OPOTA Unit 11 questions and answers graded A+

OPOTA Unit 11Describe the primary responsibilities of the first responder to a crime scene - correct answer 1. Officer Safety 2.Rendering aid 3. Securing the scene 4.Interacting with the witnesses Measures the officers can take to minimize contamination at a crime scene - correct answer Contamination - the transfer of outside material to the scene (e.g., a hair from the first responder drops off into the scene and it is collected) Cross - contamination - the transfer of material between evidence within the scene (e.g., packaging the victim's clothing in the same bag as the suspects clothing) • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should include latex/nitrile gloves, shoe covers, respiratory equipment, eye protection, and anything else required by the scene's circumstances • In order to prevent contamination with your DNA, when wearing latex/nitrile gloves, do not touch your face, hair, cell phone, etc. • Changes gloves often in between samples, and when soiled, especially if you had contact with both the victim and the suspect • Do not talk over the evidence as your DNA (e.g., saliva spray) could be transferred to the evidence • Use disposable or sterilized equipment • Sterilize all reusable equipment once you are done (e.g., placards, seals, tripod legs) • Be sure you do not use the facilities, phones, change temperature or lighting controls, eat, drink, smoke or spit inside the perimeter of the crime scene, as this may disturb evidence that is present • An officer should be designated to monitor entry onto the scene and keep unauthorized personnel out Difference between class and individual evidence characteristics - correct answer Class Characteristics • Traits or characteristics of evidence that allow the item to be compared with a group • Shared by all members of its class • Cannot be identified to a single source