Crime Scene Investigation

A collection of flashcards focusing on vocabulary and key concepts related to crime scene investigation.

Crime Scene

The physical location where a crime has occurred.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific principles and techniques to the investigation of crimes.

Locard's Exchange Principle

The theory that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it.

Evidence Preservation

The careful collection and storage of evidence to prevent degradation or contamination.

Primary Survey

The initial examination of a crime scene to understand the situation before collecting evidence.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against health and safety hazards.

Chain of Custody

The documentation of the handling of evidence to maintain its integrity.

Sketch of Crime Scene

A drawing that represents the layout and significant features of a crime scene.

Documentation of Evidence

Recording the details of evidence to maintain its chain of custody.

Photography Log

A record of photographs taken at a crime scene, including their order and what they depict.

Hazard Assessment

Evaluating the risk of dangers present at a crime scene.

Initial Walkthrough

The process of evaluating a crime scene and developing a strategy for investigation.

Victim's Path of Entry

The route taken by the victim into the crime scene, often relevant for understanding the crime.

Search Patterns

Specific methods used to organize the search for evidence in a crime scene.

Grid Search Pattern

A method where searchers make overlapping lines to cover an area thoroughly.

Zone Search Pattern

Dividing the crime scene into sections, with each section searched by a different investigator.

Safety and Health Hazards

Potential risks associated with processing a crime scene, including chemical and biological dangers.

Investigator's Log

A detailed record of each investigator's activities and observations at a crime scene.

Final Survey/Review

The last check of a crime scene to ensure all evidence has been collected and documented.

Biological Evidence

DNA, blood, and other biological materials that can provide information about a crime.

Field Notes

The ongoing notes taken by investigators during the processing of a crime scene.

Evidence Mapping

A method used to document the positions and relationships of evidence at a crime scene.

Trace Evidence

Small fragments or residue left at a crime scene that can identify or link suspects to the scene.

Biohazard

Any biological material that poses a threat to the health of living organisms.

Analysis of Evidence

The process of examining evidence to draw conclusions about the crime.

Interviewing Witnesses

The process of gathering information from individuals who observed the crime.

Witness Statement

A formal account of what a witness saw or experienced related to a crime.

Scientific Methodology

A systematic approach to research and investigation involving hypothesis and testing.

Deductive Reasoning

Logical reasoning from general principles to reach a specific conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing probable generalization from specific observations.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

The use of evidence to develop a sequence of events that likely occurred during a crime.

Re-enactment

A recreation of the events of a crime to test theories of how it occurred.

Measurement Techniques

Methods used to obtain accurate measurements at a crime scene.

Measurements - Rectangular

A technique for measuring within the specific boundaries of indoor crime scenes.

Measurements - Baseline

A method for measuring and mapping physical evidence in outdoor crime scenes.

Primary Evidence

Original evidence collected from a crime scene that has not been altered.

Evidence Packaging

The process of securing evidence in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Surveillance Evidence

Evidence collected through monitoring and recording systems such as cameras.

Witness Reliability

Assessment of how trustworthy a witness's account is based on circumstances.

Case Briefing

An overview provided to team members discussing the details of the case at hand.

Obvious Items of Evidence

Clear and identifiable pieces of evidence that are readily visible at the crime scene.

Criminalist

A professional who analyzes physical evidence collected from crime scenes.

Medical Examiner

A physician who investigates deaths and is responsible for determining the cause of death.

Chain of Evidence

The ordered documentation showing the handling and storage of evidence in legal cases.

Field Investigation

The examination of a crime scene and surrounding areas to collect evidence.

Systematic Examination

A structured and organized approach to searching for evidence in a crime scene.

Evidence Recovery Techniques

Methods utilized for the collection and preservation of physical evidence.

Preliminary Investigation

The initial inquiry into a crime to determine facts and gather evidence.

Crime Scene Contamination

When evidence at a crime scene becomes tainted, affecting its forensic value.

Field Officers

Law enforcement personnel who are first to arrive and secure the crime scene.

Cloth Packaging

Utilizing fabric materials for the safe storage of certain types of evidence.

Final Documentation

Concluding records completed once the investigation and on-scene procedures are done.

Forensic Evidence

Items or substances collected from a crime scene for analysis in forensic labs.

Environment Consideration

Taking environmental factors into account when investigating a crime scene.