CSI Chapters 1 and 2

caused by inappropriate handling of evidence

invisible prints caused by normal body secretions

what is the name for a cartridge from a shotgun?

the purpose of a criminal investigation is the search for the truth w/o regards to a personal agenda.

PCI: allows one to copy DNA structure into small samples and quantities and examine a different area

blood, bone, hair with scalp, feces, semen, sweat

the examination of individual characteristics, is a major goal in forensics

allows us to place the time of the crime

when there's no one to call, a citizen calls the police

What is the name for typical ammunition?

helps to determine in what order the crime occurred

cutting edge of a tool is slid against a surface

locate radial fractures that are within the concentric fracture. They radiate from the central point of fracture.

RFLP: restrictive fragments length polymorphism

classified by the originating source like taping and vacuuming

deposit if contaminants visible to the naked eye like blood and grease

was the alarm set off at a specific time? does the deadbolt work?

should be collected in its entirety. Could be an opportunity for a mechanical fit.

What are the things a CSI will walk away with from a scene?

produces individual evidence with loops, whorls, and arches

the CSI must be able to articulate why a certain action was used over another in court

A significant level of burned/unburned residue. Contains 3 trace elements: What is it and what are they?

examples of sequencing

What are some factors that increase or decrease the probability of identifiable prints on a given surface?

efforts to keep crime from occurring in the first place.

attempt to control gen. behavior patterns such as compliance with city ordinances to prevent chaos

present investigation with class and individual characteristics

each piece of evidence is a mechanism for linking the scene, victim, or suspect

the process by which "each receives his due"

fingerprints are quite enduring, there is no way to predict when fingerprints will be deposited

shot pellets can be collected together cartridges/bullets should be packages separately.

manifests through CSI's ability to physically place items in the scene

What is trace evidence?

prints are in a soft surface such as wax

means "as found"

anything that tends to prove or disprove a fact in contention

examples of timing

tool is forced into soft material

where an item is damaged and pieces are deposited in the scene

changes to the scene or evidence that occur with rhythm or regularity

describes traits of evidence that allow the item to be compared w/a group

to complete processing, CSI must complete 6 steps

the entry of police opening doors and not documenting it

depositor characteristics include: age, gender, washed/unwashed hands

should be placed in small, pint sized paint cans.

what does justice need to consider to be fair?

failure to stand out to CSI.

handguns are short barrel weapons

presents both class and individual characteristics, including striation, compression and saw marks.

when this fails, attempt to resolve by investigating crimes and attempting to identify those responsible

shoe, tire marks, bite marks, plastic fingerprints are all part of this type of evidence

MDNA: mitochondrial DNA: comes from the father

authorities create evidence that is not there

rigor mortis, liver mortis

Rifles are long barreled and have grooves

Shotguns are long barreled signed to be fired by the shoulder. Has grooves

provided a description of the blood sample, compared with any unknown blood samples and offered stats wet bench serology

how an item is used is not always consistent with how it is used

What are some best practice DNA techniques?

every contact leaves a trace

collected through interviews of witnesses, victims, and suspects

forgery considers writing found at the scene and attempts to identify the writer

What are the objectives of police?

moving evidence that goes unchecked

collected through specific items found at the scene. Sets framework for investigation.

results in the loss of evidentiary value

directed at 3 basic determinations such as glass, direction, sequence

changes in a random fashion. Can alter the scene or lead to misinterpretation

The four questions a CSI should ask when considering a scene are: What is it, function, relationship to evidence, timing

STR: combined concepts of PCR, but creates statistical discrimination that was higher

odors of chemicals or perfume, cigars burning in an ashtray, ice in a glass

second category, allows forensic scientists to compare the item w/a specific object or person

a cartridge is made up of a

the end goal of crime scene processing is to collect evidence in as pristine a condition as possible