Forensics Basics Review

Direct and circumstantial evidence are different in the way they prove facts. Which of the following best describes their differences and provides two examples of each?

• Direct evidence proves a fact directly, such as an eyewitness testimony or a video recording; circumstantial evidence suggests a fact through inference, such as fingerprints at a crime scene or motive.

• Direct evidence is always physical, like fingerprints or DNA; circumstantial evidence is always verbal, like witness statements or confessions.

• Direct evidence is less reliable than circumstantial evidence; examples include rumors and hearsay, while circumstantial evidence includes scientific tests and expert opinions.

• Direct evidence and circumstantial evidence are the same; examples include photographs and written documents for both.

Class and individual evidence differ in their ability to link a suspect to a crime. Which of the following correctly describes the difference and gives two examples of each?

• Class evidence refers to material that can be associated with a group, such as fibers and paint chips; individual evidence can be linked to a single source, such as fingerprints and DNA.

• Class evidence refers to material that can be linked to one person, such as fingerprints and DNA; individual evidence is associated with a group, such as fibers and paint chips.

• Class evidence and individual evidence are both linked to a single source, such as hair and glass fragments.

• Class evidence and individual evidence are both associated with groups, such as blood type and shoe size.

Identify the 4 main types of personnel involved in processing a scene and their respective jobs.

• Crime scene investigator, evidence technician, photographer, sketch artist

• Detective, prosecutor, judge, defense attorney

• Paramedic, firefighter, police officer, news reporter

• Janitor, security guard, receptionist, manager

Describe the typical clothing worn by a crime scene investigator. Why is that clothing necessary?

• Crime scene investigators typically wear protective clothing such as gloves, masks, and coveralls to prevent contamination of evidence and protect themselves from hazardous materials.

• Crime scene investigators typically wear casual clothing to blend in with the environment and avoid drawing attention.

• Crime scene investigators typically wear business attire to maintain a professional appearance at the scene.

• Crime scene investigators typically wear sportswear for comfort during long investigations.

Select the correct order of the 5 steps to processing a crime scene.

• Secure the scene, evaluate evidence, document the scene, search for evidence, collect and package evidence

• Document the scene, secure the scene, search for evidence, evaluate evidence, collect and package evidence

• Search for evidence, secure the scene, document the scene, evaluate evidence, collect and package evidence

• Secure the scene, document the scene, search for evidence, collect and package evidence, evaluate evidence

The Common Approach Path refers to:

• A designated flight path for aircraft approaching a runway for landing.

• A route used for emergency evacuation.

• The route used by all personnel in a crime scene.

• A path for ground vehicles near the runway.

Which of the following lists correctly names the four crime scene search methods?

• Grid, Spiral, Strip/Line, Quadrant/Zone

• Grid, Circular, Strip/Line, Area

• Spiral, Linear, Block, Section

• Grid, Spiral, Sweep, Sector

What is the proper way to sign and seal an evidence bag? Why is this technique necessary?

• Initialed and dated across the tape and bag so it is obvious if there was tampering.

• Signed only on the bag, not the tape, to keep it clean.

• Sealed with a sticker and no signature required.

• Stamped with a department seal, but no date or initials.

Who examines the evidence? Where do the results go?

• Specialists in the crime lab; to detectives to use in court.

• Police officers; to the judge for review.

• Lawyers; to the jury for decision.

• Witnesses; to the media for public awareness.

What is the Chain of Custody?

• Written record of each person who has accessed a piece of evidence so that no one can alter evidence without being held accountable.

• A chain of command in a law enforcement agency.

• A list of suspects in a criminal investigation.

• A timeline of events in a crime scene.