crime scene

Accelerant

a booster such as gasoline, kerosene, or paint thinner added to fire to speed its progress

standard of comparison

a model, measure, or object with which evidence is compared to determine whether both come from the same source.

Forensic Specialist

a person specifically trained to ....... and to make scientific tests and assessments of ...... of physical evidence

zone search pattern

a search pattern in which the area is divided into four quadrants, each of which is then examined using one of the other patterns

Pie/wheel search pattern

a search pattern in which the area is divided into pie-shaped sections, usually six in number. Each section is then searched usually by variation of the strip pattern.

strip search pattern

a search pattern in which the space is to be searched is divided into a series of lanes. One or more searches proceeds up and down each lane, continuing until the area has been completely searched.

Grid search pattern

a search pattern that consists of two strip searches, the second perpendicular to the first. it allows the area to be viewed from two angles.

Spiral search pattern

a search pattern typically used in outdoor areas an normally launched by a single person. He or she begins at the outermost corner and walks in a decreasing spiral toward the central point.

cross-projection method

a sketching method in which the ceiling appears to open up like the lid of a hinged box , with the four walls opening outward. Measurements are then indicated from a point on the floor to the wall

rectangular coordinates method

a sketching method that involves measuring the distance of an object from two fixed lines at right angles to each other. IT is often used to locate objects in a room.

compass-point method

a sketching method that requires a protractor or some method of measuring angles between two lines. one point is selected as the origin ans a line extending out from the origin becomes an axis from which angles can be measured.

Triangulation Method

a sketching method that requires measuring the distance of an object along a straight line from two widely separated, fixed reference points

baseline method

a sketching method that takes measurements along and from a single reference line called a baseline which can be established by using a length of string, a chalk line, or some other convenient means

evidence

any items that helps to establish the facts of a related criminal case. It may be found at the scene of the crime, or on the victims, or taken from the suspects or the suspect's environment

crime scene

any place where evidence may be located and gathered to help explain events; where a crime scene took place

Grid Method

basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming

Line or strip method

best in large, outdoor scenes

Wheel or ray method

best on small, circular crime scenes

Spiral method

may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers

Zone method

most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching

chain of custody

proof of the possession of evidence from the moment it was found until the moment it is offered in evidence

modus operandi

the method of operation that a criminal uses to commit a crime. Latin word for "made of operation"

criminalist

A person specifically trained to collect evidence and to make scientific tests and assessments of various types of physical evidence