chapter 2 forensics (4)

What did Torres v. Madrid address?

Physical force intended to restrain can constitute a seizure even if the person escapes.

What did People v. Rosario address?

Disclosure of relevant witness statements under discovery rules.

What is crime scene processing?

Systematically identifying, documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence.

Who is the first responder?

The first official or person to arrive and respond to the scene.

What is a crime scene boundary?

The perimeter used to control access and protect potential evidence.

Why must a crime scene be secured?

To prevent contamination, loss, damage, or unauthorized access to evidence.

What are the main ways to document a crime scene?

Notes, photographs, sketches, measurements, and evidence records.

What are the three common photographic views?

Overall, intermediate, and close-up photographs.

What is a rough crime scene sketch?

A field sketch showing evidence locations and measurements.

What is a finished crime scene sketch?

A neat, scaled or clearly measured diagram prepared from the rough sketch.

What is a grid search pattern?

Two systematic searches conducted at right angles to each other.

What is a spiral search pattern?

A search moving inward or outward in a spiral.

What is a parallel or line search pattern?

Searchers move along parallel lines through the scene.

What is a zone search pattern?

The scene is divided into sections that are searched separately.

Why use a systematic search pattern?

To search thoroughly and reduce the chance of missing evidence.

What is chain of custody?

The documented history of evidence from discovery through court presentation.

What information belongs in a chain-of-custody record?

Who collected, handled, transferred, stored, or analyzed the evidence, and when.

Why is chain of custody important?

It helps establish that evidence is authentic and has not been altered or tampered with.

What can happen if chain of custody has gaps?

The evidence’s authenticity or reliability may be challenged.