Evidence
An adhesive used to lift trace evidence from a crime scene or object.
What is tape?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the interpretation of bloodstains at a crime scene in order to recreate the circumstances.
What is blood splatter analysis?
Preserving an objective and accurate look at the crime scene, allowing investigators to analyze it again at a later date.
What is a photo documentation?
An act that is forbidden by law.
What is a crime?
Any object or specimen that contributes valuable information at a crime scene such as blood, hair, clothing fibers.
What is physical evidence?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the examination of evidence relating to projectiles and firearms at a crime scene.
What is firearm examination or ballistics?
A substance used to enhance fingerprints at particular light wavelengths.
What is luminal spray?
A type of fingerprint only made visible when forensically developed. Cannot typically be seen directly.
What is a latent fingerprint?
A mark made by the outside surface of the sole of a shoe and reveals distinctive patterns.
What is a shoeprint impression?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the detection and interpretation of drugs and other potentially toxic compounds in bodily tissues and fluids.
What is forensic toxicology?
A national database used for fingerprint comparison.
What is AFIS?
A person thought to be capable of committing a crime.
Who is a suspect?
Ridge characteristics left behind on surfaces in the form of oily residue or impressions.
What are fingerprints?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the identification and quantification of controlled substances.
What is drug analysis?
A temperature and humidity controlled chamber that allows superglue to adhere to the water in latent fingerprints.
What is a superglue fuming chamber?
A pattern within a fingerprint in which the ridge makes at least one complete circuit or circle.
What is a whorl?
Made from long filaments (synthetic or natural) which vary in uniformity depending on how they are manufactured.
What are fibers?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the comparison of writing samples to determine whether or not they were written by the same person or are forgeries.
What is handwriting analysis?
A computer software program that operates local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles.
What is CODIS or Combined DNA Index System?
An unsolved case which is still open but is no longer being actively investigated.
What is a cold case?
The unburned powder propelled from a firearm when a bullet is fired. It will often be found on the clothing or skin of the perpetrator or victim.
What is gunshot residue?
Specialized law enforcement that analyzes flame patterns, residues, and accelerants at fire-related incidents.
Who is an arson investigator?
Evidence markers
The medical dissection and examination of a body to determine the cause of death.
What is an autopsy?
A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis.
What is chain of custody?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the study of insects and other arthropod biology in relation to criminal matters.
What is forensic entomology?
This tool is used to visualize and magnify tiny pieces of evidence such as fibers or hair.
What is a microscope?
The genetic material contained in cells.
What is DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid?
A type of evidence that implies (but does not prove) that a person committed a crime.
What is circumstantial evidence?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the detection and identification of biological material (blood, sweat, tears, etc.)
What is forensic serology?
To prevent contamination, these are always worn by investigators when collecting evidence.
What are gloves?
A crime scene searching pattern. The scene is segmented into smaller areas, each of which is individually searched for evidence.
What is a grid search?
Evidence that is created when two objects make contact with one another.
What is trace evidence?
A branch of forensic science that focuses on the forensic examination of deceased person to help determine the cause of death in a criminal case.
What is forensic pathology?
This type of container is the preferred container for storing wet biological evidence to prevent mold.
What is a paper bag?
A system of collection, organization, and analysis of information.
What is scientific method?