Suspect and Victim Processing

Question 1

Outline the order of examination

Answer 1

Least intrusive to most intrusive or destructive
Photographs and noted observations
GSR, hair, debris, trace collection
Clothing collection
DNA collection

Question 2

What should be considered before processing begins?

Answer 2

Consider the type of evidence you are looking for and evidentiary value in what is being obtained
Location for processing
Do suspect and victim live together?

Question 3

Where could processing take place?

Answer 3

Hospital, police station, home

Question 4

True or false: You do not need to walk a victim/suspect through what you are doing and why.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

What type of information should you make victims/suspects aware of during processing?

Answer 5

Who will see the photos?
What is the evidence going to be used for?

Question 6

What is the general rule for processing victims, suspects, and scenes?

Answer 6

Have separate investigative teams deal with eacj

Question 7

What type of things should be considered when deciding what to collect or examine?

Answer 7

Type of weapon (if any)?
Was there direct contact?
Time since event? (GSR)
Are suspect(s) cooperative?
Is a warrant required?

Question 8

What are the four general rules for GSR collection?

Answer 8

Suspects should not wash their hands
Suspect’s clothing should be collected afterwards and tested
GSR has a short window in which it needs to be collected
Tech should wear gloves

Question 9

What is contained in a GSR kit?

Answer 9

4 vials with adhesive tabs that indicate the area of the hand to apply the adhesive tab

Question 10

Where are GSR samples sent?

Answer 10

CFS

Question 11

What is the general set up for suspect photography?

Answer 11

Stand suspect in front of a plain background about 2 ft away from the wall to avoid shadows
Flash should be used off camera

Question 12

Outline the order of suspect photographs.

Answer 12

1. Overall - portrait
2. Midrange/close up (shoulders and up) - portrait
3. Quarter turn (suspect’s left profile, repeat steps 1-2)
4. Quarter turn 2 (suspect facing wall, repeat 1-2)
5. Quarter turn 3 (right profile, repeat 1-2)
6. Suspect seated, photo of front and back of hands
7. Overall-midrange-close ups with and without a scale of any injuries
8. Overall-midrange-close ups with and without a scale of any scars and tattoos

Question 13

What is collected in a buccal sample?

Answer 13

Epithelial cells within the mouth

Question 14

Outline the steps of a buccal sample.

Answer 14

Request suspect to rinse mouth
Gloves and mask to be worn by tech and anyone else present during collection
Swab the inside of the cheek up and down ten times
Repeat with second swab on other cheek

Question 15

Outline the process of obtaining DNA with a DNA warrant.

Answer 15

Blood sample from the index finger typically
Trained personnel to perform this only
Warrant/rights read to suspect
Always recorded
Gloves and mask worn by tech and anyone else present
Lancet used to prick the finger and blood droplets collected on a collection card

Question 16

What is important to keep in mind when processing victims?

Answer 16

Are often anxious, fearful and vulnerable

Question 17

How should you act when processing a victim?

Answer 17

Introduce yourself, talk to them as you go and explain to them what you are doing.

Question 18

What should you explain about the photos being taken of a victim?

Answer 18

Who will see them?
What will they be used for?

Question 19

What type of samples may be necessary to take from a victim?

Answer 19

Consent DNA buccal swabs
Elimination fingerprints

Question 20

Outline the process of victim photography.

Answer 20

1. Overall (head-to-toe) - portrait
2. Midrange/closeup (shoulders and up) - portrait
3. Overall-midrange-close ups with and without a scale of any injuries

Question 21

What is the protocol for photographing victims in hospital?

Answer 21

Often will be laying in hospital beds, do not make them get up
Can ask if they are able or comfortable to get up
Make sure you are in a private room
If injury is wrapped, do not unwrap the bandage

Question 22

How should female victims be processeD?

Answer 22

Female forensic technician taking photos
Male forensic technician with female officer present

Question 23

What is the protocol for processing victim injuries in sensitive areas?

Answer 23

Keep the private area covered while exposing as much of the injury as possible
Place hospital blanket accordingly
Have victim place hand accordingly

Question 24

What should be used as a scale on the skin?

Answer 24

Disposable ruler

Question 25

If victim mentions pain in an area but no injury is visible, does a photo still need to be taken?

Answer 25

Yes