Crime Scene Investigation

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to crime scene investigation.

Crime Scene Investigation

The process of recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence at the scene of a crime.

Dr. Edmond Locard

A criminologist known for Locard's exchange principle, stating that every criminal can be connected to a crime through small particles transferred from the crime scene.

Direct Evidence

First-hand observations such as eyewitness accounts, videos, or confessions.

Circumstantial Evidence

Indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not directly prove it, such as finding a suspect’s gun at a crime scene.

Biological Evidence

Evidence that includes body parts, fluids, hair, plant parts, and natural fibers at a crime scene.

Trace Evidence

Small, measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene, such as hair or pollen.

Physical Evidence

Tangible items such as weapons, bullets, or imprints that are relevant to a crime.

Class Evidence

Evidence that narrows down suspects to a group, such as blood types.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that narrows it down to a single person, such as DNA or fingerprints.

Eyewitness Testimony

A statement given by someone who witnessed the crime; noted for its potential unreliability.

Double-blind Procedure

A line-up procedure where neither the administrator nor the witness knows who the suspect is.

Chain of Custody

A legal process that ensures the evidence remains in a controlled and documented path from collection to presentation in court.

Evidence Log

A record that includes details about evidence gathered including description, recovery time, and signatures of collectors.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

The process of forming a hypothesis on the sequence of events surrounding a crime.

Staged Crime Scene

A crime scene that has been altered to mislead investigators, resulting in discrepancies between evidence and testimonies.

Fourth Amendment

The constitutional amendment that protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be supported by probable cause.

What are the 7 S's of crime scene investigation?

Securing the scene, Separating witnesses, Scanning the scene, Seeing the scene, Sketching the scene, Searching for evidence, and Securing and collecting evidence.

What does Securing the scene involve in crime scene investigation?

Securing the scene involves ensuring that the area is safe and that no evidence is disturbed before investigators arrive.

Why is it important to Separate witnesses in crime scene investigation?

Separating witnesses is important to prevent them from colluding and altering their statements based on what others claim.

What is meant by Scanning the scene?

Scanning the scene involves quickly assessing the crime scene to determine its boundaries and where evidence may be located.

What is the purpose of Seeing the scene?

Seeing the scene entails carefully observing the details and conditions of the scene to gather preliminary information.

What does Sketching the scene involve?

Sketching the scene involves creating a rough diagram that includes important details and the layout of the crime scene.It captures the locations of evidence and helps in reconstructing the events.

What is the process for Searching for evidence?

A spiral, grid, linear or quadrant pattern should be walked and location of evidence marked, photographed and sketched.

What does Securing and collecting evidence mean?

Securing and collecting evidence refers to the proper collection, preservation, and documentation of physical evidence gathered at the scene.