What are at least 3 methods of documenting a crime scene? Why might it be valuable to use more than one on the same crime scene?
#NAME?
Does a crime scene sketch have probative value if entered as evidence in a court of law? Why or why not?
Yes, because it can show relative location of evidence and give an overview of a crime scene.
List and describe at least three different methods of searching a crime scene.
- Line or strip method�best in large, outdoor scenes
- Grid method�basically a double-line search; effective, but
time-consuming
- Zone method�most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching
- Wheel or ray method�best o
What is the main job of each of the following people? --
Crime scene officer/technician
Secures the scene, collects evidence
What is the main job of each of the following people? --
First officer on the scene
#NAME?
What is the main job of each of the following people? --
Lead detective
Takes notes, interviews witnesses and suspects, writes report.
What is the main job of each of the following people? --
Crime lab analyst/technician
Analyze the evidence received from the crime scene. Type of evidence will drive what test will be performed.
What is the main job of each of the following people? --
Medical examiner
#NAME?
Is an analyst bound by the requests of crime scene investigators?
#NAME?
What is the difference between a coroner and a medical examiner?
- A medical examiner is a medical doctor, usually a pathologist, and is appointed by the governing body of the area. There are 400 forensic pathologists throughout the U.S.
- A coroner is an elected official who usually has no special medical training. In
In order to convict someone of a crime, what two things must law enforcement prove?
That a crime occurred and that the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime
What does ADAPT stand for?
Assess the crime scene
Detain the witness
Arrest the perpetrator
Protect the crime scene
Take notes
Can a crime scene be multiple locations related to the same crime?
Yes
What is the first step that an officer takes when approaching a crime scene?
Isolate and secure the scene
What kinds of photographs should be taken at a crime scene?
With a scale and without a scale and at a 90 degree angle to the subject.
What added details do crime scene sketches show over photography?
Location in relation to other things in the scene.
Why should evidence labeling all be done by one person? Does this mean all evidence collection should be done by one person?
#NAME?
How should each of the following evidences be packaged? --
Blood
Allowed to dry, Paper bag, sealed with evidence tape and initials
How should each of the following evidences be packaged? --
Arson evidence
Airtight container, sealed with evidence tape and initials
How should each of the following evidences be packaged? --
Glass
Rigid container, sealed with evidence tape and initials
Where are controls for forensic testing collected from?
#NAME?
What is modus operandi?
Method for the crime
Why must chain of custody be maintained? What is the consequence of it not being maintained? Who is responsible for maintaining it?
#NAME?
What went wrong in the Jeffrey MacDonald case?
COC was not maintained properly. Investigators contaminated and disturbed evidence by touching everything.
Record logs should be kept of what items?
Evidence, Photographs, Anyone entering and leaving the scene
What does corpus delicti mean?
Body of the Crime"
Authorities must prove:
o That a crime occurred
o That the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime
Top reasons for committing a crime
o Money
o Revenge
o Emotion�love, hate, anger
Source of evidence
o Body
o Primary
What is the difference between cause of death and mechanism of death?
Cause of death is WHY a person died, mechanism of death is HOW a person died.
- Example - cause of death might be stabbing, mechanism of death would be blood loss from the stab wound.
Who is responsible for notifying the next of kin about a death?
The medical Examiner.
Listing question: List the four major steps in crime scene investigation.
#NAME?
Listing question: List the five different categories of manner of death.
#NAME?
Short answer question: What are some details that should be added to a crime scene sketch?
- Location of crime
- Date
- Time
- Investigator name,
- Scale
- Any reference points (including north point)
- Name of the victim