Crime Scene Basics
What is the difference between primary & secondary crime scene? Give an example for each.
Primary- the location where the crime occurred (alleyway)
Secondary- a location that is some way related to the crime (suspect's house)
What is testimonial evidence?
A written or oral statement made from a witness to provide support to solve a case.
Brown hair: class or individual evidence?
Class
What crime scene personnel arrives first at a scene?
Police officer
What does CSI stand for?
Crime Scene Investigation
What is a bindle, and why would it be used?
Folded piece of paper used to package dry, trace evidence
What is direct evidence? Give an example.
Direct evidence are 1st hand observations that places a person at the time of the crime. (Ex: video camera footage)
DNA from hair: class or individual evidence?
Who looks for leads by interviewing witnesses and talking to the CSI unit about evidence?
Detectives
What is an alibi?
Statement of where a suspect claims to be at the time of the crime.
What is the chain of custody, and why is it important?
Chain of custody is the chronological chain of documentation of who handles and when the evidence has been handled.
What is circumstantial evidence?
Circumstantial evidence is something that implies a person was at the crime scene, but needs further investigation to confirm a identity.
A piece of duct tape was found at a crime scene and a similar roll at a suspect’s house. Is this class or individual evidence? Circumstantial or direct?
Class and circumstantial
Who determines the cause of death when a homicide occurs?
Medical Examiner (ME)
What is an accomplice?
Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime.
Name 3 of the 7 S's of crime scene investigation. What is the goal for those steps?
Secure, Separate, Scan, Seeing, Sketch, Search, Secure & Collect evidence
What is trace evidence?
Evidence found in small, but measurable amounts.
Ex: Hair, fiber, stains, powders, glass particles
Name 3 methods of collecting trace evidence.
1. Lifting
2. Scraping
3. Picking
Who helps determine search warrants and obtains the warrants from a judge?
District Attorney (DA)
What is a motive?
Probable reason a person committed a crime.
What is Locard's Exchange Principle?
When a person comes in contact with an object or another person, a cross transfer of evidence occurs.
The longer the contact the more transfer of materials
What is the difference between physical vs biology evidence? Give an example for each.
Physical- Non-living material evidence (footprints, tire impressions)
Biological- Organic material (blood, hair)
What is the difference between class and individual evidence? Give an example for each.
Class- evidence that leads back to a group or source (blood type)
Individual- evidence that leads back to a specific identity of a person or source (fingerprints)
These groups of people are often consulted due to their expertise in the area (forensic psychologists, blood splatter analysts)
Specialists
What is the difference between an inference and observation?
Inference- using observations to form thoughts and opinions
Observations- using our five senses to gather information