Forensic Science Test #1

Before the crime-scene team collects items of evidence, what should the investigator do?

Describe each item in detail within their notes.

What is an example of forensic identification?

Determining the physical or chemical identity of a substance with the most certainty possible using existing analytical techniques

Which common type of physical evidence is typically related to paper, ink, indented writings, obliterations, and burned or charred items?

Document

Failure to substantiate the evidence's _________________ may lead to serious questions regarding the authenticity and integrity of the evidence and the examinations of it.

chain of custody

For _____________, a technician would want to use tightly sealed jars or new paint cans to avoid the evaporation of residue.

charred debris

To avoid ______________, any equipment that is not disposable should be cleaned and/or sanitized between collecting each piece of evidence.

contamination

The current system of crime laboratories in the United States can best be described as...

decentralized

It may not possible to state the probability that the specimens are of common origin. As discussed in class, this means...

it is not possible to calculate the probability

Because the forensic scientist has ___ control over the quality and quantity of the specimens received, a standard series of tests ____ prevent all possible problems and pitfalls.

little-to-no cannot

Spores and pollen evidence is ____and the principal tool used in forensic palynology is a _____

robust; microscope

During the ________________, a lead investigator gains an overview of the situation and begins to develop a strategy to examine the scene.

walk-through

When an investigator needs a large area searched, the spiral method is most likely employed.

False

If evidence can't be individualized, it also can't be classed.

False

In the ruling of Frye vs. United States, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the gatekeeping role of a trial judge is expanded to not only include scientific testimony, but also to all expert testimony with flexible standards.

False

Including measurements in a crime scene sketch is optional.

False

Once an seized bloody clothing item has been properly dried, it should be placed in a plastic evidence bag for long term storage.

False

____________________ states that a cross-transfer of materials occurrs when two objects contact each other.

Locard's exchange principle

Which of the following describes digital photography?

An image saved on a microchip through light that has been captured using electronic means

All digital forensic images should be saved by either lossy or lossless compression.

False

Which of the following is the first step in the two-step process of forensic comparison?

Combinations of select characteristics are chosen from the suspect and the standard/reference specimen for comparison.

Fiber evidence only includes natural fiber substances transferred from one person, item, and location to another.

False

_______________________ is a broad term used to describe a collection of disciplines that examine physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

Forensic Science

Who is best suited to train law enforcement personnel in the proper recognition, collection, and preservation of physical evidence?

Forensic scientists

Which of the following is the most important step in protecting evidence from being destroyed or altered?

Securing the crime science

Which these tasks is NOT a priority for the first officer at the scene to perform?

Sketch the Scene

When photographers work from the perimeter to the center of a scene, what are they likely ensuring ?

That photographs are taken in a logical sequence

Which database of those listed below allows limited access to the general public?

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

What is the primary reason a first-responder would want to exclude family and friends of persons involved in the incident under investigation from a crime scene?

To keep evidence from being tampered with

It is especially important to photograph the crowd outside an arson scene because of what is known about its perpetrators.

True

The TreadMate® database contains information that relates primarily to evidence exhibiting class characteristics.

True

The goal at a crime science is to keep people safe and evidence secure.

True

Physical evidence of a known origin, such as blood or hair samples from a suspected perpetrator, is known as _____.

a reference sample