Final Exam- Advanced Investigations

These characteristics are unique to a specific thing, and ONLY that one item has those characteristics

Individual

Class characteristics are broad descriptors of an item or thing that can group that thing in with other items that are similar, but do not define or identify that item as unique?

True

Information that is factual and is not swayed by someone's feelings or beliefs is called?

Objective information.

You should treat everything that is touched at a crime scene as though it may be contaminated with a biological fluid?

True

You should always package wet or bloody items before they have completely dried?

False

The seal on an evidence bag should be, at the very least, initialed and dated both on the tape and on the package

True

Locard's Exchange theory states that...

Every contact leaves a trace

The roles of the first responder are specific to those persons who perform a security and emergency care function?

True

The Evidence Linkage Triangle links the victim, the suspect, and the crime scene together with what critical factor?

Evidence

The roles of the first responder are separate and specific than the roles of the crime scene investigator?

True

The roles of a first responder include:

Gather/document intial information

Rendering aide 

Securing the scene

Scene evaluations that are easily destroyed or aspects of the scene that are fleeting would be considered what type of effect? 

Transitory Effects

What is the ultimate goal of crime scene investigation?

The ultimate goal of crime scene investigation is to link the suspect, victim, and scene together by documenting, collecting, processing, and analyzing evidence. You want to be able to recreate the scene.

Explain what the forensic linkage triangle is.

The forensic linkage triangle is used to convey how each item that is discovered, analyzed, collected, is a mechanism for linking the victim, suspect, and the scene to one another.

Why does the author stress that CSIs remain objective? Is it possible to remain completely objective during a case?

It is important that CSI's remain objective as it can give them tunnel vision when processing evidence, and it can lead to large objectivity failures

What are the two primary goals of concern to the initial responding officer when reacting to any critical incident?

The two primary goals of concern for the initial responding officer is to render aid and secure the scene. It is also important for them to document initial information they receive when responding as it could be very valuable.

When is it appropriate to slow or stop EMS from entering a crime scene?

It is appropriate to stop or slow down EMS from entering a crime scene when it is obvious that the victim(s) are deceased. You can slow them down then direct one of them into the scene to check the body.

What is the purpose of a crime scene entry log, and when is it put in place?

The crime scene entry log are usually put into place upon arriving to the scene. The purpose is to document who entered the crime scene and why they entered.

During the on-scene briefing between the initial responding officer and the crime scene team, what information should be provided to the team?

Information that should be provided to the team is everything that they know, everything that they found, and what the actions they took when arriving to the scene.

Describe the difference between class and individual characteristics

Individual characteristics are characteristics that are unique to the object, and can give a positive identification. Class characteristics are characteristics that are unique to a group of objects.

Explain the best method for collecting trace evidence. Are there other methods?

The best method for collecting trace evidence is using tweezers or an instrument like tweezers to collect them and place them in an envelope. There are other methods like taping and vaccumming which allows you to pick up loose trace evidence and collect it at the same time.

How are bullets marked and collected for evidence? Why?

Bullets and any ballistic evidence are put in separate containers and they can not be marked directly on as it can destroy the detailing on them. They have to be put in containers that do not allow them to roll around too much to prevent damage.

What type of containers are used to collect fire scene evidence in which accelerants are believed to be present?

Containers that are used to collect fire scene evidence in which accelerants are believed to be present are paint jars or unlined paint cans.

Of the two methods used to collect tool mark evidence, which one is the more preferred method and why?

The preferred method of collecting tool mark evidence is to collect the entire object over making a casting. This is because a casting will not show the small details of a tool that would be considered individual characteristics

What is the most appropriate response by the crime scene technician for collecting a computer for computer forensic analysis?

If the crime scene technician is not familiar with computer forensic analysis or digital evidence, they should contact someone who specializes in computer forensic analysis.

Of the four measuring techniques we talked about in class, these two would be best suited for outdoor scenes.

Baseline

Polar Coordinate

A final report details the crime scene in a factual way and only offers subjective conclusion information based on objective facts?

True

The following sketch depicts which type of measuring technique?

Triangulation

Once the final report is written, bench notes are no longer needed and can be thrown away?

False

Which of the following measuring methods is best for indoor areas?

Triangulation

The baseline measuring method is best for which environments?

Outdoor areas with clean lines of sight

The exploded (or cross projected) sketch view shows only the vertical surfaces of a scene?

False

What is the primary purpose of the crime scene sketch?

The primary purpose of the crime scene sketch is to provide accurate information about the visuals of the scene. The sketch helps with documentation, as you can do it  while at the scene, while you are present and it helps with reconstruction of the crime scene later.

In what circumstance is baseline mapping most effective?

Baseline mapping is most effective in large outdoor areas that does not have many reference points or landmarks.

In what circumstances might triangulation mapping method be more effective over the rectangular coordinate method?

Rectangular coordinate method are effective in scenes with clear boundaries, such as interior walls inside of a home. Triangulation mapping might be more effective in a crime scene that does not have specific boundaries, or in a cluttered area where specific boundaries are hard to designate.

What is the current most significant limitation when using total stations or 3-D automated laser scan systems?

3-D automated laser scan systems are expensive which is hard to make them streamlined to all CSI teams. They are also very sensitive with movements when taking the scan which can lead to error.

How is a rough sketch different than a final sketch?

The rough sketch is usually done at the crime scene or right after. It is usually pretty quick, and shows all the basic layout of the crime scene and the measurements. In a final sketch, it is usually done on a computer, with more detailed information (legends for items, more measurements), it looks alot neater than rough sketches as final sketches are usually used to present the crime scene.

Name the three general attributes that all crime scene report narrative descriptions should have?

Crime scene report narratives should be accurate, detailed, and understandable.

Why is it important to document investigative efforts that fail to produce evidence?

It is still important to document failed investigative efforts that fail to produce evidence because you want you documentations to be transparent and accurate. Even if a method failed, it is still important to capture that method and the process used. It is also important to have that document for legal documentation and any legal proceedings that might happen in that case.

Why must the crime scene technician retain crime scene notes even after the crime scene report is completed?

A crime scene technician should retain crime scene notes even after the report is completed in the event there is a mistake on the report, or if they are called to testify.

Should notes be reflective of how the individual crime scene investigator organizes their thoughts and actions, or should they follow a structured outline?

A good practice would be to follow a structured outline, however, most of the time notes are a reflection of how a crime scene investigator organized their thoughts and actions. It is important to keep subjective and objective information separate and stick to the facts instead of writing subjective conclusions.

The shutter speed controls which aspect of photography?

Freezing Motion

Which of the following functions of the camera maximizes depth of field?

F-Stop

Which of the following digital photo formats will take up the most space and be lossless?

RAWW

All photos taken on scene, even if they are deleted, are considered to be evidence?

True

Which of the following settings affect exposure?

graininess

Exposure compensation means that any one setting can be changed, but then a different setting also has to be changed to make sure that the exposure stays the same?

True

When taking a picture during the day of a car where there is a hard shadow cast on the ground by the car, the best flash technique to highlight that shadow would be?

Fill Flash

Which mode allows the user to control both the shutter speed and the aperture settings for the camera?

Manual

During which part of the crime scene processing method would photography most likely take place? 

Documentation

Everyday photography is different than crime scene photography in that everyday photos are artistic and aesthetic pleasing, whereas crime scene photos are deliberate and purposeful in accurately portraying a crime scene?

True

What are the four key elements of crime scene documentation?

The four key elements of crime scene documentation are notes, photographs, sketches, and reports.

When is the painting with light technique used in crime scene photography?

The painting with light technique is used in crime scene photography when they need to lighten up a dark scene. This technique is commonly used in large outdoor areas in the night time and there is evidence that needs to be photographed

What is the purpose of midrange photos?

The purpose of midrange photos are to frame the location of the evidence with a landmark in the scene to link it's relationship to the scene in the photos. So that if someone looks at the photos, they should be able to tell where they were standing when they took the photo and where the evidence is in location to that specific landmark.

How does the f-stop affect the resulting photograph? What are the other settings that can affect crime scene photos?

The f-stop affects photographs by determining the amount of light that is in the photo and maximizing depth of field. Other settings that can affect crime scene photos are white balance settings, ISO speed, aperture, shutter speed, image quality, and the mode the camera is in.

Describe at least three critical mistakes that occur when using video cameras in the crime scene?

Three critical mistakes that occur when using a video camera at a crime scene is the audio, pausing the recording, and not moving the video camera correctly. With audio, the best practice is to film the scene without audio in case someone says something inappropriate. If you pause the recording, it creates multiple files that can be mistaken as editing or altering to the video. If using a video camera, the person holding it has to be very intentional about their movements when walking through the scene to not miss any detail and should be skilled with knowing which angles to use.

The crime scene investigation process must be both flexible yet effective?

True

This phase of the crime scene method, the CSI may utilize fingerprint powder, perform bloodstain mapping or bullet trajectory analysis, or may apply chemicals to enhance or determine a stain

Processing

During this phase of the crime scene method, the CSI might utilize notetaking, photography, and sketching as a way to capture information in the scene.

Documentation

During this part of the crime scene method, the CSI would gather information about the location of the scene and the resources that might be needed to process the scene.

Observation

A deceased person inside the crime scene is treated like a smaller version of the crime scene and is assessed in the same fashion that the CSI would assess the overall crime scene?

True

It is the CSIs responsibility to collect any evidence from a decedent that might get lost when they are transported from the scene to the morgue or funeral home?

True

There is only ONE correct way to process every crime scene?

False

Documenting the scene through photographs and sketches could be considered intrusive, and may alter a crime scene?

True

Why is the sequence of order so important in crime scene processing?

With a crime scene, there are many "threats" or factors that could alter the scene forever. There are many different personnel at a crime scene that could accidentally alter the scene by their movements or cross contamination. The weather and environment of the crime scene could potentially destroy the evidence. The sequence of order is important in crime scene processing is important because there are no do overs when processing a crime scene. Everything you document, collect, observe, analyzed has to be done properly not only to preserve the evidence collected at the scene, but also to ensure no information is loss or missed for the rest of the investigation. The sequence of order is not just important for collecting evidence, but for later on in the investigation such as the autopsy, chain of custody, legal documentation, testimony, etc.

In terms of intrusiveness and alteration to the scene, how might the step of documentation alter a crime scene?

Documentation can alter a crime scene through movement, data mistakes, poor photographs, and the risk of cross contamination. When documenting the crime scene, the CSI team has to be careful when making movements in the scene and to not move anything. They need to take careful and accurate measurements to avoid altering the scene in their sketches and notes. When taking photographs, they need to make sure all of the photographs flow together to where someone should be able to look at all of them and know where they were in the crime scene when the photo was taken. Inaccurate, distorted, blurry photos can alter a crime scene.

Identify and describe the five basic patterns used to search a crime scene and explain when those patterns are best utilized. 

The five basic search patterns Point to Point, Spiral Search, Zone Search, Line/Strip search, and grid search.

The Circle or Spiral search is best utilized in decluttered, indoor spaces. An example would be any room in a house (kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.)

The Point to Point search is best utilized indoors and can be used as an initial search upon arriving to the scene. It can also be helpful for when they are needing to move evidence from the scene.

The Zone Search is best utilized for indoor, smaller, more confined spaces. This is more commonly used for crime scenes that may have taken place in a vehicle, where each part of it can be split into a zone.

The line/strip search is best utilized in a large space, usually outdoors. This search can be done with multiple people, or just a few. In this search they create boundaries around the scene and line up to sweep the area.

Grid Search is best utilized in a large space, usually outdoors, where each grid of the pattern can be searched and not missed. This type of search would be helpful in a situation where people are looking for a missing person who may be predicted to be deceased and they are looking for remains.

How do the survey phases (primary and secondary) fit into the crime scene method?

The primary and secondary survey phases fit into the crime scene by acting as guidelines to ensure that nothing is missed when documenting and collecting the crime scene.

Is it critical that the crime scene processing method be followed the same way EVERY time? When might there be a time that you cannot follow the method?

It is critical that the crime scene processing method be followed the same way everything. Times that you can not follow the method may be situation such as weather conditions (outdoor scenes with rain and snow),  if aide needs to be rendered to someone on scene, and if there are any safety threats to personnel on scene.

What do we mean when we maximize depth of field?

When maximizing depth of field, everything in your photograph should be in focus from the front of the photo to the background of the photo.

As the aperture value gets larger (think f/22), the amount of light hitting the sensor (increases, decreases)?

Decreases

As the shutter speed value gets higher (goes faster), the amount of light hitting the sensor (increases, decreases)?

Decreases

Exposure compensation means that any one setting can be changed, but then a different setting also has to be changed to make sure that the exposure stays the same?

True

Scene evaluations that appear to follow a pattern or rhythm, and have expected regularities to then are considered what type of effect?

Predictable Effects

How might subjectivity affect the way that a crime scene is investigated? 

Subjectivity affects the way that a crime scene is investigated because the own personal opinions of the investigators may cause bias and have "tunnel" vision when it comes to crime scene processing.

What is the benefit of having a crime scene unit that has separate and distinctive roles than first responders? What are some negative aspects of not utilizing the first responder roles to also perform the crime scene investigation responsibilities?

Having a dedicated crime scene unit ensures that specialized personnel are focused on documenting, preserving, and collecting evidence without the distractions of rendering aid and emergency response. If first responders handle both roles, it could lead to evidence contamination or loss if they are not trained.

What is the purpose of midrange photography?

The purpose of mid range photography is to photograph evidence (items of interest) and a reference point to show their relationship to one another

What is the purpose of a crime scene log?

The purpose of a crime scene log is to document the time someone enters the scene, the reason why they are there, and when they exit the scene. This ensures no unauthorized personnel are in the crime scene.

Which of the following settings affect exposure?

Ambient Light

Aperture/F-Stop

Shutter Speed

ISO Speed

Which of the following functions of the camera maximizes depth of field?

F-Stop

Everyday photography is different than crime scene photography in that everyday photos are artistic and aesthetic pleasing, whereas crime scene photos are deliberate and purposeful in accurately portraying a crime scene?

Truw

In order to measure items of evidence into the scene we have to first establish one or more ______________ points or landmarks in the sketch.

reference

In what two ways is crime scene photography different than the everyday photography that we all perform on a regular basis?

Crime scene photography is different than everyday photography because everyday photos are usually artistic in nature and crime scene photos are purposeful and deliberate so that the crime scene is accurately portrayed.

The exploded (or cross projected) sketch view shows only the vertical surfaces of a scene?

False

Why is it best practice to package all evidence items separately?

It is best practice to package all evidence items separately so that they do not get mixed up (same type of bullets, same type of items), or so they do not get damaged or altered by being in the same package.

What are the three cardinal rules of crime scene photography and what does each rule mean?

The three cardinal rules are film plane parallel, fill the frame, and maximize depth of field. With film plane parallel, your camera and view finder should always be parallel to the item you are photographing so that the photos are not taken at an angle. With filling the frame, you should avoid leaving too much space or background in your photo as it takes away from the primary subject of the photo. With maximizing depth of field, your photo should always be in focus from the front (foreground) to the background of the photo.

Give a brief explanation of what activities might occur during the assessing and observation phases of the crime scene method?

During the observation phases, CSI would gather location about the scene, and gather resources that might be needed to process the scene.

When taking a picture during the day of a car where there is a hard shadow cast on the ground by the car, the best flash technique to highlight that shadow would be?

Fill flash

What do good observation skills have to do with processing a crime scene? 

Good observation skills are the foundation of what makes processing a crime scene successful. When you have good observation skills, you can identify evidence easier and notice every detail of what should be documented at the scene. Hvaing good observation skills helps ensure that nothing gets missed.

Documenting the scene through photographs and sketches could be considered intrusive, and may alter a crime scene?

True

Give an example of when it might be beneficial for a CSI to not follow the method in a step-wise fashion, then explain how the CSI should go about documenting their deviation from the normal process.

An example may be a scene with poor weather conditions. If there is an outdoor scene and it's raining, it may be important for CSI to start collecting evidence right away. They should still document and explain why the specific normal process was deviated from when collecting, writing it in their notes and putting it in their final report.

Explain the importance of understanding a piece of physical evidence's class and individual characteristics?

The physical evidence class characteristics can help narrow down evidence by putting it in a group of similar items. But an individual characteristic is an identifier that is complete unique to the item of evidence. This can help process and identify evidence,  track down evidence, and link the evidence to the scene, victim, or suspect.

The shutter speed controls which aspect of photography?

freezing motion

What is the purpose of performing a specific search pattern at a crime scene?

To ensure through and have a systematic examination of the scene. Having a specific search pattern minimizes the chance of any potential evidence to be missed, and allows investigators to document locations of evidence accurately.

What is the purpose of sketching or mapping a crime scene?

The purpose of sketching or mapping a crime scene is to capture the basic layout of the scene and to have accurate measurements of the scene to help aid in crime scene reconstruction.

Scene evaluations that are easily destroyed or aspects of the scene that are fleeting would be considered what type of effect? 

Transitory Effects

What kind of information might be present in the bench notes, but not in the final report?

Subjective opinions or personal opinions, thought processes, initial measurements that were later redone or refined  may be present in the bench notes but not in the final report.

Scene evaluations that consider how the locations of pieces of physical evidence and scene observations relate to one another are called what kind of effects?

Relational Effects

Given a bright sunny day and an outdoor scene as your ambient conditions, explain to me how you might troubleshoot the following issues while still following the three cardinal rules of photograph: 

• Your camera taking photos that are somewhat blurry

• Your photos appearing underexposed even when your exposure meter tells you they are properly exposed

• Images of a white car appearing more blue than white

Your camera taking photos that are somewhat blurry: Increasing the shutter speed to help with motion. Adjusting the focus. Use a tripod or stabilizer. Decreasing F-stop to maximize depth of field.

Your photos appearing underexposed even when your exposure meter tells you they are properly exposed: Increase ISO, Use Exposure Compensation to higher value, using a flash technique.

Images of a white car appearing more blue than white: Adjusting the white balance settings, using a flash, shooting in a different format.

The baseline measuring method is best for which environments?

Outdoor areas with clean lines of sight