forensics exam 1

What is forensic science?

the application of science to law

Which forensic disciplines are typically found in a full-service crime laboratory? What types of evidence do they analyze?

Biological: Serology & DNA. Materials: Trace ev. Chemistry: Drugs, explosives, tapes. Pattern Evidence: Impression ev. Digital Evidence: computers, cell phones.

What was the first forensic science lab established in the United States and when?

The FBI Laboratory Division in Quantico Virginia in 1932.

Alphonse Bertillon

he created the first systematic scientific method for police to identify repeat criminals

Mathieu Orfila

Father of toxicology

Francis Galton

conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and their classification

Karl Landsteiner

Discovered the ABO blood group system.

Leon Lattes

created a method to test blood types from dried blood stains

Calvin Goddard

Father of Forensic Ballistics (guns)

Edmond Locard

Father of the Crime Lab

Alec Jeffreys

invented DNA fingerprinting

Kirk Bloodsworth

First man exonerated on the basis of DNA evidence

Will and William West

reason Bertillon measurements are no longer used and we use fingerprints

DC Sniper

Utilized NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Information Network) to connect shootings that occurred in different jurisdictions.

Lisk/Silva Case

Rex Heuermann was apprehended in the Long Island Serial Killer case using whole genome sequencing on rootless hairs,

UNABOM

pioneered and legitimized the field of forensic linguistics

What are the two types of evidence that can identify an individual?

Fingerprints and DNA ONLY. for identical twins these are the same.

What is a latent print?

Non-visible prints left by bodily secretions and then "lifted" or made visible

What properties of fingerprints allow them to be used for identifications in forensic science?

completely unique to each person, remain permanent throughout life, and can be systematically classified.

As an expert witness, what is the role of the forensic scientist?

Speak to the value of only the evidence.

Daubert v. Merrell Dow

established the trial judge as the "gate-keeper" for the admissibility of evidence in court.

Frye v. US

Established general acceptance test for the admissibility of scientific testimony

Kumho Tire v. Carmichael

The "gatekeeping "role of the trial judge applied not only to scientific testimony but to all expert testimony

What types of preparations should be done prior to arriving at a crime scene?

Advanced Prep to ensure everything is already on hand for any type of crime.

PPE is?

personal protective equipment

transiet evidence

evidence that is easily lost or destroyed, like footprints, temp, odors, and spills.

What does Locard's Principle state?

every contact between two objects, people, or systems leaves a trace

What are the six basic positions in a crime scene unit? What are the responsibilities of individuals in these positions?

Team Leader: In charge of scene not investigation. Photographer: Photographs EVERYTHING, overall medium and close up. Sketch Preparer: Sketch of the scene. Evi Custodian: Receives & records all evidence. Evi Recovery: Collect & package evidence. Specialists: established by team leader.

What occurs during the preliminary survey?

an initial, fast inspection or data-gathering process used to understand a site, project, or operation before starting detailed work

What tasks must be completed when securing the crime scene?

prioritize safety, establish physical boundaries, and control access to prevent the destruction or contamination of evidence

What are the required components of a sketch?

key, scale, N for north, case #, date, preparers name and location.

strip search

one person and indoors

line search

multiple people close outside

grid search

Work horizontally and vertically across an area with large groups of volunteers (time consuming but effective)

zone search

Divide the area to be searched into zones and assign each person/team a zone (Best used in small spaces).

biological evidence

Organic material from a living organism

bomb evidence

paint cans

drug evidence

clear plastic marked bags

valuable evidence

heat sealed bags

Known Standard

documented, agreed-upon rules and protocols that ensure evidence collection, analysis, and laboratory testing are reliable, reproducible, and legally admissible.

chain of custody

the documented and unbroken transfer of evidence

how to prevent contamination

gloves, tongs, protective suits, face masks