Covering Chapter Three: The Crime Scene Investigator

Answer the questions below by either writing out your answer or selecting the most correct choice.

You must indicate the page number from the chapter (or section heading) where you found the answer.

This is the book:Fisher, Barry A., Fisher, David R. (2012). Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. Taylor & Francis.

1. List the seven key objectives of a crime scene investigation.

2. Which of the following persons would most likely be used to process the scene of a homicide?
A) Patrol Officer
B) Uniformed Officer
C) Crime Scene Investigator
D) Coroner’s Investigator

3. The notion of____in criminal investigations is a key factor to the solution of the case.
a) Experience
b) Expertise
c) Teamwork
d) Duty

4. Crime scenes contain potent information that is sought in a systematic, ___________ and ____________ way.
A) Legal, scientific
B) Forensic, methodical
C) Methodical, precise
D) Legal, specialized

5. Which of the following is an objective of crime scene investigation?
A) To punish the offender.
B) Find as much evidence as possible.
C) Discover what property was stolen.
D) Determine the psychological profile of the offender.

6. You are tasked with collecting latent fingerprint evidence from the scene of a residential burglary. Which of the following databases would you submit the latent prints to?
A) CODIS
B) AFIS
C) NIBIN
D) PDQ

7. The start of the crime scene investigation begins with documenting the scene. List what takes place during this process.

8. This person is defined as a specialist whose principal job is to identify, collect, and retrieve physical evidence from the crime scene:
A) Forensic Anthropologist
B) Crime Scene Investigator
C) Criminal Profiler
D) Forensic Reconstructionist

9. The notion of __________________ is a key factor to the solution of a case.
A) Teamwork
B) Specialization
C) Manpower
D) Individuality

10. (True/False) The detective and crime scene investigator need to work separately so as to not bias each other.
A) True
B) False

11. (True/False) The crime scene investigator must approach the scene with a preconceived idea about what occurred so the scene can be processed efficiently.
A) True
B) False

12. Why should the crime scene investigator do a thorough and complete investigation at every scene?
A) It is there job.
B) The statutes require it for trial.
C) Doing so may refute a defense contention at trial.
D) Policy and procedures dictate that it must be done.

13. Which of the following methods is the most appropriate for collecting a blood soaked pair of pants from a homicide scene?
A) A plastic bag that is properly sealed.
B) A plastic bag for immediate transportation to the crime lab.
C) Wait as long as it takes to dry at the scene and then collect it.
D) None of the above

14. Many situations at a crime scene demand that the investigator be ____________ and creative.
A) Flexible
B) Knowledgeable
C) Trained
D) Experienced

15. Which of the following reasons explains why defense attorneys often attempt to discredit the handling of physical evidence at the scene?
A) It is useful when proving intent.
B) Court procedures require such an attack.
C) It might preclude the evidence from being admitted at trial.
D) The 4th Amendment requires it.

16. Of the following options, which one is an important factor that a crime scene investigator should consider when formulating a plan to process the scene?
A) What time of day it is.
B) How many personnel are available for securing the scene.
C) Whether is it a death scene.
D) Where the possible sources of physical evidence are located.

17. Once the initial assessment is completed which step is next in the process when conducting a crime scene investigation?
A) Documenting the scene
B) Calling the medical examiner
C) Contacting the prosecutor
D) Debriefing all those involved in the investigation

18. Which of the following techniques can be utilized when moving a couch to look for evidence that may be underneath it?
A) Mark its location on the ground with a pencil
B) Contact the lead crime scene investigator and ask for permission
C) Nothing should ever be moved at a scene.
D) None of the above

19. Which of the following procedures works best when searching the scene of a shooting at night?
A) Bring in artificial lighting.
B) Use a high powered flashlight
C) Use an Alternate Light Source
D) Hold the scene until daylight and do a final search

20. (True/False) On homicide cases and other serious assaults, crime scene specialists should not assume any other investigative duties.
A) True
B) False

21. After completing rough notes and sketches at a crime scene they should be:
A) Discarded after completing a final report.
B) Kept in the case file.
C) Discarded after the trial is over.
D) Turned over to the supervisor.

22. Which of the following is an objective of a crime scene investigation?
A) To comply with policies and procedures
B) To ascertain the sequence of events
C) To determine if an officer can work as a crime scene investigator
D) To fulfill civil statutes

23. A crime scene investigation is characterized by which three essential conditions for success?
A) Organization, thoroughness, caution
B) Teamwork, the right equipment, authority under the statute
C) Legal authority to collect evidence, organization, teamwork
D) Organization, technical expertise, methodical searches