Forensics Quiz #2

Crime Scene Investigators

Professionals trained to recognize, document, photograph, and collect evidence at a crime scene.

Evidence

Any physical material left behind by a perpetrator, such as fingerprints, hair, or human cells.

Reliable Evidence

Evidence that is valid and scientifically collected, making it permissible in court.

CSI Team

A group of legal and scientific professionals working together to solve a crime.

Police Officers

First responders at a crime scene responsible for securing the area and trained in basic forensic techniques.

District Attorneys

Legal professionals who determine the necessity of search warrants in investigations.

Medical Examiners

Professionals who determine the manner of death (natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, or undetermined).

Detectives

Investigators who interview witnesses and gather evidence to reconstruct the crime scene.

Specialists

Experts such as forensic pathologists, botanists, and entomologists called in to provide specific insights.

Locard’s Principle of Exchange

The principle stating that physical transfer occurs whenever two people or objects come into contact.

Trace Evidence

Transferred materials between people or objects, such as hair, fingerprints, or blood.

Direct Evidence

First-hand observations, including eyewitness accounts and video recordings.

Circumstantial Evidence

Indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not prove it, linking a suspect to a crime scene.

Class Evidence

Evidence that narrows identity to a group, such as a specific blood type.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that identifies a single individual, such as a unique fingerprint.

Securing the Scene

The first step in crime scene investigation, prioritizing safety and preservation of evidence.

Separating Witnesses

Keeping witnesses apart to prevent collusion and ensure accurate testimonies.

Scanning the Scene

Assessing the crime scene to determine where photographs should be taken.

Primary Crime Scene

The original location where the crime occurred.

Secondary Crime Scene

A location where evidence is found after the crime, often related to the primary scene.

Triangulation

A technique used to record evidence location from two fixed reference points.

Sketching the Scene

Creating an accurate representation of the crime scene, including measurements and structures.

Searching for Evidence

A systematic approach to ensure thorough coverage of the crime scene using various search patterns.

Securing and Collecting Evidence

Properly packaging, sealing, and labeling evidence to maintain its integrity for court use.