IAI - CSA Techniques of Crime Scene
Investigation Questions with Complete
Solutions
How should any potential hazard evidence be labeled? Labeled with any potential
hazards such as biohazard stickers
Use of Expert Witnesses Because scientific principles relating to physical evidence are
often beyond the knowledge of laypeople, courts permit persons with specialized training and
skills to testify in court to explain and interpret scientific evidence to juries, as well as offer their
opinion based on the evidence. Expert witnesses can be used when the subject of the testimony is
beyond the experience and knowledge of ordinary laypeople.
What is the deciding factor for potential bias? The integrity of the professional and the
organization. All forensic practitioners owe a duty to the truth.
What is the guidelines for Forensic Labs? The American Society of Crime Laboratory
Directors* (ASCLD) has a code of professional practices, Guidelines for Forensic Laboratory
Management Practices (Adopted 1987, Revised 1994).
,Who are often called to court to testify as expert witnesses? Forensic Practitioners
What is important for a witness to know about cross examination? The witness dictates
the pace. You do not need to answer any question yes or no. Explain your rationale.
It is acceptable to say, "I don't believe I am qualified to answer that question."
Do not box yourself into a corner. Beware of questions like, "Have you ever made a mistake" and
"Isn't it possible?"
What is the final element in a crime scene investigation? Teamwork.
Who must work cooperatively in a crime scene investigation? Each element of the
criminal investigation—uniformed officer, detective, crime scene specialist, forensic scientist,
coroner, forensic pathologist, photographer, prosecutor, defense attorney, plus all the other vital
players in the "system"
IAI International Association for Identification
,What does the IAI publish? The Journal of Forensic Identification
Crime Scene Environments Dynamic, rapidly changing.
The first officer to arrive on a crime scene must be concerned about? Countless Details
What is one of the major tasks of the first officer? Protect the crime scene
Locard's Exchange Principle It is not possible for anyone to enter a place without
changing it in some way, either by bringing something to it or by removing something from it.
The notion of an individual coming in contact with a scene and changing it in some way.
Every contact leaves a Trace
Edmond Locard French Forensic Scientist - Locard Exchange Principle
, What is the most effective way to minimize loss of information? Thorough, detailed
contemporaneous note taking, that is, recording significant as well as mundane observations at
the time they are noticed.
After making sure the scene is safe, the first officer should? Attempt to form an estimate
of the situation—what happened here as quickly as possible.
What observations by the first officer be noted? An effort must be made to observe
details, particularly those that are fleeting, and to take written notes as soon as possible on such
points as • Doors—Open, closed, or locked? On which side was the key? • Windows—Open or
closed? Were they locked? • Lights—On or off? Which lights were on? • Shades, shutters, or
blinds—Open or closed? • Odors—Cigarette smoke, gas, gun powder, perfume, decomposition,
etc.? • Signs of activity—Meal preparation, dishes in the sink, house clean or dirty, etc.? • Date
and time indicators—Mail, newspapers, dates on milk cartons, stopped clocks, spoiled foods,
items that should have been hot or cold but were at room temperature. • Messages on answering
machine, voicemail/texts on cellphone?
The general rule for the first officer is that any firearms or ammunition should? Be left
untouched until investigating personnel arrive.
Investigation Questions with Complete
Solutions
How should any potential hazard evidence be labeled? Labeled with any potential
hazards such as biohazard stickers
Use of Expert Witnesses Because scientific principles relating to physical evidence are
often beyond the knowledge of laypeople, courts permit persons with specialized training and
skills to testify in court to explain and interpret scientific evidence to juries, as well as offer their
opinion based on the evidence. Expert witnesses can be used when the subject of the testimony is
beyond the experience and knowledge of ordinary laypeople.
What is the deciding factor for potential bias? The integrity of the professional and the
organization. All forensic practitioners owe a duty to the truth.
What is the guidelines for Forensic Labs? The American Society of Crime Laboratory
Directors* (ASCLD) has a code of professional practices, Guidelines for Forensic Laboratory
Management Practices (Adopted 1987, Revised 1994).
,Who are often called to court to testify as expert witnesses? Forensic Practitioners
What is important for a witness to know about cross examination? The witness dictates
the pace. You do not need to answer any question yes or no. Explain your rationale.
It is acceptable to say, "I don't believe I am qualified to answer that question."
Do not box yourself into a corner. Beware of questions like, "Have you ever made a mistake" and
"Isn't it possible?"
What is the final element in a crime scene investigation? Teamwork.
Who must work cooperatively in a crime scene investigation? Each element of the
criminal investigation—uniformed officer, detective, crime scene specialist, forensic scientist,
coroner, forensic pathologist, photographer, prosecutor, defense attorney, plus all the other vital
players in the "system"
IAI International Association for Identification
,What does the IAI publish? The Journal of Forensic Identification
Crime Scene Environments Dynamic, rapidly changing.
The first officer to arrive on a crime scene must be concerned about? Countless Details
What is one of the major tasks of the first officer? Protect the crime scene
Locard's Exchange Principle It is not possible for anyone to enter a place without
changing it in some way, either by bringing something to it or by removing something from it.
The notion of an individual coming in contact with a scene and changing it in some way.
Every contact leaves a Trace
Edmond Locard French Forensic Scientist - Locard Exchange Principle
, What is the most effective way to minimize loss of information? Thorough, detailed
contemporaneous note taking, that is, recording significant as well as mundane observations at
the time they are noticed.
After making sure the scene is safe, the first officer should? Attempt to form an estimate
of the situation—what happened here as quickly as possible.
What observations by the first officer be noted? An effort must be made to observe
details, particularly those that are fleeting, and to take written notes as soon as possible on such
points as • Doors—Open, closed, or locked? On which side was the key? • Windows—Open or
closed? Were they locked? • Lights—On or off? Which lights were on? • Shades, shutters, or
blinds—Open or closed? • Odors—Cigarette smoke, gas, gun powder, perfume, decomposition,
etc.? • Signs of activity—Meal preparation, dishes in the sink, house clean or dirty, etc.? • Date
and time indicators—Mail, newspapers, dates on milk cartons, stopped clocks, spoiled foods,
items that should have been hot or cold but were at room temperature. • Messages on answering
machine, voicemail/texts on cellphone?
The general rule for the first officer is that any firearms or ammunition should? Be left
untouched until investigating personnel arrive.
