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FRSC 510 Midterm
Basic Crime Scene Analysis
124
Criminology
Graduate
09/17/2019

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Cards

Term
True or False: There is no set standard to become a CSI.
Definition
True
Term
Why do CSI's do what they do?
Definition
To establish associations between the subject, victim, and the scene through evidence. Think Locard's Exchange Principal
Term
Define physical evidence.
Definition
Any tangible item that can be used to establish the facts of the case (corpus delicti) body of crime
Term
Define Locard's Theory of Exchange
Definition
Traces of the victim and the scene will be carried away by the perpetrator; Traces of the perpetrator will remain on the victim, and the victim may leave traces of himself or herself on the perpetrator; Traces of the perpetrator will be left at the scene.
Term
A CSI must be professionally [blank], have integrity, honor, and duty to uphold the law
Definition
unbiased
Term
State the 4th Amendment
Definition
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Term
What does the 4th amendment do?
Definition
It protects against unlawful searches and seizures
Term
What level of proof is required for a search warrant
Definition
Probable cause
Term
True or False: A copy of the warrant and affidavit is left at the scene, in a vehicle, or handed directly to the person.
Definition
True
Term
What are the exceptions to obtaining a search warrant?
Definition
To search for victims and render aid in areas which a victim could reasonably be found; enter a scene to search for perpetrators; plain view and exigent circumstances
Term
True or False: Seizing evidence in plain view circumvents the documentation aspects of the crime scene search.
Definition
True as it should only be used if the evidence is transient or presents a danger to those present.
Term
Define transient evidence.
Definition
physical evidence that may be lost forever if not immediately preserved
Term
Describe fruit of the poisonous tree.
Definition
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be admitted into court and evidence/information gained as a result of that illegal evidence will not be admissible
Term
What does a chain of custody do?
Definition
It provides a chronological timeline of the journey of each item. It documents the location/person in possession of all evidence at all times
Term
How do CSIs document a scene?
Definition
Though notes, photos, sketches
Term
What is the goal of documenting a crime scene?
Definition
Create a permanent record of the condition of the scene and physical evidence.
Term
What are the 3 phases of the systematic approach?
Definition
The initial, collection, and final phase
Term
Describe the initial phase of the systematic approach.
Definition
Preliminary Scene survey, Note taking, Overall photos (4 corners), Video, Begin rough sketch
Term
Describe the Collection Phase of the systematic approach?
Definition
Examine evidence-take more notes, midrange and close-up photos, measure evidence and place on rough sketch, collect evidence, package/preserve evidence
Term
Describe the final phase of the systematic approach.
Definition
Processing i.e. latent fingerprinting, trajectory, BPA; Overall measurements of the scene; discuss findings / evidence evaluation; Final scene walk through with fresh eyes; notify case agent
Term
True or False: Notes should be taken with pen.
Definition
True
Term
True or False: You can draw conclusions and write your opinions in your notes.
Definition
False: report only the facts
Term
True or False: Your notes cannot be used in court.
Definition
False
Term
True or False: You should process your scene in a consistent direction throughout (i.e. clockwise, counter clockwise)
Definition
True.
Term
What are the 3 types of CS Photos and what phase are they taken in?
Definition
1. Overall (initial), 2. Midrange (collection), 3. Closeup (collection)
Term
Where do you begin your exterior overall photographs?
Definition
Approximately 100' from the scene at a natural perspective. Show all possible approaches to the scene.
Term
True or False: It is not necessary to take photos of a room that does not have evidence in it.
Definition
False: You don't always know what will and will not be evidence. Take at least interior overalls of each room
Term
Overall photographs are taken from what perspective?
Definition
Natural perspective
Term
What shape do midrange photographs form?
Definition
Isosceles triangle
Term
What is the purpose of midrange photographs?
Definition
They are used to show a relationship between items/objects at a natural perspective.
Term
Describe the camera position for a close up photograph.
Definition
perpendicular (90 degrees) to the item being photographed (film plane parallel), filling the frame.
Term
What four things does a scale have on it when doing close up with scale photographs?
Definition
Case number, item number, initials, date
Term
What are some reasons you may take additional close up photographs?
Definition
To flip the weapon over for serial numbers, marks, damage, stains, trace, etc.
Term
What series of photographs is taken during the initial phase?
Definition
Exterior overalls and then interior overalls
Term
What series of photographs is taken during the collection phase?
Definition
Midrange and close-up with and without scale
Term
What must be on every page in your case file?
Definition
Case number and your name or initials
Term
What is the purpose of a crime scene sketch?
Definition
record the actual size of the scene, record distance relationship between items in the scene, place witnesses, suspects, and victims for interviewing, shows spatial relationships not available through photography, shows hidden objects, allows you to place only those items of evidence that are directly relevant
Term
What are the 3 perspectives of sketches?
Definition
1. Overhead/Birds eye view (Floor plan), 2. Elevation Sketch, 3. 3D View
Term
What are the 4 essential elements to the sketch?
Definition

1. North Indicator; 2. Legend (Case #, address, date, name, 'not to scale'); 3. Key (item numbers and description) 4. Symbols (ID any symbols used, including evidence levels - floor, elevated, hidden, and furniture or fixtures)

*if an object does not have symbol, then it must be labelled

Term
What are the 3 types of sketches?
Definition
Rough, Finished, Final/Court
Term
What are the differences between a Rough, Finished, and Final/Court Sketch?
Definition
Rough sketch is done using graph paper and pencil after photographs but during the initial phase. It may contain measurements and notes. The finished sketch is plain paper and permanent ink, but a computer program can be used. It is a cleaned up version of the rough sketch. It is uncluttered and accurately represents the location of physical evidence. There are no measurements, no triangulation points, no baseline. A Final/Court Sketch is like the finished sketch, but only shows the pertinent items.
Term
[image]
Definition
Final/Court Sketch
Term
[image]
Definition
Finished sketch
Term
[image]
Definition
Rough sketch
Term
During the collection phase what should you describe about the evidence?
Definition
The location of the items, item position, item direction, and item number designation
Term
What will be documented at the autopsy?
Definition
Date, time arrived, ME case number, performing ME, Body documentation (notes, photos, sketch), injury documentation, detailed description of all items received from ME with item number designation (color, defects, patterns, dimensions, etc.), time cleared
Term
What do you document from latent fingerprint processing?
Definition
date processed, item # and description, processing technique used, results of processing, submission to fingerprint unit
Term
What was the Bertillion System?
Definition
It was taking measurements of a person's body parts for identification
Term
What does dermatoglyphics mean?
Definition
It is the study of patterns of dermal ridges present on fingers, palms, toes, and soles.
Term
In fingerprints, hills are called [blank] and Valleys are called [blank]
Definition
ridges, furrows
Term
What forms the fingerprint?
Definition
Oil Salt and water deposited on a surface when the finger comes in contact with a surface
Term
The epidermis is [blank] layer and the dermis is the [blank] layer.
Definition
outermost, innermost
Term
Fingerprints can be used as a means of identification because of two characteristics. What are they?
Definition
permanence and uniqueness
Term
How early are friction ridges formed?
Definition
by the 4th fetal month
Term
What are the 3 types of fingerprints?
Definition
latent, patent, and plastic
Term
What forms a latent print?
Definition
When a person leaves the oil, water, salt from their hands onto another object-typically invisible to the naked eye
Term
What forms a patent print?
Definition
when a print is contaminated with a foreign substance and is deposited onto another object - i.e. blood, pain, ink, and food
Term
What forms a plastic print?
Definition
when a print is left in a malleable material like clay, chocolate, wax, gum, etc.
Term
What are the 3 classifications of fingerprints and their population frequency?
Definition
Loops (65%), Whorls (30%), Arches (5%)
Term
What types of fingerprint loops are there?
Definition
Ulnar and Radial Loop
Term
What types of fingerprint whorls are there?
Definition
Plain, Double Loop Whorl, Central Pocket Loop Whorl, Accidental Whorl
Term
What types of fingerprint arches are there?
Definition
plain arch and tented arch
Term
In a fingerprint, what is the core?
Definition
The center of the pattern
Term
What is the delta in a fingerprint pattern?
Definition
the area of the pattern where there is a triangulation or dividing of the ridges
Term
True or False: Loops will have a delta and a core
Definition
True
Term
True or False: Whorls have at least 3 deltas.
Definition
False, they have at least 2 deltas
Term
True or False: Arches have no delta or core
Definition
True
Term
What give fingerprints their individual characteristics?
Definition
Points of minutiae
Term
[image]
Definition
Bifurcation
Term
[image]
Definition
Crossover
Term
[image]
Definition
Lake
Term
[image]
Definition
Ridge Dot
Term
[image]
Definition
Ridge ending
Term
[image]
Definition
Short ridge
Term
[image]
Definition
Spur
Term
What are some methods to detect latent fingerprints?
Definition
Oblique lighting for initial search, enhancement with fingerprint powder, enhance with chemicals
Term
What are the Chemical Enhancers used for fingerprint processing?
Definition
Amido Black, Coomassie Blue, Cyanoacrylate (Superglue), DFO, Dye Stains, Gentian Violet, Iodine Fuming, LCV, Ninhydrin, Physical Developer, Small Particle Reagent (SPR), Sticky Side Powder (Wet Wop), Sudan Black
Term
What are some blood stain reagents used for fingerprint development?
Definition
Amido Black, Coomassie Blue, Leuco-Crystal Violet (LCV)
Term
Small Particle Reagent (SPR) is used on what type of surfaces?
Definition
Wet and metal non-porous surfaces
Term
How does SPR work?
Definition
It adheres to lipids in fingerprints and develops a grey colored print
Term
What is Gentian Violet or Crystal Violet used on?
Definition
The sticky side of tape
Term
How do you make Sticky Side Powder (Wet Wop)
Definition
Equal parts black powder, ivory soap, and water
Term
What type of surface is Ninhydrin used on?
Definition
Porus surfaces, use last. can speed up reaction with humidity/temperature
Term
What type of surface is Diazaflouren (DFO) used on?
Definition
Porous surfaces, must be used before ninhydrin, and have to use ALS to view print
Term
Describe physical develper
Definition
wet or have been wet porous surfaces, great on paper bags and currency and can use after ninhydrin. Silver-nitrate based solution
Term
Describe Sudan Black.
Definition
Used on non-porous substrates, particularly oily and greasy ones.
Term
True or False: Children's fingerprints or fragile and will dissipate in a short time (4-6 hours)
Definition
True, the oils in prints don't show up until puberty
Term
True or False: Fingerprints can be obtained from living and deceased persons
Definition
True-Don't put body in fridge
Term
What is a "Dead Man's Spoon"?
Definition
a curved fingerprint card strip holder for printing deceased individuals
Term
How do you take the prints off a dehydrated finger?
Definition
Tie off finger just below first joint with twin, inject saline with needle under skin to plump flesh and then print.
Term
How do you print a putrefied hand?
Definition
Secure the peeled skin of the deceased and wear it like a glove. Fingerprint.
Term
What is AFIT
Definition
It is the replacement for AFIS and replaced AFIS in 2010. Examiner still has to visually compare.
Term
What is IAFIS?
Definition
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. It is a national database maintained by the FBI. Recently replaced by the NGI (Next Generation Identification)
Term
What are class characteristics?
Definition
characteristics that associate a piece of evidence to a group.
Term
What are individual characteristics?
Definition
Characteristics that associate a piece of evidence to on particular item.
Term
What is a Frye test?
Definition
A ruling that requires expert testimony to be based on scientific prinicipas or procedures that have already been generally accepted within the scientific community.
Term
What is the Daubert standard?
Definition
Judges are the gatekeepers and they have to consider whether a scientific theory can be and has been tested, peer review, there is potential error rate, there are standards, and whether the theory has attracted widespread acceptance within the scientific community.
Term
What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?
Definition
Direct evidence tells directly to a person's guilt without further need for analysis, like a confession or a witness who saw the subject commit the crime, or CCTV. Circumstantial evidence requires further analysis and ties the subject to the crime, but does not directly prove guilt.
Term
What are the four major factors that determine the value of forensic evidence?
Definition
Recognition, collection, testing procedures, and courtroom presentation
Term
What are the 4 major goals of a crime scene search from our book?
Definition
Recognition and identification of forensic evidence, Collection and proper preservation of the evidence, Reconstruction of the crime, assisting detectives in forming a theory about the crime
Term
What are some of the ways the testimony of an expert witness may be challenged?
Definition
The case may not require the expertise. Basic Qualifications and ability to give an opinion in the filed, the examiner may have insufficient education or experience to have anything of value to offer. The methodology is not scientifically sound or capable of supporting the opinion. The methodology may be sound, but the opinion is not supported by the method.
Term
What court case established the exceptions to the 4th amendment?
Definition
Mincey V Arizona (1978)
Term
What is the universal decontamination solution?
Definition
1:10 solution of bleach, soap, and water, or 70% isopropyl alcohol
Term
True or False: The primary scene is usually where the victim is found?
Definition
True
Term
An almond odor is indicative of what?
Definition
Cyanide
Term
True or False: Only non-crime scene persons need to sign the scene log.
Definition
False: All personnel must sign in
Term
What is the proper order for collection and preservation of evidence?
Definition
Transient, Biological, Latent
Term
Describe the strip search.
Definition
Like mowing a lawn, line after line overlapping two to four feet in width
Term
Describe the grid search.
Definition
Its a strip search horizontally and then repeated vertically
Term
Describe the link search.
Definition
search by finding associations between victim, scene, and subject. It's a logical association.
Term
Describe the zone search.
Definition
select zones that are searched twice by different searchers so evidence is not missed
Term
Describe the wheel search.
Definition
Starting at a single point and searchers travel along straight lines from the point
Term
Describe the spiral search.
Definition
Spiraling until the critical point or spiraling outward
Term
(book) What are the main objectives of a crime scene investigation?
Definition
Reconstruct the incident, ascertain the sequence of events, determine the MO, Disclose the motive, uncover what was stolen, determine what the perpetrator may have done before, during, and after the event, identify, document, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
Term
Describe painting with light.
Definition
Open the shutter and then have a partner fire a flash throughout a night in different areas.
Term
What are the rules of post-processing of photographs?
Definition
No subject matter should be added to or removed. Always work with a copy. Always document every step in the process. Always be able to explain the purpose. Be able to explain the process and how it works. Be able to explain how you learned the process and how much experience you have.
Term
When the digital IR filter is applied what color turns dark?
Definition
Red
Term
(book) What are the four basic types of rough sketches?
Definition
Floor plan, Elevation plan, Site Plan, Cross-sectional plan
Term
What are four methods used to take measurements?
Definition
Triangulation, baseline measures, polar coordinates, perspective grid measurements (photogrammetry)
Term
What is the most common type of crime scene measurement?
Definition
Baseline
Term
What is the reason for the fingerprints at the bottom of the 10 digit FP card?
Definition
They are plain impressions to verify that each individual rolled print has been placed in the proper sequence.
Term
What is a good piece of evidence to use Ninhydrin on?
Definition
Paper
Term
What do the fumes of the superglue bind to in fingerprints?
Definition
the amino acids and glucose.
Term
True or False: You can superglue fume a body for fingerprints
Definition
True
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