Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering forensic science principles, crime scene search patterns, team approaches, perimeter containment, evidence types, and investigation goals based on the lecture notes.

Circle Search

A crime scene search pattern that starts narrow and ends in a widening circle.

Zone Search

A crime scene search pattern utilized for small, confined areas.

Point-to-Point Search

A crime scene search pattern where investigators move from one focal point to another.

Collecting Evidence Impact

Once evidence is collected, the context of the item and scene is disturbed forever, and there is no undoing the act of collection.

Assessing (Scene Processing)

The processing phase that helps an investigator decide what to do next, evaluating required resources, scene complexity, and fragile evidence.

Inner Scene

The actual crime scene containment area where only authorized technicians or investigators with a specific need are permitted.

Working Area

The perimeter area surrounding the inner crime scene where officers on scene are located.

Outer Area

The area outside the crime scene perimeter barrier where the public and media gather.

By Area Approach

A team approach where a single group of investigators is responsible for all processing activity within a specific scene area.

By Function Approach

A team approach where specific groups are formed to handle distinct processing tasks across the scene, such as photography or sketching.

Generalist

A forensic professional with a well-rounded understanding and knowledge across a variety of forensic fields.

Specialist

A forensic professional with specialized education in a particular area of forensics.

CSI / Criminalist Basic Qualifications

A high school diploma, 1 to 2 years of work experience investigating crimes, and a valid motor vehicle operator license.

Reactive Investigation

An investigation mode initiated after a crime has already occurred, seeking evidence to identify and locate suspects.

Proactive Investigation

An investigation mode conducted in response to anticipated criminal activity before the law is broken.

Preventative Investigation

An investigation approach focused on arresting criminals and aggressive prosecution.

Documentary Evidence

A category of evidence that includes photos, sketches, and written notes.

Individual Characteristics

Evidence features that are unique to only one person or item.

Class Characteristics

Evidence features that are shared by a lot of people or items.

Inclusion

An evidentiary conclusion that narrows evidence to a consistent class, but is not individualistic.

Forensic Science

The application of science to criminal and civil laws.

Edmons Lotard

Father of modern Forensic Science & Criminology, known for Locard's linkage theory and Locard's principle of exchange.

Alphonse Bertillon

Investigator who developed identification methods based on taking measurements of different body parts (such as arm length, ear length, hair color, and eye color).

Testimonial Evidence

Evidence consisting of statements and questioning.

Primary Goal of Investigation

To seek the truth.