Crime Scene Investigation Exam Flashcards

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to crime scene investigation, specifically focusing on firearms, glass, hair, fibers, and drugs.

Firearm Identification

The process of determining whether a bullet or cartridge was fired by a specific weapon.

Handgun

A type of firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.

Single-action handgun

A handgun that requires the hammer to be manually cocked back each time before pulling the trigger to fire.

Double-action handgun

A firearm that cocks the firing mechanism when the trigger is pulled and then ejects and reloads the next round.

Revolver

A type of handgun that has multiple firing chambers and a rotating cylinder.

Semiautomatic pistol

A handgun that uses a removable magazine and automatically cocks the firing component when the slide is pulled back.

Grooves

Spiraling, depressed channels in the barrel of a firearm that guide the bullet.

Lands

The raised ridges between the grooves in the barrel of a firearm.

Firing pin

A rod near the gun's handle that strikes the primer to initiate firing.

Shotgun

A long gun that fires shells containing ball-shaped projectiles.

Rifle

A long gun designed to be fired from the shoulder, using cartridges.

Bolt action rifle

A rifle that uses a manually operated bolt mechanism to load and eject cartridges.

Caliber

The diameter of the bore of a rifled firearm.

Rifling

The process of creating unique patterns inside the barrel of a firearm to ensure that bullets fired from it leave distinct markings.

NIBIN

National Integrated Ballistic Information Network; a system used for matching ballistic evidence.

Gunpowder Residue

Particles left on garments or skin that indicate proximity to a firearm discharge.

GREISS test

A chemical test that detects gunpowder residues on clothing.

Rhodizonate test

A test that turns lead residues pink to indicate the presence of primer material.

Serial Number Restoration

The process used to reveal the original serial number on a firearm that has been altered.

Tool Marks

Impressions, cuts, gouges, or abrasions created by tools in contact with objects.

Comparison microscope

A microscope used for comparing bullet or tool mark evidence.

States of Matter

The distinct forms that different phases of matter take on, including solid, liquid, and gas.

Physical properties

Characteristics that describe a substance without reference to other substances, like weight and color.

Chemical properties

Characteristics that describe how a substance reacts or combines with other substances.

Forensic analysis of glass

The examination of broken glass to link an individual to a crime scene.

Refractive index

A measure of how light propagates through a material, used in glass analysis.

Hair morphology

The structural characteristics of hair that aid in forensic identification.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA that can be extracted from hair and provides maternal lineage information.

Anagen phase

The active growth phase of hair lasting up to 6 years.

Drug dependence

The state in which an individual feels a compulsive need for a substance.

Narcotic

A category of drugs that induce lethargy and pain relief.

Opiates

Narcotic drugs derived from opium, such as morphine and codeine.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perceptions, moods, and cognitive processes.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the activity of the central nervous system.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system.

Anabolic steroids

Synthetic substances related to male sex hormones that promote muscle growth.

Controlled Substances Act

A US federal law that regulates the classification and distribution of drugs.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

The legal measure of alcohol in the bloodstream, typically expressed as grams per 100 ml.

Implied consent law

A law that requires drivers to consent to chemical tests for alcohol or face penalties.

Forensic toxicologist

A specialist who detects and identifies drugs and poisons in biological samples.

Metabolism of Alcohol

The process by which the body breaks down alcohol through absorption, distribution, and elimination.

Breath testing

A method of measuring blood alcohol concentration using exhaled air.

Gas chromatography

An analytical method used to separate and quantify substances in a mixture.

Microcrystalline tests

Chemical tests that form unique crystal patterns for drug identification.

Spectrophotometry

An analytical method that measures substance characteristics based on light absorption.