Forensics final

Memory

Works like a Wikipedia, can be changed by anyone.

Charred Debris

Recovered from suspicious fire scenes and sealed in plastic evidence containers.

Pollen

Can be carried by wind, animal, or water.

Plastic Fingerprints

Actual indentations left in soft materials, such as clay or wax.

Soil Composition

Uniqueness helps locate burial sites and link suspects to crime scenes.

Admissible

Means something is valid and can be used in court.

Impressions

Fall into three categories: latent, patent, and plastic.

Unique Characteristics of Tools

Due to manufacturing processes and use over time.

DNA Testing

Can be used to match seed pods to specific plants or trees.

Crime Scene Tool Marks

Should not be fitted with suspect tools to avoid damaging evidence.

Forensic Investigator Skills

One of the most important tools is observational skills.

Eyewitness

A person who has seen something and can communicate the facts.

Fact vs. Opinion

Investigator must discriminate between these when evaluating eyewitness testimony.

Crime Scene Layout

Often established to ensure all evidence is found.

Perception Impact

Eyewitness accounts vary based on the level of perception.

Crime Scene Investigation Goal

To uncover the facts surrounding a crime.

Direct Evidence

Includes direct testimony or evidence that directly ties to the event.

Circumstantial Evidence

Indirect evidence that implies a fact, but does not prove it.

Trace Evidence

A type of circumstantial evidence, like hair or fibers.

Class Evidence

Narrows down identity to a group.

Crime Scene Investigation Team

Made up of various specialists and investigators.

Specialists at Crime Scenes

Includes forensic scientists, medical examiners, and detectives.

First Responders

Usually the first to arrive at a crime scene.

Medical Examiners

Also called forensic pathologists.

Crime Scene Investigators

Professionals who collect evidence from the scene.

Secure the Crime Scene

The first responding officer's responsibility.

Evidence Packaging

Properly packaged, sealed, and labeled for analysis.

Forensic Lab Processing

Analyzes evidence collected during investigation.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

Forming a hypothesis of events before the crime.

Physical Transfer

Occurs when two people come into contact.

Cortex of Hair

Majority made up of a fibrous protein.

Pigment Granules

Located in the hair outside of the medulla.

Hair Transfer

Occurs when hair adheres to surfaces.

Function of Hair

Insulation and protection for mammals.

Microscopic Hair Characteristics

Include cuticle, cortex, and medulla features.

Chemical Analysis of Hair

Can reveal ingested or absorbed toxins.

Hair Follicle Presence

Indicates hair forcibly removed from a victim.

Differences Between Animal and Human Hair

Include structure and scale patterns.

Spun Fibers

Fibers that have been twisted together.

Direct Fiber Transfer

When fibers are transferred from victim to suspect.

Fiber Evidence Collection

Gathers fibers using a vacuum or tape.

Non-Damaging Fiber Analysis Methods

Includes polarized light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy.

Types of Fibers

Natural or synthetic based on source.

Natural Fiber Sources

Originates from plants or animals.

Synthetic Fibers

Created through chemical processes, unlike natural fibers.

Study of Pollen and Spores

Field of forensic palynology.

Pollen Fingerprint

The specific type and quantity of pollen unique to an area.

Fingerprint Composition

Includes natural secretions from sweat glands.

Fingerprint Patterns

Divided into categories based on general appearance.

Core of Fingerprint

A central feature examined by forensic examiners.

Whorl Patterns

A type of fingerprint characterized by circular patterns.

Arches in Fingerprints

A fingerprint pattern with a rise in the center.

Unique Ridge Patterns

Every individual has these, including identical twins.

Formation of Sand

Created by the weathering of rocks.

Water-Carried Sand Grains

Can be analyzed to trace back to a source.

Footwear Personalization Factors

Include design, wear patterns, and size.

Gait Analysis

Provides information through a person's footprints.

Shoe Impression Information

Includes size, depth, and tread patterns.

Latent Print Visibility Methods

Include powder dusting and chemical treatments.

Motor Vehicle Marks

Leave specific tire impressions on surfaces.

Tire Tread Surface

Divided into different patterns and styles.

Track Width Measurement

From center to center of each tire.

Unique Tire Design

Referred to as tread pattern.

Tire Mark Types

Include grooves, wear patterns, and impressions.

Child Tooth Age Estimate

Presence of wisdom teeth indicates age over teenage years.

Tool Mark Types

Include impressions, scratches, and abrasions.

Impression Defined

Resulting from contact between objects.

Documenting Tool Evidence

Best done through photography and measurement.

Tool Marks Documentation Method

Use of close-up photography to capture details.

DNA Types for Analysis

Includes nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA.

Latent vs. Patent Prints

Latent are hidden, while patent are visible.

Fingerprint Dusting Method

The most widely used is dusting powder.

Fluorescent Powder Usage

Mainly for recovering prints from non-porous surfaces.

Aileen Wuornos Capture

She was caught through fingerprint evidence.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

States that contact between people results in a transfer.

Crime Scene Sketch Requirements

Must accurately represent the crime scene layout.

Effective Search in Open Areas

A grid search is more effective.

Best Apartment Search Pattern

A spiral search pattern is recommended.

Medical Doctor for Autopsies

Known as a forensic pathologist.

Collusion Defined

An agreement between parties to cheat or deceive.

Accomplice Defined

A person who helps another commit a crime.

Unsealed Crime Scene Conditions

Occurs when evidence is compromised.

Forensic Autopsy Doctor

Also known as a medical examiner.

Warrantless Search Reasons

Includes emergencies or consent from individuals.