Physical Evidence
Name one type of physical evidence
Objects (literally anything), fingerprints, DNA, etc.
What is the purpose of a crime scene sketch?
To document evidence and help investigators form a case
subdatum point
circumstantial
What is minute physical evidence classified as?
Trace evidence
What type of physical evidence would you need in the case of a suspected forgery or counterfeiting operation?
Document (pattern) evidence
What two things are a coroner or medical examiner responsible for when they arrive on a scene?
Establishing (potential) cause and time of death
When biological evidence is stored, what type of package should the sample be stored in to preserve it
a paper bindle
transient evidence
What subset of physical evidence does DNA fall under?
Biological
Markings on a shell casing or bullet are what type of evidence?
Pattern or impression
Name one thing that has to be worn when collecting evidence.
Gloves, shoe covers, aprons, safety glasses, etc.
What is the process by which evidence collection and lab work is meticulously documented?
Chain of custody
This type of search pattern is best used in small spaces, such as our classroom.
Zone, or Quadrant
When detectives explain that contact with another person, place, or object results in an exchange of physical material, what principal are they describing?
Locard's Exchange Principle
Name one thing you can learn from studying blood at a crime scene.
Cause of death, blood type of victim, and blood type of suspect (if present).
This describes the correct procedure for ensuring evidence is properly tracked, labeled, and identifiable at all times so it is admissible in court.
Chain of Custody
What is the difference between biological and pattern evidence?
Biological: from someone, could be used to positively identify an individual; Pattern: some type of impression, usually physical evidence
When someone leaves behind their blood type antigens in their bodily fluids they are referred to as
what are secretors
What was the major piece of physical evidence missing in the OJ Simpson case?
The knife (murder weapon)
What is the scientific study of blood called?
Serology
Name one piece of information that has to be included in a crime scene sketch to make it admissible in court.
Case number, date and time, signature of sketch artist, legend, scale, etc.
A permanent, fixed point of reference near the evidence collection point
datum point
What is the chemical used to test for the presence of latent blood?
Luminol