forensics - chapter 2 review questions

which of the following search patterns can be performed effectively by one person? a) grid b) line c) quadrant d) spiral

b and c line and spiral

which of these other tasks should the first officer at the scene attempt to perform? a) sketch the scene b) take statements from the victim c) detain potential suspects d) identify individuals at the scene

b, c, and d take statements from the victim, detain potential suspects, and identify individuals at the scene

how should medical workers approach a body at a crime scene? why?

by an indirect route to minimize the possibility of disturbing evidence

describe three steps investigators typically take to control access to a crime scene.

establishing the boundaries of the scene, preventing unauthorized access to the crime scene, and keeping an accurate log of everyone who enters or leaves the scene

list two possible consequences of failure to protect a crime scene properly.

failure to protect a crime scene properly may result in the destruction or altering of evidence, or hinder the search for the perpetrator by misleading investigators about the true facts of the incident

name three factors that determine how one carries out a crime-scene search.

how one carries out a crime-scene search depends on the locale, the size of the area, and the actions of the suspect(s) and victim(s) at the scene

in the case of homicide, where will the investigator's search be centered?

in the case of homicide, the investigator's search will be centered on the weapon and any type of evidence left as a result of contact between the victim and the assailant

what kind of evidence do investigators particularly look for when searching a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run case?

investigators pay particular attention to looking for any evidence resulting from a cross-transfer of evidence between the car and the victim

what is the first priority of the first officer responding to a crime scene?

obtaining medical assistance for individuals in need of it

list the basic tasks performed by investigation teams after the walkthrough, in the order needed to properly process the scene.

the basic tasks needed to process a crime scene include locating possible evidence, assessing the evidence, processing evidence, and photographing and sketching the scene

which are more difficult to determine: the boundaries of an indoor crime scene or those of an outdoor crime scene? explain your answer.

the boundaries of an outdoor crime scene are usually more difficult to determine because they can cover a much greater area than indoor crime scenes

what is a walkthrough? what is the first step in this process?

the initial survey of the crime scene. the first step is to establish the perpetrator's path of entry and exit

how does the investigator treat fragile evidence found at the crime scene?

the investigator may secure fragile evidence or tag it for a search team

what does an investigator do with pieces of evidence he or she discovers at a crime scene?

the investigator must document and photograph any evidence found at the crime scene

which search pattern is best suited for searching a large area? describe this search pattern.

the quadrant or zone pattern is best suited for scenes that cover a large area

what is the best procedure to follow when a nighttime crime scene is too dark to search properly? what steps should an investigator take if circumstances do not permit this procedure?

the scene should be taped off and left undisturbed and guarded until daylight can be used. if circumstances do not allow waiting until daylight, a perimeter must be estimated and floodlights should be set up prior to the search

when does the crime scene search officially end?

the search ends when the team or lead investigator determines that all pertinent evidence has been located to the best of the team's ability

describe the steps the crime scene investigation team takes during its final survey of the crime scene.

the team makes a visual overview of all parts of the scene, takes an inventory of all evidence collected so nothing is lost or left behind, retrieves all equipment, and verifies that any threats to health or safety at the scene have been or will be dealt with properly

when searching a vehicle, what surfaces must investigators be careful to avoid contacting? give two common examples of such surfaces.

when searching a vehicle, an investigator must avoid touching surfaces that may contain fingerprints. common examples of such surfaces include a steering wheel or a door handle

describe the basic functions of a command center. what kind of equipment must a command center contain?

a command center serves as a place where members of the investigative team receive their assignments, store their equipment, and meet to talk discuss aspects of the case. the command center can also be a center for communication between investigators at multiple crime scenes. the command center must contain the basic equipment needed to photograph, sketch, process, and collect evidence

what is the difference between a primary and a secondary scene?

a primary scene is one at which the original incident occurred. a secondary scene is a location that became part of a crime by activities that occurred after the initial incident