Introduction to forensics #1

What is forensic science

The study and application of science to matters of law

What are criminalistics

• Another term for Forensic science

• The scientific examination of physical evidence for legal purposes

• Phycological angle of why it happened or someone did something

What does criminology tell you about

the mindset, and why

What is the firearms unit responsible for?

firearms, bullets, shells, and ammunition

What is the document examination unit responsible for?

All handwriting and documents

What do the photography unit do at a crime scene

records physical evidence at all scenes

What is toxicology

examines body fluids to determine presences of drugs and poisons

Latent fingerprint unit

examines evidence for fingerprints found on surfaces

Polygraph unit

uses lie detector test (tool of crime investigators, rather than forensic scientist)

voice print analysis responsibilities

telephone threats, recorded messages

Evidence collection unit responsibilities

collects and stores evidence

Which field of forensics performs an autopsy to determine cause of death?

Forensic pathology

What are the three stages of death

1. Rigor Mortis

2. Livor Mortis

3. Algor

Which stage of death is the first

Rigor Mortis

What stage of death livor Mortis

the second stage; after rigor mortis

True or False: Algor is the final stage of death when the body temperature reaches room temp and medical examiner can establish a general time of death

True

Forensic Anthropology examines what…

examines and identifies skeletal remains (species)

If human, the anthropologist may be able to determine what?

sex

Ethnicity

approximate age

and manner of death

Forensic Entomology is the study of what

insects and development stages

Forensic Psychiatry

study of human behavior often used to determine competency and psychological profile of a suspect

Forensic Odontology

study of bite marks

Forensic engineering

analysis of construction accidents, causes and origins of fires or explosions

what are skills and responsibilities of the forensic scientist

logical thinker and problem-solving abilities

Who makes up a crime scene team/ group of professional investigators

first police officer on scene

medics (if necessary)

investigators

medical examiner

photographer

lab experts

what does FBI stand for

Federal bureau of investigations

What does DEA stand for

Drug Enforcment Administration

What does ATF stand for

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms and explosives