Crime Scene Investigation Study Guide

These flashcards summarize key concepts and procedures relevant to crime scene investigation.

What are the main purposes of crime scene investigation?

To establish what happened, identify the responsible person, document conditions, and recognize physical evidence.

Why is protecting and searching a crime scene critical?

It determines whether physical evidence can be used in solving or prosecuting crimes.

What should a good investigator do at a crime scene?

Generate several different theories of the crime.

What are common items collected as evidence at a crime scene?

Fingerprints, shoeprints, bloodstains, microscopic evidence like hairs and fibers.

What is the role of a crime scene team leader?

Assumes control, ensures safety of personnel and security of the scene.

What is the importance of photographing a crime scene?

Photographs document the scene, victims, vehicles, and all evidence before it is altered.

What must be maintained when collecting evidence?

Proper chain of custody.

What should an evidence record custodian do?

Photograph significant evidence, describe it, sign and date containers.

What is the first step in conducting a crime scene search?

Approaching the scene and being alert for discarded evidence.

What type of evidence should a crime scene investigator focus on first?

The most transient evidence.

What is a rough sketch and its significance?

A diagram drawn at the scene that helps detail the items, conditions, and size relationships.

When can a crime scene be released?

After the final survey is completed.

What are administrative worksheets used for?

They document major events, times, and movements during the search efforts.

What is the purpose of a photographic log?

To document the photography process at the scene.

What does a latent fingerprint lift log document?

Recognition, collection, marking, and packaging of latent fingerprints discovered at the scene.

What describes the collection of evidence premise?

You cannot over document physical evidence.