Crime Scene Basics
Forensic Databases
Evidence Collection
Documentation Analysis
Safety and Procedures
100

What should the first officer do at a crime scene after providing medical assistance?

Secure the scene.

100

Which database contains DNA profiles for the purpose of exchanging and comparing them?

CODIS

100

What could be physical evidence at a hit-and-run scene?

Glass fragments, paint chips, fibers and tissues.

100

What is a Buccal swab?

A wipe of the inner portion of the cheek to collect cells for DNA analysis.

100

List two ways to ensure personal safety at a crime scene.

Wear protective gear and follow established protocols to avoid contamination.

Feet coverings, mask, gloves, etc.

200

What are the most basic methods of crime scene recording?

Photographs, sketches, note-taking.

200

Which database contains fingerprints for nearly 50 million subjects?

IAFIS

200

Which forensic rule is used to calculate the overall frequency of occurrence of a blood type?

Product rule.

200

What is contamination in the context of forensic evidence?

When the evidence is mixed or tainted with other substances, affecting the lab tests.

200

What is a concern when packing DNA evidence?

Avoiding contamination to preserve the integrity of the sample.

300

What does a rough sketch NOT include?

a. location of walls, door and windows on scene

b. sketch of the suspect.

c. date, location, and time of the incident.

d. location of all recovered physical evidence.

b. sketch of the suspect.

300

Which database is used for firearms and bullet cartridge casing information?

NIBIN

300

What is the first step in the procedure for comparison of evidence?

Combinations of properties are chosen from the suspect and reference sample to be compared.

300

Define the term "substrate control."

A control sample used to ensure that the surface where evidence is collected does not interfere with the tests.

300

What role does infrared analysis play in crime scene recording?

It is not a basic method but can be used for specialized analysis.

400

What is the outcome of a criminal investigation almost always directly related to?

The manner in which the evidence is collected and preserved.

400

What does the PDQ database contain?

Chemical and color information pertaining to automotive paints.

400

State the difference between individual and class characteristics.

Individual characteristics can be identified as belonging to a particular person or source; class characteristics are general and can be shared among multiple sources.

400

What is the value of class physical evidence?

It can corroborate events with data in a nearly unbiased manner.

400

What are the implications of improperly handling evidence at the scene?

It can lead to challenges in prosecution and possible acquittal of suspects.

500

What is considered to have greater evidentiary value, physical evidence or eyewitness testimony?

Physical evidence.

500

Which database is used to track shoeprint images?

SICAR.

500

What is crucial for the successful outcome of a criminal investigation?

The manner in which the evidence is collected and preserved.

500

Explain the significance of resolution in forensic analysis.

It determines the amount of detail that can be visualized in the analyzed sample.

500

How do forensic databases contribute to solving crimes?

By providing a means to compare evidence with known samples and databases, aiding in identification and linkage of suspects to the crime scene.