chapter 2 forensics last

What are the main goals of evidence packaging?

Prevent contamination or change, preserve samples, ensure safety, and maintain identification.

How should blood and body-fluid evidence generally be packaged?

Use appropriate containers; paper is generally preferred for dried biological evidence.

How should wet, stained clothing be handled?

Air-dry it safely before packaging when appropriate.

Why package evidence items separately?

To prevent cross-contamination between items.

Why must evidence be stored securely?

To protect it from loss, contamination, damage, and unauthorized access.

What is cross-contamination?

The unintended transfer of material between evidence items or sources.

What is the crime scene photographer’s role?

Record the scene and evidence visually before anything is moved.

What is the crime scene sketcher’s role?

Record measurements and the locations of evidence in a diagram.

What is the crime scene team leader’s role?

Coordinate personnel, tasks, documentation, and evidence collection.

Why are forensic specialists used?

They provide expertise in specific evidence types or scientific methods.

Does finding evidence automatically prove guilt?

No; evidence must be analyzed and interpreted in context.

What is the difference between identification and comparison analysis?

Identification determines what a sample is; comparison checks whether samples share a source.

What is the difference between a warrant and a warrantless search?

A warrant is judicial authorization; warrantless searches require a recognized legal basis or exception.

Can police keep searching after an emergency ends?

Generally, continued investigative searching requires a warrant unless another exception applies.

What can police do while waiting for a warrant?

When legally justified, they may secure the scene to prevent evidence loss while obtaining a warrant.

How can new technology raise Fourth Amendment issues?

GPS, phone data, and AI-related evidence can create questions about privacy and government searches.

How do class and individual evidence differ in court?

Class evidence links to a group; individual characteristics may link evidence to a specific source.