crime scene
the site where the offence took place
centre
the area in which the offence was actually committed
perimeter
the areas surrounding the centre, where the offender may have been present or may have left evidence
contamination
the loss, destruction, or alteration of physical evidence
police log
a written record of what an officer has witnessed
physical evidence
any object, impression, or body element that can be used to prove or disprove facts relating to an offence
forensic science
the use of biochemical and other scientific techniques to analyze evidence in a criminal investigation
impressions
patterns or marks found on surfaces and caused by various objects
class characteristics
the general attributes of an object
individual characteristics
the specific and unique features of an object
fingerprint
a mark left behind after a fingertip touches an object
visible fingerprint
the print formed when a fingertip is coated in blood, grease, or some other substance; it is visible to the naked eye
latent fingerprint
the print formed by natural oils and perspiration on the fingertip; it is not visible to the naked eye
chain of custody
the witnessed, written record of the people who maintained unbroken control over an item of evidence
arrest
legally depriving someone of liberty by seizing or touching the person to indicate that he or she is in custody
reasonable grounds
information that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the suspect had committed a criminal offence
appearance notice
a legal document, usually issued for less serious offences, compelling an accused person fails to appear in court
bench warrant
an arrest warrant issued directly by the judge when an accused person fails to appear in court
summons
a legal document issued for an indictable offence, ordering an accused person to appear in court
information
a statement given under oath, informing the Court of the details of the offence
arrest warrant
a written court order, directing the arrest of the suspect
peace officer
a person responsible for preserving the public peace, such as a police officer, a mayor, or a customs officer
citizen's arrest
an arrest without a warrant by any person other than a peace officer
search warrant
a court document that gives the police the right to search a specific location
telewarrant
a search warrant obtained by phone or fax
lineup
a grouping of photographs or people shown to a victim or a witness for the purpose of identifying the perpetrator
promise to appear
a signed agreement that an accused person will appear in court at the time of the trial
recognizance
a guarantee that the accused will appear in court when required, under penalty of a fine of up to $500
surety
a person who agrees to make a payment if the accused does not appear at trial
bail
the temporary release of an accused who posts money or some other security
show-cause hearing
a judicial hearing in which the Crown or the accused has to convince the Judge either to detain or release the accused before trial
reverse onus
the burden of proof shifts to the defence