is the outer layer of the hair shaft called?
The cuticle
What is the first step in the process of evidence collection at a crime scene?
Securing the scene
Observations can be affected by one of 5 main things, give one.
Emotional states
Whether you are alone or with a group of people
The number of people or animals in the area
The type of activity that is going on around you
How much activity is occuring around you
This step in the Seven S's relies on finding the correct places to take photos and determining primary and secondary crime scenes.
Scanning the scene
What are the common methods used to collect biological evidence at a crime scene?
Swabbing, scraping, and collecting blood, saliva, or tissue samples.
What part of the hair contains DNA that can be used for identification purposes?
What is the hair follicle?
Which "S" involves marking and photographing the scene as it was found before any evidence is moved or disturbed?
Sketching the scene
Eyewitness accounts can depend on many things, list at least two that may be applicable.
Level of interest
Prejudices
Personal beliefs
Level of stress
Personal motives
Concentration
Time passed since event
Any distractions present
When sketching the scene your sketch should include measurements from at least 2 of these.
Immovable landmarks
What are the potential legal consequences if evidence collection procedures are not followed correctly?
Evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court, leading to the dismissal of charges or acquittal of suspects.
What information can hair analysis provide about a person's lifestyle?
It can provide information about their diet, exposure to environmental elements, and sometimes drug use.
What are the challenges of analyzing dyed or chemically treated hair in forensic investigations.
Chemical treatments can alter the microscopic characteristics of hair, making it challenging to identify and compare.
Give 2 things that could allow us to be better observers
Make a conscious effort to examine our environment
Scan every single part of a room, every part of a piece of evidence
Treat everything as if it is important at a crime scene
Turn off mental filters and observe everything, no matter how small
When collecting evidence this is used to wrap the evidence before placing it in an evidence bag.
A bindle
How do forensic investigators document the condition and location of evidence during collection?
They use written descriptions, photography, and sketching to document the position, orientation, and context of each piece of evidence.
What are the limitations of hair analysis in forensic investigations?
Hair analysis cannot provide a precise timeframe for when substances were ingested or when the hair was deposited.
How can a forensic investigator differentiate between forcibly removed hair and naturally shed hair during analysis?
Forcibly removed hair may have tissue attached to the root, while naturally shed hair typically lacks tissue.