In-depth Notes on Crime Scene Investigation

What type of evidence includes fingerprints and palm prints?

Latent print evidence

What are small bits of evidence like fibers and soil classified as?

Trace evidence

What is an example of digital evidence?

Cell phone records

What is this an example of :A burglar has broken through a glass window to enter. When investigating a known burglar, the same glass shards are found in his clothing

Associative Evidence

What role does a detective play in a crime scene investigation?

They manage the scene and direct investigations.

What does a Crime Scene Investigator do?

They process the crime scene and document evidence.

What is the primary purpose of chain of custody?

To track and document the possession of evidence.

What should be included in evidence labeling?

Case number, item description, and collector's details.

Which professional collects DNA samples to link suspects to crimes?

Forensic Biologist

What are some examples of trace evidence?

Fibers, hair, soil, or glass fragments.

Why is chain of custody important?

It ensures evidence is tracked and protected from tampering.

What is the first step in the chain of custody?

Collection of evidence.

How should evidence be labeled during collection?

With case number, item description, and collector's details.

What role does a forensic chemist serve in investigations?

Analyzes physical evidence for chemical substances like drugs and explosives.

What does a fingerprint analyst do?

Identifies and matches fingerprints found at crime scenes.Investigates electronic devices to uncover digital evidence.

Digital Forensics

Investigates electronic devices to uncover digital evidence.

Crime scene Photographer

Documents the scene visually for evidence purposes.

What type of evidence involves eyewitness accounts?

Circumstantial evidence.

What is associative evidence?

Evidence that connects an individual to the crime scene.

What techniques are used in fiber analysis?

Microscopy and comparison of fibers from the crime scene and suspect.

What does the process of blood spatter analysis determine?

It studies patterns of blood to infer how a crime unfolded.

What is the importance of documenting a crime scene?

It provides a record for analysis and court presentations.

What role does a forensic odonatologist play?

Identifies human remains based on dental records and bite mark analysis.

What does contamination of evidence refer to?

Altering or tampering with evidence at the crime scene.

Why is soil analysis important in forensic investigations?

It helps determine the origin of soil and connect suspects to locations.

What should be done with evidence once it is collected?

It must be securely transported and stored to preserve integrity.

What can breaking the chain of custody lead to?

Evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court.

What do forensic toxicologists test for?

Presence of drugs, alcohol, poisons, or toxins in bodily fluids.

How can digital evidence connect to a crime?

It includes communications like emails or social media logs.

What role does a forensic anthropologist have?

Identifies human skeletal remains and details like age and sex.

What is reconstruction evidence?

Evidence that helps answer 'how did it happen?'

Example of Reconstructive Evidence

• A broken window, a blood spatter pattern, bullet paths and shoe prints

What type of analysis is used to link a weapon to a crime?

Ballistics and firearm analysis.

What is the significance of the uniqueness of evidence?

Helps narrow down suspect possibilities based on evidence.

How can inconsistencies in evidence be significant?

They may indicate tampering or unusual circumstances surrounding a crime.

What certification can a Crime Scene Investigator earn?

Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI).

What technology is used for DNA analysis in forensic science?

Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and STR analysis.

What is meant by reconstructive evidence?

Evidence that helps piece together the events of a crime.

What should investigations prioritize at a crime scene?

Securing the crime scene to prevent evidence contamination.

What is a common use of hair evidence in forensic investigations?

To link a suspect or victim to a crime scene through DNA comparison.

Why is digital communication analysis important in investigations?

It can reveal links to criminal activities and suspects.

What does proper evidence packaging prevent?

It prevents contamination and ensures integrity.

What can be analyzed to determine the origin of trace evidence?

Soil samples can provide clues about geographical location.

What type of evidence must always be documented?

All evidence collected at a crime scene.

How can shotgun shell casings contribute to an investigation?

They can link a specific firearm to a crime.

What can provide circumstantial evidence in a case?

Eyewitness statements or indirect evidence related to the crime.

Why is it important to have a variety of specialists in an investigation?

Different expertise is needed to analyze various types of evidence.

What differentiates primary crime scenes from secondary crime scenes?

Primary crime scenes are where the crime occurred, while secondary crime scenes are locations like where the body is discovered.

What evidence is left by tools at a crime scene?

Marks or impressions that tools create, known as tool and tool mark evidence.

What is the Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI) certification?

A basic level of certification indicating competence in crime scene investigation techniques.

What does the Certified Crime Scene Reconstructionist (CCSR) certification focus on?

Specializes in reconstructing crime scenes to understand the sequence of events.

What is immunoassay testing used for in forensics?

To identify specific substances like drugs or toxins using antibodies as indicators.

How does data cloning work in digital forensics?

Creates a mirror image of a device's storage to analyze data without altering the original.

What does GSR testing reveal?

It indicates whether someone recently fired or handled a weapon by detecting gunpowder traces.

Why is labeling and packaging of evidence important?

It ensures evidence remains uncontaminated and traceable with detailed descriptions.

What must happen to evidence before it is presented in court?

Must be documented through chain of custody to confirm its authenticity.

What is the second step in the chain of custody process?

Labeling and packaging of evidence to ensure it is traceable.

What must be logged during the transport stage of the chain of custody?

The individuals handling the evidence and the times of possession.

What is the typical purpose of evidence storage in the chain of custody?

To keep evidence secure and restrict access to authorized personnel only.

What happens during the documentation stage of the chain of custody?

Each person handling the evidence must sign off on the chain of custody log.

What is the final step in the chain of custody?

Presentation of evidence in court along with its chain of custody documentation.