IAI - CSA Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation
(Fisher 8th Edition): Questions & Solutions
Evidence Right Ans - Something legally submitted to a competent trier of
fact as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter under
investigation.
Two Broad Types of Evidence Right Ans - 1. Testimonial Evidence
2. Real, or Physical Evidence
What is Physical Evidence? Right Ans - Any Type of Evidence with an
objective existence, that is anything with size, shape, and dimension.
Physical Evidence may also be considered either Right Ans - 1. Direct
evidence (evidence that supports a conclusion of fact without inference)
OR
2. Circumstantial evidence (evidence that requires inference to connect it to a
conclusion of fact).
Physical Evidence Right Ans - May be more reliable than eyewitnesses to
crimes.
CSI Effect Right Ans - Has made jurors expect, even demand, physical
evidence.
One Factor making the public's notion of the role of physical evidence Right
Ans - Science and technology are perceived by most of the public to be
unbiased and not subject to manipulation.
Negative Evidence Right Ans - the absence of physical evidence. May
provide useful information and even stop defense arguments at the time of
trial
Can every item of physical evidence be directly associated to a specific person,
place, or thing and believe that it is possible to link that evidence to a unique
source. Right Ans - No
,Can Majority of Physical Evidence found at crime scenes be only Classified
Right Ans - True
Classification of Evidence Right Ans - Meaning physical evidence placed
into groups with all other items having the same properties or class
characteristics.
Types of Pattern Evidence Right Ans - (fingerprints, firearms evidence,
footwear evidence, tire impressions, and tool marks)
Practitioners would offer a conclusive opinion that the known and questioned
item came from a common source to a reasonable degree of scientific
certainty.
The ability to associate an item of evidence to a sole, unique source is
currently being hotly debated. Right Ans - True
What does DNA testing use? Right Ans - Statistical occurrence of discrete
pieces of genetic material or alleles.
Can physical evidence that is identified corroborate testimony, place a subject
at a scene, and be useful in a variety of ways as an interrogation tool? Right
Ans - Yes
Chain of Custody Right Ans - Proof that evidence collected during an
investigation and the evidence ultimately submitted to the court are one and
the same. To prove that the integrity of the physical evidence has been
maintained. Shows who had contact with the evidence, at what time, under
what circumstances, and what changes, if any, were made to the evidence.
General Rule on collecting evidence Right Ans - As much material as is
reasonably possible to collect should be taken. More is better than less.
What is needed for known/exemplar samples for DNA? Right Ans - Blood
samples or buccal (cheek) swabs from the victim and suspect are needed.
What is needed for known/reference or exemplar samples for Automobile
Specimens? Right Ans - A known sample of paint from the questioned
vehicle must be submitted for comparison.
, What is a good practice for packaging small objects? Right Ans - Double-
wrap very small objects such as hair, fibers, or glass fragments. These items
should first be folded up in a sheet of paper, such as a pharmacist's fold, and
then placed in an envelope
How should any potential hazard evidence be labeled? Right Ans - Labeled
with any potential hazards such as biohazard stickers
Use of Expert Witnesses Right Ans - 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? Right Ans - The integrity of
the professional and the organization. All forensic practitioners owe a duty to
the truth.
What is the guidelines for Forensic Labs? Right Ans - 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? Right Ans -
Forensic Practitioners
What is important for a witness to know about cross examination? Right
Ans - 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? Right Ans -
Teamwork.
(Fisher 8th Edition): Questions & Solutions
Evidence Right Ans - Something legally submitted to a competent trier of
fact as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter under
investigation.
Two Broad Types of Evidence Right Ans - 1. Testimonial Evidence
2. Real, or Physical Evidence
What is Physical Evidence? Right Ans - Any Type of Evidence with an
objective existence, that is anything with size, shape, and dimension.
Physical Evidence may also be considered either Right Ans - 1. Direct
evidence (evidence that supports a conclusion of fact without inference)
OR
2. Circumstantial evidence (evidence that requires inference to connect it to a
conclusion of fact).
Physical Evidence Right Ans - May be more reliable than eyewitnesses to
crimes.
CSI Effect Right Ans - Has made jurors expect, even demand, physical
evidence.
One Factor making the public's notion of the role of physical evidence Right
Ans - Science and technology are perceived by most of the public to be
unbiased and not subject to manipulation.
Negative Evidence Right Ans - the absence of physical evidence. May
provide useful information and even stop defense arguments at the time of
trial
Can every item of physical evidence be directly associated to a specific person,
place, or thing and believe that it is possible to link that evidence to a unique
source. Right Ans - No
,Can Majority of Physical Evidence found at crime scenes be only Classified
Right Ans - True
Classification of Evidence Right Ans - Meaning physical evidence placed
into groups with all other items having the same properties or class
characteristics.
Types of Pattern Evidence Right Ans - (fingerprints, firearms evidence,
footwear evidence, tire impressions, and tool marks)
Practitioners would offer a conclusive opinion that the known and questioned
item came from a common source to a reasonable degree of scientific
certainty.
The ability to associate an item of evidence to a sole, unique source is
currently being hotly debated. Right Ans - True
What does DNA testing use? Right Ans - Statistical occurrence of discrete
pieces of genetic material or alleles.
Can physical evidence that is identified corroborate testimony, place a subject
at a scene, and be useful in a variety of ways as an interrogation tool? Right
Ans - Yes
Chain of Custody Right Ans - Proof that evidence collected during an
investigation and the evidence ultimately submitted to the court are one and
the same. To prove that the integrity of the physical evidence has been
maintained. Shows who had contact with the evidence, at what time, under
what circumstances, and what changes, if any, were made to the evidence.
General Rule on collecting evidence Right Ans - As much material as is
reasonably possible to collect should be taken. More is better than less.
What is needed for known/exemplar samples for DNA? Right Ans - Blood
samples or buccal (cheek) swabs from the victim and suspect are needed.
What is needed for known/reference or exemplar samples for Automobile
Specimens? Right Ans - A known sample of paint from the questioned
vehicle must be submitted for comparison.
, What is a good practice for packaging small objects? Right Ans - Double-
wrap very small objects such as hair, fibers, or glass fragments. These items
should first be folded up in a sheet of paper, such as a pharmacist's fold, and
then placed in an envelope
How should any potential hazard evidence be labeled? Right Ans - Labeled
with any potential hazards such as biohazard stickers
Use of Expert Witnesses Right Ans - 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? Right Ans - The integrity of
the professional and the organization. All forensic practitioners owe a duty to
the truth.
What is the guidelines for Forensic Labs? Right Ans - 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? Right Ans -
Forensic Practitioners
What is important for a witness to know about cross examination? Right
Ans - 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? Right Ans -
Teamwork.
