Crime Scene Investigation Techniques: Study Guide for Final Exam!

Which of the following is used to restore serial numbers stamped in metal that have been obliterated?

Acid

Which of the following are reasons that one should take caution when collecting evidence that may contain biological materials?

All of the above

When photographing the corpse at the morgue, what should be documented?

All the above

What may cause an orientation issue?

Both A and B

A gunshot wound has apparent blackened, seared skin surrounding it. What range could be determined?

Close contact

What is the best method to develop a fingerprint on the item above (adhesive side)?

Crystal violet

What precedes documentation of observations?

Detailed photography

When establishing a perimeter around the crime scene, it is always best to

Extend the perimeter out past the areas of interest

The hazards present in the crime scene are limited to biohazards from blood and body fluids.

False

What produces ligature marks?

Garroting

A photograph in which a viewer has no idea of what the item is or why the picture was taken is referred to as having

Identification Problems

If the measurement tape sags, there will be a(n) ________ measurement.

Inaccurate

A wound that is longer than it is deep would considered a (n)?

Incised wound

If there are no heat, soot, or stippling effects noted, the range is most likely?

Indeterminate

What is NOT a recommended method to develop a fingerprint on the item above?

Iodine fuming

A crime scene report is:

None of the above

What are the 4 key elements of crime scene documentation?

Notes, photographs/ video, sketches, reports

These photographs are taken to depict the general condition and layout of the scene.

Overall photograph

What are the three areas of consideration when defining an initial perimeter?

Primary focal points, Natural entry and exit points, and secondary scenes

In general, which of the following does NOT need to be completed before Releasing the Scene?

Processing Evidence

Which of the following is called the stiffening of the muscles in the deceased victim?

Rigor mortis

Which of the following does not make up the fused particles found in primer residues?

Sulfur

The forensic linkage triangle considers evidence in relation to which of the following?

Suspect(s), victim(s) and scene(s).

What term describes the area in which a single searcher can evaluate at any given time?

Swathe

The notion of __________________ is a key factor to the solution of a case.

Teamwork

According to the textbook, what is justice?

The process by which each receives his due

What is the investigative standard of a professional investigator?

To investigate to the point of beyond a reasonable doubt

Which of the following would be considered an individual characteristic?

Wear pattern

During reexamination of the body, what could be used to see trace evidence in the form of semem or spittle, any foreign fibers or hairs, and light bruises?

White light and ALS

Which of the following search methods is appropriate for the scene above? (Picture of blue vehicle; interior of vehicle)

Zone.

The adapted USACIDC model is composed of how many steps?

17

Flies typically begin laying eggs on a body within how many minutes after death?

20 minutes

Within how many hours should a debriefing take place after the crime scene is processed?

24 hours

To fix a regularly shaped item using triangulation, you need a minimum of _______ measurements.

4

A study has suggested that 90% of all transferred hairs or fibers are lost within the first ____ hour(s).

8

How many steps are used in the descriptive set when documenting observations?

8

When mapping a crime scene using rectangular coordinates, what angle should be measured from the evidence to the surrounding walls and surfaces?

90

What percentage of fiber transfers can be lost in the first 8 hours?

90%

Fingerprints are made up of ___water and ___a combination of grease, oil, salts, and amino acids.

98%, 2%

The crime scene report should not include which of the following:

A and B.

Which of the following fingerprinting techniques are considered to be normal "on-scene" techniques:

A and C

Besides a standard "birds eye" view, the crime scene sketch can also be drawn as:

A and C.

A "blue light" is an effective crime scene tool that provides the following capabilities:

A broad pass band filter that will cause many crime scene items to fluoresce.

What is a class characteristic?

A trait or characteristic that allows the item to be compared with another group of items and included or excluded in the group.

What is the initial action of first responders?

Act in the interests of victims or potential victims

What is the best method to develop a fingerprint on the item above?

Adding-machine-paper technique

A crime scene investigator gets to a crime scene and forgets they have gum in their mouth. They spit it out in the trash can at the crime scene. Which integrity issue did the investigator violate?

Addition of material to the scene

Which of the following would be considered an early postmortem indicator?

Algor mortis

___________ is the loss of body heat from the corpse.

Algor mortis

Additional examination(s) may include:

All of the above

An entomologist would be able to provide a postmortem interval with careful collection of

All of the above

Chemical evidence is generally analyzed by:

All of the above

The size of area the searcher is viewing at any given moment is affected by which of the following factors:

All of the above

Trajectory and shooting scene analysis is based on which area of study?

All of the above

Types of impressions include which of the following?

All of the above

What are the basic goals of the police?

All of the above

What are the basic ingredients to good crime scene processing?

All of the above

What discipline is important for a successful investigation?

All of the above

What does Testimonial evidence include?

All of the above

What environmental conditions have direct effect on the rate of decomposition?

All of the above

What factor(s) determine which search method is used?

All of the above

What item(s) should the crime scene entry control log include?

All of the above

What questions should be asked in regard to a piece of evidence?

All of the above

What should be considered by the investigative team while debriefing and assessment?

All of the above

When presented with a weapon, the question the firearms examiner tries to resolve is:

All of the above

When utilizing digital photography, which of the following is an important issue to consider?

All of the above

Which biological material has the possibility to provide DNA profiles?

All of the above

Which of the following are types of trace evidence?

All of the above

Which of the following does the first responding officer must consider potential threats at the crime scene?

All of the above

Which of the following would be consider a blunt force injury?

All of the above

An alternate light source (ALS) can be used in the following ways:

All of the above.

Which of the following activities should the first responder not partake in?

All of the above.

What does ALS stand for?

Alternative Light Source

If a victim has their hyoid bone broken, this would be a result from what kind of trauma?

Asphyxia

Forensic pathologist normally categorize injuries based on which mechanisms?

Asphyxia, gunshot trauma, sharp force trauma, and blunt force trauma

Out of all the actions applied to evidence by technicians at a crime scene, which is the least intrusive?

Assessing

Blue-green discoloration in the lower abdomen during decomposition is commonly due to

Bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of the victim

The tubular aspect of the firearm that directs the path of the projectile when fired from the firearm is the ________.

Barrel

What type of characteristics does firearm evidence hold?

Both A and B

You are dispatched to the scene of a robbery and you come across a victim who states that she was cut with a knife. Which should be your primary consideration?

Calling for paramedics to respond and treat the victim.

The subunit of the cartridge that holds the primer and propellant is the _________.

Cartridge case

To fix an irregularly shaped item using rectangular coordinates, you would measure from the ________ to the wall.

Center of the object

Features of the scene such as doors, windows, openings, geographical features and a general description of the scene would be included in the ________ section of the report.

Characteristics of the Scene

The ______ search can also be employed in reverse, by moving outward from a primary focal point or the center of a room.

Circle

What type of crime scene search you would do in the following photo? (picture of UPS Store; cluttered office space)

Circle Search

What two categories is physical evidence classified as?

Class Characteristic and Individual Characteristic

What is the category of muzzle range when the muzzle is in direct contact with the skin or pressed into the skin?

Close or hard contact

Which of the following is NOT part of the five basic objectives of the police?

Collection of evidence

A cursory description of the body would be listed under

Conditions of the Scene

What is the last step of the processing methodology?

Conduct a formal debriefing

In which step is it a good time to utilize an ALS?

Conducting a second recheck of the scene

A photograph in which the scene is depicted in altered or different conditions has

Confusion Problems

With bullet defects in windshield glass it is more difficult to locate the entry and exit due to the _________ effect.

Coning

Which of the following is not responsible for determining the time of death?

Crime Scene Technician

A crime scene investigator creates a __________ to document relational details.

Crime scene sketch

External ballistics is typically the responsibility of the __________.

Crime scene technician

In which case should EMS be prevented from entering a crime scene?

Decapitation case

What results in the loss of an item's evidentiary value?

Destruction of material

The ________ should depict the scene and the primary evidence.

Diagram Area

Why should the crime scene investigator do a thorough and complete investigation at every scene?

Doing so may refute a defense contention at trial.

Bullet defects resulting in nontumbling impacts will tend to be ________ in shape.

Elliptical or circular

After the scene perimeter has been established, what is the FOREMOST important consideration the responsible officer at the scene must revisit?

Enhancing the security of the crime scene

In this section, the crime scene technician must use inference to explain how certain scene aspects may support or refute the use of a particular method of access.

Entry and Exit

Which of the following is a major factor affecting Algor Mortis?

Environmental conditions

What is the next step officer should take after the initial perimeter is established and cordoned off?

Establish a crime scene entry control log

What is Locard's principle of exchange?

Every action the technician takes in the scene has an impact

In multilevel containment, where there are multiple barriers, crime scene entry control log is necessary at the actual scene and perhaps at:

Evidence - holding area

A technician should try to fill the frame with the item of interest in a(n) ____________, at a range closer than 3-4 feet.

Evidence close-up photograph

One of the greatest failures of crime scene photography is the absence of good _____ shots.

Evidence-establishing

A crime scene technician should report as little as possible to avoid possible misrepresentation by counsel.

False

A detailed sketch of a residential crime scene needs to show the furniture only when the crime involves upsetting the furniture.

False

An elevation sketch will require the use of surveying instruments.

False

Blood will brightly fluoresce when exposed to Ultra Violet light.

False

Controlling the scene and everyone in it requires cordoning off a section of the immediate scene and having witnesses wait there.

False

Copper and lead tests are the only mechanism of verifying that a defect is caused by a bullet.

False

Cross contamination of serological evidence is never an issue when handling a single item of stained clothing.

False

Fingerprints differ in every individual except identical twins.

False

Good crime scene photographs eliminate the need for detailed notes in the overall observation phase of crime scene processing.

False

In general, crime scene sketching is performed before photographing the scene.

False

In order to preserve fragile evidence, officers generally have the authority to prevent EMS from entering a scene.

False

It is a good idea to allow young officers to act as the Public Information Officer for media releases on scene, in order to give them experience in dealing with the media.

False

It is better to try on-scene techniques when presented with porous surfaces, rather than submitting them to the lab.

False

It is imperative to restate in the Collection of Evidence section of the crime scene report all facts pertaining to what evidence was recovered by whom and exactly where, even if the organization uses a consolidated evidence collection log.

False

Running commentary on the audio track of the video photography by the crime scene investigators is a standard and functional crime scene practice.

False

The "wake effect" refers to small linear defects that extend out and away from the bullet hole. These lines as they extend out point toward the direction of travel.

False

The Electro Static Lifting Device (ESLD) can be used on any surface including wet ones.

False

The Environmental Conditions section of the crime scene report is used merely to discuss the exterior conditions (e.g. raining, snowing, sunshine).

False

The basic purpose behind creating a crime scene sketch is to create a drawing of the scene that is accurate in every detail.

False

The crime scene investigator should avoid fundamental methods to measure the crime scene, since advanced data gathering systems are more accurate.

False

The crime scene report should be synopsized and report only that information that ultimately supports the conclusions of the technician.

False

The fingerprint search is directed at the "best surfaces" found in the scene (e.g. mirrors, television screens).

False

There is a single "right way" for crime scene technicians to process a scene.

False

Triangulation on a baseline is primarily used as an interior scene mapping method.

False

When sketching a crime scene, you need to draw and fix everything in the room/scene.

False

Notes by the crime scene technician become unnecessary when good photographs and sketches are completed as a part of the scene processing.

False. Notes are always needed.

Amido black stains the ________ in a latent impression.

Fatty component

If there were a female victim of sexual assault that needed to be examined for evidence, what kind of technician should examine her?

Female technician

Firearms examiners look for evidence of three types of characteristics on the bullet or bullet fragment. Which of these is not one of the types of characteristics?

Firearm examiners are looking for all these of are types of characteristics.

Many situations at a crime scene demand that the investigator be ____________ and creative.

Flexible

Internal ballistics is typically conducted by the _________.

Forensic firearm examiner

What is another term used in the textbook for mechanical fit?

Fracture matching

A broken lock is an example of what kind of evidence context?

Functional detail

At the crime scene an alarm clock is set for a specific time, this would be an example of the following:

Functional detail

When recovering a 2-dimensional impression from a porous surface, which of the following methods can be used:

Gelatin lifer.

Which of the following is true about fibers?

Generally used as class comparisons

Which type of bullet injury can be described as the projectile leaving only a minor abrasion as it passes adjacent to the body?

Grazing injury

Which search method is shown here?

Grid.

The major problems associated to crime scene photography include:

Identification problems, orientation problems, confusion problems and incomplete documentation.

Once a perimeter has been set, what is the next process?

Identifying access points

What is the category of muzzle range when no conclusion can be drawn on muzzle distance?

Indeterminate range

At the initial discovery of the crime scene, whose responsibility is it to protect the integrity of the evidence if it is at risk of being destroyed?

Initial Responding Officer

What is the term used to describe the actual crime scene, where only authorized investigators and crime scene technicians operate?

Inner scene

When the muzzle of the weapon is held far enough away from the body that heat and soot effects are eliminated is consider what range?

Intermediate

What is the category of muzzle range when the muzzle is typically between 5 and 40 inches from the skin?

Intermediate range

Exit wounds tend to be

Irregular and asymmetrical

You arrive at a crime scene and find that there are a group of witnesses. What actions should you take?

Isolate the witnesses and tell them not to discuss the event.

What is the function of the forensic evidence linkage triangle?

It is to remind the investigator that each item discovered must be considered a mechanism for linking the scene, the victim, or the suspect in some form or fashion.

If it becomes necessary for a first responder to move a piece of evidence, which of the following procedures must be done:

Its position must be noted in a report and it must be photographed.

Which of the following is the key processing ingredient that deals with a basic understanding by the crime scene technician of what they are trying to accomplish?

Knowledge

The ________ tells the viewer what the various labels used in the sketch depict.

Legend

Which of the following requires immediate emphasis on a scene?

Lifesaving efforts

What search pattern is used on exterior scenes over uneven terrain?

Line

Which search method is best carried out by a group of searchers?

Line

When processing a scene involving scattered remains over a wide area, which of the following is the most effective search technique?

Line.

The Principle of Exchange which states that 'every contact leaves a trace' is attributed to:

Locard

During initial observations, the crime scene technician accomplishes an initial scan of the scene, this includes:

Looking for victims, central theme items, secondary scenes, avenues of entry or exit and fragile evidence.

The muzzle is in extremely close proximity to the skin but at the moment of firing, a small gap is created between the two. This terminology is called

Loose contact

What is the category of muzzle range when the muzzle is in extremely close proximity to the skin, but at the moment of firing, a small gap is created between the two?

Loose contact

Which of the following options is the best way for the first responding officer to minimize loss of crucial information after arrival at a crime scene?

Making detailed notes.

What condition results from blood vessels become significantly discolored?

Marbling

Measuring polar coordinates that do not involve elevation data involves the following information:

Measuring the horizontal angle and the horizontal distance.

Which one of these is NOT recurring issue with crime scene photography?

Mechanical issues

What is the terminology in the textbook that is defined as "marked by ordered and systematic habits or behavior?"

Methodical

What does "red herrings" mean in documentation?

Misleading clues

What is the category of muzzle range when the muzzle is generally said to be not more than 5 inches from the skin?

Near contact

What single search pattern works in every crime scene processing situation?

No single search pattern works in every situation

What is NOT a limiting consideration concerning total-station mapping systems?

None of the above

Which of the following techniques can be used on a wet surface?

None of the above

The factors that are taken into consideration before making a decision on whether to use an area or functional team approach include:

Number of scenes, order of activity for specialty exams, available resources, and the physical size of the scene.

________ is/are the critical component of any final crime scene report.

Objectivity

A photograph in which a viewer has no way to distinguish left from right has

Orientation Problems

Which types of photographs help eliminate issues of subsequent contamination?

Overall

If a victim was shot and there is no exit found, what kind of injury would it be considered?

Penetrating

If a victim was shot and there an exit wound is found, what kind of injury would it be considered?

Perforating

Which type of bullet defect can be described as the bullet entering a surface and exiting?

Perforating defect

Which of the following is NOT a method generally used when collecting trace evidence?

Picking up with your hand

The use of photo ________ in a second series of overall photographs can significantly reduce problems associated with creating evidence establishing photographs.

Placards

Which of the following are examples of primary focal points?

Places the police are led or drawn to by their apparent association to the crime

A fingerprint impression found in a piece of clay would be an example of a

Plastic fingerprint

The initial responding officer considers which of the following when defining where to place the initial perimeter:

Primary focal points, avenues of entry and exit and secondary scenes.

The subunit of the cartridge that is expelled from the firearm under the pressure created by the burning propellant is the ________.

Projectile/Bullet

Which is NOT a responsibility of the first officer at the crime scene?

Releasing the scene to EMS

All of the following would be considered an observation of presumptive death EXCEPT?

Respiration

The concept of "going back" in the processing methodology means:

Returning to an earlier step, in order to bring a newly discovered item of evidence to the same level of processing as other items.

Which type of bullet defect can be described as the bullet striking a surface and being deflected off of it at some angle without penetrating the surface completely?

Ricochet or deflection

Which of the following test can only be performed at the crime lab?

SEM

Of the available methods for DNA analysis, which of the following is the best for individualization in forensic analysis?

STR

Laser lights should only be operated when all personnel are wearing ________.

Safety glasses designed for laser lights

The section intended to describe basic efforts taken to photograph and sketch the scene:

Scene Documentation

You respond to the scene of a sexual assault that occurred in the victim's residence. Which of the following would be the most appropriate way to secure the scene?

Set up perimeter tape around the house and any entry/escape paths.

Which of the following can be used for both fingerprinting irregularly shaped objects and toolmark impressions?

Silicone material

Releasing of the scene and debriefing from the initial responding officer includes all the following except?

Status of the officers

Cyanoacrylate is another term for:

Superglue

The area of ballistics that considers the effect of a bullet on a human target and includes the defining path of the bullet though the victim is ________.

Terminal ballistics

You are the first responding officer at a crime scene and are tasked with protecting the scene. Which two factors affect how you proceed?

The resources of the police agency and the nature of the crime.

How many photographs should the crime scene technicians take at the crime scene?

The technician can never take too many photographs.

The best circumstances for the crime scene technician when evaluating bullet trajectories is when:

There are multiple corresponding defects in solid surfaces and an associated penetrating or perforating wound.

Notes and crime scene reports share some common characteristics, these include:

They are detailed, accurate, and understandable.

Why is it important for the first responding officer to record the various times associated with the response to the scene?

They can be important when checking a suspect's story.

Which of the following is an important purpose of photographs taken at the crime scene?

They convey the circumstances of the scene to the jury

Which of the following is NOT an example of document evidence?

Threatening e-mail on the computer

What is the minimum amount of people required for a sketch and measurement team?

Three

What is the primary purpose of the entry control log?

To keep track of the personnel inside the actual crime scene

The smell of cologne at the crime scene would be an example of the following?

Transitory effect

An effective method of creating overall photographs is to shoot across the scene from the four corners of the scene limits.

True

An exploded sketch may or may not show the ceiling.

True

Any observation made at the crime scene and recorded in notes could be of significance at a later date.

True

Crime scene notes must be retained even after creating the crime scene report.

True

Detailed narrative descriptions can assist the investigator evaluate or emphasize a point for a photograph or sketch.

True

Efforts to document the investigation prevents counsel from making wild and unsubstantiated claims that evidence was "missed" by the crime scene technician.

True

For purposes of choosing a fingerprint method, paper products and cardboard are considered to be porous surfaces.

True

Physical evidence never lies, though it can be misinterpreted.

True

The crime scene investigator can never take too many photographs.

True

The crime scene investigator must approach the scene with a preconceived idea about what occurred so the scene can be processed efficiently.

True

The function of a photo log is to keep a record of what photographs were taken and why.

True

The inner most perimeter which defines the true crime scene is the only perimeter that must have an entry control log.

True

The most effective method for mixing dental stone for 3- dimensional casts is by adding water directly to the dental stone in a sealable bag and mixing it in the bag.

True

The statement "The call you got isn't the call you get" simply means that the initial information provided to the police is often incorrect.

True

A person enters the house of their neighbor and turns on the light to look around. What type of change is this?

Unpredictable effect

How many rechecks should be performed at a crime scene?

Until the recheck is negative

How does the technician identify the angle of impact?

Using the relationships between the defect and the right triangle created by the bullet path and the target

Which of the following is not required in the procedure of photography methodology?

Utilize video photography after the normal overall photographs of the scene

When photographing bloodstains, the purpose is to:

View to road mapping in bloodstain pattern analysis

Patent prints are those prints which are ________ to the naked eye.

Visible

What is accidental discharge of a firearm?

When a weapon malfunctions and without direct effort of pulling the trigger the weapon causes a cartridge to be fired

Of the following options, which one is an important factor that a crime scene investigator should consider when formulating a plan to process the scene?

Where the possible sources of physical evidence are located.