Chapter 3 - Investigators, the Investigative Process, and the Crime Scene

Identify a guideline for digital still photography at a crime scene.

Photograph from eye level to represent the normal view

Which of the following is true of determining boundaries during a crime scene search?

Physical limitations of the building help determine the inner and outer boundaries for an indoor crime scene

Identify the characteristics of a competent investigator.

Awareness of the difference between knowing things and doing things

Digital Videography

Digital video cameras used to document crime scenes. They are relatively inexpensive, they incorporate audio, their use can be quickly learned, and they give prosecutors a much better sense of the scene than just still photographs can.

Elimination Prints

Fingerprints taken of every individual whose prints are likely to be found at the crime scene but who are not suspects.

_____ is the police effort expended after the initial incident report is completed until the case is ready for prosecution

Follow-up investigation

In the context of a crime scene investigation, identify an investigative service from the following

Interviewing witnesses

Which of the following types of sketching views is used to show heights and a crime scene

The elevation view

which of the following types of sketching views is used to show heights in a crime scene

The elevation view

Identify the crime scene search pattern that is rarely employed for investigative purposes

The pie search pattern

Identify an affective tool for mapping outdoor crime scene over a fairly large open area

The polar coordinate method

Follow-Up Investigation

The process of gathering information after the generation of the incident report and until the case is ready for prosecution; undertaken for cases receiving a supervisory disposition for further investigation.

Crime Scene Sketch

A rough drawing used to document a crime scene

The grid pattern of crime scene, search a searcher ______

Doubles back perpendicularly across the area being examined

Violation

In some states, this is a minor transgression of the law, often punishable by a fine of no more than $250 (e.g., littering).

Cleared by Exceptional Means

Occurs when the police are unable to place formal charges against an alleged offender, for example, because the offender is dead, a victim refuses to cooperate, or extradition is denied

Perspective

One of the four types of sketching and mapping which requires drawing the object of interest in three dimensions

Which of the following devices rotate a full 360° as it takes hi-resolution photographs of a crime scene in about 11 minutes

Panoramic camera

Identify the automated digital imaging systems used in crime scene investigations

Panoramic cameras and laser scanning

The locations of all subsequent connected events of a crime scene are known as...

Secondary scenes

Crime Scene

The location where a crime has been committed or any place that evidence relating to a crime may be found.

Identify a crime scene search pattern that may employ spiral, grid or line search methods

The zone search pattern

A(n) _____ is an act which is punishable by only a fine, usually no more than $250

Violation

What methods are available to visually document the crime scene?

- still photography - videography - sketching - forensic mapping

In the context of processing crime scenes, chain of custody accounts for _____

Changes in the evidence

A(n) _____ _____ Is the location where an offense was committed

Crime scene

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Equipment and clothing designed to protect individuals at high-risk crime scenes from injury and infection.

Identify the specific objectives of a crime scene investigation

Establish the modus operandi, provide investigative leads, document physical evidence and determine the sequence of events

Tracing Evidence

Evidence that helps identify and locate the suspect.

Trace Evidence

Evidence that is extremely small or microscopic in size or is present only in limited amounts.

Corpus Delicti Evidence

Evidence that substantiates elements whose commission or omission must be demonstrated to have occurred in order to prove a case.

True or false: a macroscopic scene consist of specific objects and pieces of evidence associated with the commission of a crime.

False

What are the objectives of crime scene investigation?

Find and secure evidence, secure the crime scene, take videos or photos, and write reports.

The process of taking and recording the precise measurements of items of evidence to be drawn or fixed on a sketch is known as _____ _____

Forensic mapping

Carrying out the identification, documentation, collection, marketing, packaging, and transmission of physical evidence to the evidence room or the crime laboratory is the function of who?

Forensic services

An ideal characteristic of competent investigators is that _____

They use legally approved methods and are highly ethical

The ________ pattern requires that a crime scene area to be divided into four large quadrants.

Zone search

Digital Camera

a camera that encodes an image digitally and store it for later reproduction

Crime Scene Entry Log

A written chronological record of all persons who enter and leave the crime scene and the times they do so, along with their reason for entering.

Photographic Log

A written record listing the photographs taken at a crime scene and detailing who took them, where and when they were taken, and under what conditions.

Lifted-Prints Log

A written record of lifted-prints evidence that contains the same type of information as that listed in the evidence recovery log.

Administrative Log

A written record of the actions taken by the crime scene coordinator, including assignments and release of the scene.

Locard's Exchange Principle

The fundamental assumption on which crime scene searches are conducted, which can be simplified to: there is something to be found.

Identify a forensic mapping method that is useful when there is a large outdoor scene with no what significant features or landmarks

The grid system method

Secondary Scenes

The locations of all events subsequent to, and connected with, the event at the primary scene.

What are preliminary and follow-up investigations?

The preliminary investigation is done by the first officer on the scene, typically a uniformed officer. They search the scene for any evidence that's apparent, such as guns, knives, and bullet casings. The follow-up investigation is started once the investigator arrives. Once the investigator arrives, the uniformed officer can be relieved, and the investigator is responsible for the scene until prosecution.

Crime Scene Control

The procedure of limiting and documenting access to the crime scene to ensure that physical evidence is not accidentally or deliberate altered or removed. The procedure begins with the arrival of the first officer at the scene and continues until the scene is released from police -control.

Forensic Mapping

The process of taking and recording the precise measurements of items of evidence to be drawn or "fixed" on the sketch

Preliminary Investigation

The process undertaken by the first officer (usually a patrol officer) to arrive at the scene of a crime; includes assessment, emergency care, scene control, a BOLO, scene determination, incident report, and sometimes, evidence procedures.

Field Notes

The short hand written record made by a police officer from the time he or she arrives at a crime scene until the assignment is completed.

True or false: a criminal offense can be considered a crime regardless of whether it is detected or undetected

True

Crime Scene Search Patterns

Used to locate physical evidence at a crime scene; there are five patterns: spiral, strip/line, grid, zone/quadrant, and pie/wheel.

The _____ _____ makes a record of all vehicles in the area to provide another investigative Avenue

Vehicle canvass

Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV)

Viruses present in blood (and, for HBV, other bodily fluids) that attack the liver and can lead to death; a health hazard at scenes where bodily fluids are exposed.

Datum Point

a permanent, fixed point of reference used in mapping a crime scene

What skills and qualities are needed by investigators?

Be able to converse equally well with a wide range of people, from corporate executives to the homeless. Good communication skills, strong ethics, initiative, and resourcefulness.

A successful investigator should avoid _____

Becoming calloused and cynical from their contact with criminals

Associative Evidence

Bidirectional evidence that connects the perpetrator to the scene or victim, or connects the scene or victim to the perpetrator.

Why is crime scene coordination so important?

Crime scene coordination is important to make sure all aspects of the scene are covered. The senior criminal investigator is responsible for making sure everything gets completed, and done correctly. Different people are designated different tasks, depending on size of the scene, and number of bodies.

In the context of the documentation of crime scenes, which of the following are types of documentation that need to be maintained?

Crime scene entry logs, lifted-prints log, incident/offense reports

In the context of visual documentation of the place where a crime occurred, a(n) _____ _____ _____ is a basic diagram of the scene showing important points

Crime scene sketch

How are inductive and deductive reasoning used in investigation?

Gives both viewpoints on the crime. One develops a hypothesis and works its way forward, the other examines what's there and works it way backwards.

What infectious disease risks are faced by crime scene investigators?

HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C, Ebola, Zika, and TB.

What are the "rules" for crime scene investigators?

Maintain control, conceptualize events, proceed with caution, apply inclusiveness, and maintain documentation.

Identify a protocol to be followed when using a digital video camera and a crime scene

Move through the crime scene without disturbing evidence

A _____ is an attempt to locate witnesses who may have heard, seen, or smelled something of investigative importance

Neighborhood canvass

Be-On-The-Lookout (BOLO)

Part of the preliminary investigation, a notification broadcast to officers that contains detailed information on suspects and their vehicles.

Define primary scene and secondary scene(s).

Primary scene is where the initial incident occurred. The secondary scenes are the locations following the initial incident.

Identify a common mistake committed while digital video recording a crime scene

Recording the scene too fast

In the context of forensic mapping, the _____ is best to use with crime scenes having clear and specific boundaries

Rectangular coordinate method

What factors can shape or impact a plan to process a crime scene?

Remote or difficult terrain, physical hazards, hostile crowd, human remains scattered because of animals, weather, chemical/biological/radiological/ nuclear weapons, dangerous chemicals and vapors, limited personnel, and infectious disease risk.

Alternative Light Sources (ALSs)

Separate out a specific wavelengths of light to examine a crime scene. When shined on a surface, the surface can absorb, reflect, or transmit light. In some situations, a surface absorbs the light may re-emit a different wavelength, meaning at florescence. I also called a for instance like.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The blood-borne pathogen, also present in other bodily fluids, that can progress into AIDS, which reduces read body defenses against diseases and leave victims vulnerable to infections from which they die; a health hazard at scenes where bodily fluids are exposed.

Cleared by Arrest

The classification assigned to an offense when the suspect has been arrested and there is sufficient evidence to file a formal charge.

Crime

The commission of any act that is prohibited, or the omission of any act that is required by the penal code of an organized political state

Identify the sketching view that lays the walls to a room down so that object of interest in the wall can be mapped

The cross projection view

Crime Scene Release

The end of crime scene processing and the return of the premises or area to the owner or another responsible person; determined by the scene coordinator.

Incident/Offese Report

The first written investigative record of a crime. The uniformed officer assigned to the call conducts a preliminary investigation, which is the basis for preparing the incident/offense report. It is written in such a manner that someone reading that report can understand what happened.

True or false: a person arrested by the police and curse social and/or economic cost only when he or she is convicted for a probable cause

False

List the stages of digital still photography in the order of progression

1. Orientation 2. Relationship 3. Identification 4. Comparison

Which of the following factors shape the initial plan for processing a crime scene

Presence of a hostile crowd

In the context of forensic services, identify a factor that shapes the initial plan for processing crime scenes

Presence of dangerous chemicals

Panoramic Cameras

Provides an unbroken, continuous view of the area that encircles it.

Primary Scene

The location at which the initial offense was committed.

The _____ pattern of crime scene search and tails dividing a search area into a number of pie-shaped sections

Wheel search

What is a neighborhood canvass?

When an official goes around a particular area in search of information. This person will ask if anyone saw, smelt, or heard anything. This can be down while the crime scene is still secured of after the scene is released.

When can investigators legally use deadly force in a place of crime?

When deadly force is directed at them

Assignment Sheet

Written reports completed by persons assigned tasks at a crime scene that document what they have done and found.

All Points Bulletin (APB)

broadcast to other officers with information of the suspect should include number of suspects, age, race, sex, height, weight, build, coloration, birthmarks, etc.

Grid System

pattern formed as the lines of latitude and longitude cross one another

Misdemeanor

A violation of the criminal code that is less serious than a felony eight; often punishable by imprisonment for no more than one year and/or a fine of no more than $500.

What four considerations dominate the crime scene search?

1. Boundary Determination- Determining the amount of area that needs to be secured for the scene. 2. Choice of search pattern- Choosing one of the five basic patterns. The type of pattern is usually dependent of the size of the crime scene. 3. Instruction of personnel- Organizing the individuals to maximize efficiency and increase the chance of finding all the evidence.

What are the three broad categories of evidence?

1. Corpus Delicti- Elements of proof that must be demonstrated to prove a case. 2. Associative- The connection of the scene between the suspect and the victim. 3. Tracing- The identification and location of the suspect.

How would you describe the "lucky" investigator?

A "lucky" investigator is someone who leaves no rock unturned. They have the experience and tools needed to successfully solve their case.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A chronic bacterial infection, spread by air, that usually infects the lungs and can lead to death if untreated; a health hazard for anyone in contact with high-risk individuals such as drug addicts and homeless persons

Evidence Recovery Log

A chronological record of each item of evidence, listing who collected it, where and when it was collected, who witnessed the collection, and whether it was documented by photos or diagrams.

Microscopic Scene

A crime scene viewed in terms of specific objects and pieces of evidence associated with the crime, such as knives, guns, hairs, fibers, and biological fluids

Rough Sketch

A drawing made at the crime scene; not drawn to scale, but indicates accurate dimensions and distances

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

A federal law which establishes the workplace rights of those with perceived or actual disabilities

Smooth or Finished Sketch

A finished sketch of the crime scene, often drawn to scale using information contained in the rough sketch.

Laser Scanning

A method of field measuring and recording that uses medium-range pulsing laser beams that systematically sweep over an object or space to obtain 3D coordinates of points on the surface being scanned.

Triangulation

A method of indirectly measuring distance by creating an imaginary triangle between an observer and an object whose distance away is to be estimated.

Who holds the overall responsibility for the crime scene events?

A senior criminal investigator

Felony

A serious violation of the criminal code; punishable by imprisonment for one or more years or by death

During a crime scene investigation, who is authorized to review and approve the incident report prepared by an investigative officer?

A supervisor

Vehicle Canvass

A systematic approach to documenting every vehicle in the immediate vicinity of a crime as a means of locating the suspect's vehicle.

Neighborhood Canvass

A systematic approach to interviewing residents, merchants, and others who were in the immediate vicinity of a crime and may have useful information.

Trace-Evidence Vacuums

A vacuum which gathers small (even microscopic) evidence at the crime scene. Examples of evidence gathered by it include hairs and fibers.

Investigators must evaluate information accurately and you sound judgment and making investigative decisions because _____

An arrest will encourage economic and/or social cost for a person even if not convicted

What are macroscopic and microscopic scenes?

Macro - Large areas of evidence (ex. parking lot) Micro - Very small pieces of evidence (ex. bullet wound)

Describe inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning - it moves from the specific details to a general view Deductive reasoning - it tests hypothesis against factual situations

Investigators must evaluate information accurately and you sound judgment and making investigative decisions because...

Interest will incur economic and/or social cost for a person even if not convicted

Identify a feature of the spiral pattern crime scene search.

Involves search in slightly decreasing, less-than-concentric circles

Which of the following is true about documenting a crime scene using digital video recording?

It incorporates audio and it holds viewer attention

How is a crime scene entry log properly used?

Logs people coming and leaving the scene. Brief those entering on the situation and any special conditions or hazards.

In the context of a crime scene search, a ________ pattern involves the demarcation of a series of lanes down which one or more persons proceed.

Strip/line search

Identify the details that must be recorded while conducting a vehicle canvass

Tag number, unusual articles, and recent damages

Macroscopic Scene

The "large view" of a crime scene, including things such as locations, the victim's body, cars, and buildings.

Deductive Reasoning

The thought process that moves from general promises to specific details - for example, a hypothesis about the crime is developed and then tested against the factual situation to arrive at a conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

The thought process that moves from specific details to a general view; e.g., The facts of a case are used to arrive at a logical explanation of the crime

Identify the forensic method that is helpful in crime scenes where measurements must spring from permanent landmarks

The triangulation method

Chain of Custody

The witnessed, unbroken, written chronological record of everyone who had an item of evidence, and when each person had it; also accounts for any changes in the evidence.

Identify a feature of the automated digital imaging systems used in a crime scene

They can be easily deployed