Crime Scene Processing

Question 1

What does ALS stand for in photography?

Answer 1

Alternate Light Source

Also known as FLS (Forensic Light Source)

Question 2

How long have ALS/FLS photography techniques been in use?

Answer 2

Over 40 years

Question 3

What types of evidence can ALS/FLS be used to detect?

Answer 3

• Fingerprints
• Fibres
• Hair
• Human body fluids

Question 4

What is the first step in using an ALS at a crime scene?

Answer 4

Search the scene to locate/note items or areas of interest

Question 5

What type of goggles are typically used when operating an ALS?

Answer 5

Orange goggles in lab; red and yellow are common in ALS kits

Question 6

What camera settings are recommended for ALS/FLS photography?

Answer 6

• Orange filter on lens
• High depth of field
• Low ISO
• Timed exposure

Question 7

Who created the system of identification known as Anthropometry?

Answer 7

Alphonse Bertillon

Question 8

What year did Alphonse Bertillon create his identification system?

Answer 8

1882

Question 9

What was the purpose of Bertillon’s Anthropometry system?

Answer 9

To distinguish first-time offenders from recidivists

Question 10

What significant contribution did Hans Gross make to criminal investigation?

Answer 10

Published the first comprehensive description for using physical evidence to solve crime in 1891

Question 11

What principle is Edmund Locard known for?

Answer 11

Locard’s Exchange Principle

Question 12

What is the significance of the year 1986 in forensic science?

Answer 12

DNA was used for the first time in a criminal case in England

Question 13

What does the acronym CFS stand for?

Answer 13

Centre of Forensic Sciences

Question 14

What is the primary role of crime scene examiners?

Answer 14

• Recording, documenting, and examining the scene
• Collecting and preserving evidence
• Submitting exhibits for further examination
• Testifying in court

Question 15

What does the first step ‘Learn’ in crime scene examination involve?

Answer 15

• Gathering information from sources
• Recognizing issues at the start
• Safety considerations
• Determining lawful authority

Question 16

What is the purpose of conducting a scene walk-through?

Answer 16

To provide an overview of the entire scene and identify valuable evidence

Question 17

What order do scenes typically get processed in?

Answer 17

• Photography
• Video
• Notes
• Rough scene sketch
• Scene examination
• Exhibit collection

Question 18

What are the types of evidence mentioned?

Answer 18

• Impression evidence (fingerprints, footwear)
• DNA evidence (blood, hair)
• Physical evidence (clothing, weapons)
• Digital evidence (computers, cell phones)

Question 19

What does a search warrant authorize?

Answer 19

The search of a place for the purpose of seizing ‘things’

Question 20

What is required for an individual to give informed consent?

Answer 20

• The individual must consent to the search
• The individual must have authority to consent
• The individual must be aware of the search purpose

Question 21

True or False: A primary crime scene is where the initial crime occurred.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What is the role of the Coroner under the Coroners Act?

Answer 22

May enter and inspect any place where a dead body is located

Question 23

What is the significance of the year 2012 in forensic science in Canada?

Answer 23

Forensic Science in Canada report published (Hart House Report)

Question 24

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

Answer 24

It is impossible for a criminal to act without leaving traces of their presence

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The first U.S. crime lab opened in ______.

Answer 25

1924

Question 26

What year did the FBI introduce computerized searches of the AFIS fingerprint database?

Answer 26

1996

Question 27

What is the purpose of the Handbook of Forensic Evidence for the Investigator?

Answer 27

Provides an overview of collection and packaging requirements for items submitted to the CFS

Question 28

What types of swabs are classified for submission to the CFS?

Answer 28

* Swabs of suspected blood (BLS) * Swabs of drink containers (DCS) * Weapon swabs (WPS) * Other saliva swabs (SAS)

Question 29

What are the different types of swabs classified for submission to CFS?

Answer 29

* Swabs of suspected blood (BLS) * Swabs of drink containers / drinking implements (DCS) * Swabs of partially eaten food / eating utensils (FDS) * Other ‘saliva’ swabs (SAS) * Weapon swabs (WPS) - Guns and Knives only * Airbag swabs (ABS) * ‘Other’ swabs (OTH) ## Footnote This classification helps in systematic forensic investigations.

Question 30

How should a swab of suspected blood be taken if the bloodstain is dry?

Answer 30

Use a moistened swab (distilled water) ## Footnote Oversaturation can inhibit the ability to find DNA.

Question 31

What is the swabbing procedure for drink containers (DCS)?

Answer 31

Only swab containers used for their stated purpose within the time frame of the relevant offence. A moistened swab is required. ## Footnote This ensures that the collected DNA is relevant to the investigation.

Question 32

What is required for swabbing utensils and partially eaten food (FDS)?

Answer 32

A moistened swab is required ## Footnote This applies to food partially eaten and utensils used during the relevant time frame.

Question 33

What items are included in saliva swabs (SAS)?

Answer 33

* Lipsticks * Drug pipes * Suspected spit * Plastic cigarillo tips * Cigars ## Footnote These items may have come into contact with saliva and/or nasal secretions.

Question 34

What must be true for weapons swabs (WPS) to be collected?

Answer 34

Handled weapons must have been brought to the scene by perpetrators during the commission of an offence. ## Footnote This ensures that the collected evidence is directly related to the crime.

Question 35

What is the procedure for swabbing airbags (ABS)?

Answer 35

Swab each deployed airbag and a separate swab of any other visible mucous or blood-like stains. ## Footnote Results do not position occupants in a particular seat in the vehicle.

Question 36

What is the purpose of the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) in Canada?

Answer 36

* Linking crimes without suspects * Identifying suspects * Eliminating suspects when there is no match * Determining involvement of serial offenders ## Footnote The NDDB helps law enforcement agencies solve crimes effectively.

Question 37

What are the two main indices of the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB)?

Answer 37

* The Convicted Offender Index (COI) * The Crime Scene Index (CSI) ## Footnote COI contains profiles from offenders, while CSI contains profiles from crime scenes.

Question 38

When did the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) become fully operational?

Answer 38

1998 ## Footnote CODIS allows for the exchange and comparison of DNA profiles across various levels of law enforcement.

Question 39

What is the significance of the United Kingdom's National DNA Database?

Answer 39

It is the world's first national database and contains over 4 million profiles, including DNA samples from about 5.2% of the UK population. ## Footnote Established in 1995, it is the oldest and most inclusive national forensic DNA database.

Question 40

What is the Interpol DNA Database also known as?

Answer 40

DNA Gateway ## Footnote It was established in 2002 and allows member countries to submit various DNA profiles.

Question 41

What should investigators do according to the summary of best practices?

Answer 41

* Know your authorities * Be methodical * Think/plan ahead * Continually assess/reassess the scene * Be prepared for the unknown ## Footnote These practices enhance the effectiveness of forensic investigations.

Question 42

True or False: The Centre of Forensic Sciences expects police/CSIs to collect negative control samples as of April 20, 2017.

Answer 42

False ## Footnote Negative control samples are no longer required due to advancements in DNA testing sensitivity.