Crime Scene 101
The very first thing investigators must do when they arrive at a crime scene
What is secure the scene?
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
This unique pattern can be used to identify individuals and is found on fingers.
What are fingerprints?
This 1990s trial made DNA evidence famous worldwide.
What is the O.J. Simpson trial?
In Law & Order: SVU, who is the dedicated detective known for her empathy and determination, played by Mariska Hargitay?
Who is Olivia Benson?
Any physical material or trace that can connect a suspect to a crime.
What is evidence?
A person accused of a crime is presumed _______.
What is "innocent until proven guilty"?
This type of scientist examines physical evidence from a crime scene.
What is a forensic scientist?
This famous con artist’s story inspired the movie Catch Me If You Can.
Who is Frank Abagnale Jr.?
Criminal Minds follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of what federal agency?
What is the FBI?
This type of evidence comes from a witness or victim describing what they saw.
What is testimonial evidence/witness testimony?
These are crimes that involve violence or threats of violence.
What are violent crimes?
Blood spatter that travels in one direction usually indicates what about the source?
The direction and angle of impact.
This unidentified serial killer in California sent cryptic letters to newspapers.
Who is the Zodiac Killer?
The Netflix series Inventing Anna is based on a real-life scammer who pretended to be a German heiress. What was her name?
Who is Anna Sorokin (a.k.a. Anna Delvey)?
This is the term for the documented record showing who handled a piece of evidence and when
What is the chain of custody?
This Latin term means “guilty mind” — the intent behind committing a crime.
What is mens rea?
CODIS is a database used to match DNA profiles. What does CODIS stand for?
What is Combined DNA Index System?
This cult leader orchestrated multiple murders in 1969.
Who is Charles Manson?
In How to Get Away with Murder, what’s the name of the law professor who teaches the class?
Who is Annalise Keating?
This is why investigators photograph and document the scene.
What is "to preserve the original condition and avoid contamination." ?
The U.S. Supreme Court case that guarantees the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present.
What is Miranda v. Arizona?
When two objects come into contact, a transfer of material occurs — this is known as what principle?
What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?
This 1920s case of two Italian immigrants executed for robbery and murder remains controversial.
Who are Sacco and Vanzetti?
In Criminal Minds, Dr. Spencer Reid is known for his exceptional IQ and eidetic memory. What three areas does he have PhDs in?
What are Mathematics, Chemistry, and Engineering?