Chapter 2: Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection

These flashcards cover key concepts related to forensic science fundamentals and investigations, focusing on crime scene investigation and evidence collection.

Evidence

Any type of material that can be used to support claims or conclusions in a crime investigation.

Crime Scene Investigation

The process of piecing together evidence found at a crime scene to solve a crime.

Reliable Evidence

Evidence that shows consistency when re-tested and is trustworthy.

Valid Evidence

Evidence that is properly collected and documented, supporting a claim based on objective data.

Locard's Principle of Exchange

The principle stating that physical transfer occurs whenever two people make contact, leading to evidence exchange.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly supports an alleged fact through firsthand observation or direct evidence.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that implies a fact but does not prove it, such as physical impressions.

Class Evidence

Material that connects an individual or thing to a certain group.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that identifies a particular person or thing, such as fingerprints or DNA.

Securing the Scene

Step 1 of the Seven S's of Crime Scene Investigation, involving the responsibility of the first responder.

Separating Witnesses

Step 2 of the Seven S's, involving asking specific questions to avoid influence among witnesses.

Scanning the Scene

Step 3 of the Seven S's, which involves determining where photos should be taken.

Sketching the Scene

Step 5 of the Seven S's, which involves creating an accurate representation of the crime scene.

Chain of Custody

The documented and unbroken transfer of evidence, ensuring its integrity throughout the investigation.

Datum Point

A permanent fixed point of reference used in the mapping of a crime scene.

Triangulation

A method of recording evidence location from two fixed points.

Baseline Method

A technique using North, South, East, West coordinates for recording orientation.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

The process of forming a hypothesis about the events based on evidence from the scene.

Staged Crime Scenes

Crime scenes that have been faked or altered to mislead investigators.

Surveillance Cameras

Devices used in modern investigations for locating crime scenes and recording evidence.

Ground Penetrating Radar

A technology used to detect buried objects or evidence.

Drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles used for surveillance and mapping crime scenes.

3-D Stationery Camera Systems

Advanced imaging systems used to capture detailed crime scene documentation.

First Responders

Officers who are the first to arrive at a crime scene and have the responsibility to secure it.

Crime Scene Investigators

Specialists responsible for collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence at a crime scene.

Medical Examiners

Professionals who determine cause of death and collect evidence related to fatalities.

Evidence Analysis

The process by which lab technicians and detectives examine collected evidence.

Scientific Working Groups

Teams formed to standardize protocols for evidence collection and testing.

Recommendations

Guidelines proposed to improve evidence collection and testing based on scientific findings.

Photographs and Sketches

Visual documentation taken by investigators to record the crime scene.

Search Patterns

Methods used to systematically search for evidence at a crime scene.

Arson

The deliberate setting of a fire, often employed to disguise another crime.

Eyewitness Accounts

Reports provided by people who directly observed the crime occurring.

Physical Evidence

Items such as fingerprints or tool marks that physically connect suspects to a crime.

Biological Evidence

Material such as DNA, bodily fluids, or hair that can link individuals to crime.

Evidence Packaging

The process of properly sealing and labeling evidence for transport and analysis.

Expert Witness Testimony

Testimony provided by a specialist in a field relevant to the case, guided by evidence validity.

New Guidelines

Established protocols to ensure scientific validity and reliability in expert testimony.

Evaluating Evidence

The assessment of evidence to determine if it meets criteria of scientific standards.