Criminal Investigation 10th Edition by Christine Hess Orthmann - Test Bank

Criminal Investigation 10th Edition by Christine Hess Orthmann – Test Bank

 

Instant Download – Complete Test Bank With Answers

 

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

Chapter 5: Forensics/Physical Evidence

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Ultraviolet light is good for finding

a.	trace evidence such as semen or fibers.
b.	bullet trajectories.
c.	paint or glass.
d.	tire tracks.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 130

OBJ:   Identify the kind of evidence UV light can help discover.

 

2. When evidence is collected, an officer should record in his or her notes the

a.	time the item was found and the disposition.
b.	time and date the item was found.
c.	time, date and location the item was found.
d.	time, date and location the item was found; the individual who found it; the case number; a description of the item; and who took it into custody.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 131

OBJ:   Explain what should be recorded in crime scene notes.

 

3. Which term refers to the spiral pattern cut down the length of a firearm’s barrel?

a.	rifling	c.	lands
b.	bore	d.	caliber markings

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 162

OBJ:   Explain how to mark and care for weapons used in crimes.

 

4. This type of fingerprint, which is not readily visible, consists of impressions of the ridges of the fingers, transferred to other surfaces by sweat on the ridges of the fingers or because the fingers carry residue of oil, blood, dirt or another substance. These prints are referred to as

a.	ten-print fingerprints.	c.	ID-match prints.
b.	latent prints.	d.	comparison prints.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 139

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

5. Powders, Magnabrush techniques, laser technology, gelatin lifters and cyanoacrylate are all used to process what type of evidence?

a.	petechiae	c.	fingerprints
b.	adipocre	d.	cadavers

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 141-143

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

6. AFIS stands for

a.	Automated Fingerprint Issuing Society.
b.	automatic fingerprint intake system.
c.	automatic fiber identification system.
d.	automated fingerprint identification system.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 143

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

7. DNA testing is expensive and takes a lot of time. Because of this, laboratories require that

a.	samples be submitted for both the suspect and the victim.
b.	sufficient material be collected.
c.	the evidence be probative.
d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 148             OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

8. The number one mistake officers make in processing fingerprints with powders is

a.	over-processing fingerprints.	c.	sneezing and destroying the print.
b.	misidentifying fingerprints.	d.	selecting the wrong powder.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 141

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

9. The types of prints taken of persons with reason to be at the crime scene location are referred to as __________ fingerprints.

a.	illusionary	c.	elimination
b.	expectoratory	d.	illuminating

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 143

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

10. Fingerprints can indicate

a.	age.	c.	gender.
b.	race.	d.	none of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 145

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

11. In the examination of objects of physical evidence, class characteristics are important because they can

a.	place an item into a specific category.
b.	distinguish one item from another.
c.	be used to trace the item to its manufacturer.
d.	define how the object was used by an individual.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 139

OBJ:   Identify the types of evidence most commonly found in criminal investigations and how to collect, identify and package each type.

 

12. Integrity of evidence refers to the requirement that any item introduced in court must be in the same condition as when it was found at the crime scene. This is documented by the chain of evidence, also referred to as the

a.	missing link.	c.	chain of truth.
b.	chain of custody.	d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 129

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

13. The size and shape of chips and wear patterns in the blade of a screwdriver are ___________ characteristics.

a.	individual	c.	class
b.	group	d.	none of these choices

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 139

OBJ:   Identify the types of evidence most commonly found in criminal investigations and how to collect, identify and package each type.

 

14. DNA profiling can be done using

a.	blood only.
b.	fingerprints only.
c.	skin or hair cells only.
d.	cells from almost any part of the body.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 147             OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

15. Hair analysis can reveal all but which of the following?

a.	which part of the body the hair came from
b.	the presence of drugs or poisons and consumer chemicals
c.	age and gender
d.	blood-type group

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 158

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

16. The most frequently located type of microscopic evidence is

a.	skin cells.	c.	saliva droplets.
b.	hair.	d.	fibers.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 158

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

17. A genetic fingerprint is obtained from a suspect’s

a.	finger.	c.	hair.
b.	DNA.	d.	eye color.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 147             OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

18. When evidence is no longer needed, it is

a.	auctioned off.	c.	returned to the owner.
b.	destroyed.	d.	any of these may be appropriate.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 138

OBJ:   Describe methods of evidence disposal.

 

19. A way of folding paper so that evidence does not fall out is referred as a

a.	drug hold.	c.	dime bag.
b.	druggist fold.	d.	doper bag.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 132

OBJ:   Describe various methods of packaging and transporting evidence to a department or a laboratory.

 

20. Laboratory examination of ___________ under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is still considered a reliable analysis method, although enhancements in technology have been necessary.

a.	gunshot residue (GSR)	c.	fingerprints
b.	DNA	d.	retinal scans

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 163

OBJ:   Explain how to mark and care for weapons used in crimes.

 

21. What evidence can indicate whether a person is running, lost or carrying something heavy?

a.	fingerprints	c.	footprints
b.	DNA	d.	blood spatter

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 159

OBJ:   Describe where shoe and tire impressions can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

22. What type of evidence forms a substantive part of the case or has a legitimate and effective influence on the decision of the case?

a.	circumstantial	c.	exculpatory
b.	material	d.	in flagrante delicto

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 125

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

23. What type of evidence has been properly collected, identified, filed and continuously secured?

a.	relevant	c.	material
b.	competent	d.	exculpatory

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 125

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

24. This method is not recommended for developing latent fingerprints on unpainted wood, paper, cardboard or other absorbent surfaces.

a.	iodine fuming	c.	powders
b.	ninhydrin method	d.	thermal nitrate

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 141

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

25. Evidence disposal can occur

a.	continuously.
b.	annually.
c.	on a special date.
d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 138

OBJ:   Describe methods of evidence disposal.

 

TRUE/FALSE

 

26. A mobile crime lab is a commercially customized van that provides compartments to hold equipment and countertops for processing evidence.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 128

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

27. Having equipment available for evidence processing is important, but having been trained in the use of the equipment is more important.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 128

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

28. During the search of a crime scene, it is generally easy to tell which items are evidence; the primary difficulty is in collecting the items.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 129

OBJ:   Determine what qualifies as evidence.

 

29. Probability serves no purpose in evidence; the lab must determine whether or not the evidence exactly matches the standard of comparison.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 129-130

OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

30. To simplify testimony in court, it is practical to have one officer collect the item of evidence and another take notes.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 131             OBJ:   Identify evidence.

 

31. Before, during and after its examination, evidence must be securely protected and properly stored. However, once it is ready for court, there are no issues regarding how it is stored.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 137

OBJ:   Discuss methods of evidence storage.

 

32. Automating evidence storage can prevent many problems.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 137

OBJ:   Discuss methods of evidence storage.

 

33. Evidence may be placed in any type of container, as long as it does not touch other evidence.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 132

OBJ:   Describe various methods of packaging and transporting evidence to a department or a laboratory.

 

34. It does not matter what color of fingerprint powder you use when dusting for prints.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 141

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

35. Deoxyribonucleic acid is used to compare sequences of nucleotides.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 147             OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

36. Fingerprints are a type of evidence that requires a standard of comparison.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 130

OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

37. Investigators should powder and lift every fingerprint they discover.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 141

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

38. Blood can be identified as animal or human.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 157

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

39. Typewritten materials are untraceable and, therefore, impossible to link with a suspect.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 169

OBJ:   Describe how to preserve such things as glass fragments, soil samples, safe insulation material, rope, tapes, liquids and documents.

 

40. Locard’s exchange principle basically states that a criminal always removes something from the crime scene or leaves behind incriminating evidence.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 123

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

41. Hairs are far more distinguishable than fibers.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 158

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

42. Latent prints have been collected from human skin.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 140

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

43. DNA is extremely durable and generally unaffected by heat, sunlight, moisture, bacteria or mold.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 148

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

44. Investigators have used lip prints and lip impressions to solve cases.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 146

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

45. Evidence must be legally disposed of to prevent major storage problems.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 138

OBJ:   Describe methods of evidence disposal.

 

COMPLETION

 

46. The type of evidence that links a suspect with a crime and is often found in fingerprints, footprints, bloodstains, hairs and fibers is called ____________ evidence.

 

ANS:  associative

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 125

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

47. A tool ____________ is an impression left by a tool on a surface.

 

ANS:  mark

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 160

OBJ:   Illustrate how to preserve tools that might have been used in the crime, as well as the marks they made.

 

48. The largest failure in gathering evidence is not the equipment available, but the lack of ___________ in using it effectively.

 

ANS:  training

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 128

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

49. To determine what is evidence, first consider the apparent ____________.

 

ANS:  crime

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 129            OBJ:   Determine what qualifies as evidence.

 

50. A ____________ of comparison is an object, measure or model with which evidence is compared to determine whether both came from the same source.

 

ANS:  standard

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 130            OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

51. When collecting evidence, take extreme care to prevent different pieces of evidence from touching each other, which can lead to ____________ contamination.

 

ANS:  cross

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 131            OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

52. The small lines on the palm side at the end of every human finger, which provide just enough roughness to help fingers retain objects, are known as __________ ridges.

 

ANS:  friction

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 139

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

53. Fingerprints are clear and ____________ evidence of a person’s identity.

 

ANS:  positive

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 145

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

54. For laboratories to process DNA evidence, the evidence must be ____________ that is, tending to prove guilt or innocence.

 

ANS:  probative

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 148            OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

55. In collecting hair samples, attempt to obtain 25 to 50 full hairs from the appropriate part of the suspect’s body for ____________ purposes.

 

ANS:  comparison

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 158

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

SHORT ANSWER

 

56. Discuss the difference between individual and class characteristics.

 

ANS:

Class characteristics are the features that place an item into a specific category. For example, the size and shape of a tool mark may indicate that the tool used was a screwdriver rather than a pry bar. Individual characteristics are the features that distinguish one item from another of the same type. For example, chips and wear patterns in the blade of a screwdriver may leave marks that are distinguishable from those of any other screwdriver.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 139

OBJ:   Identify the types of evidence most commonly found in criminal investigations and how to collect, identify and package each type.

 

57. Describe the basic types of equipment that a department would need to process a crime scene.

 

ANS:

Cameras and film; chalk and chalk line; compass; containers (boxes, bags of all sizes and shapes, lightweight plastic or paper; telescoping or collapsible glass bottles and new paint containers); crayon or magic marker; envelopes, all sizes; fingerprint kit; first-aid kit; flashlight and batteries; knife; labels, all sizes; magnifier; measuring tape, steel; mirror with collapsible handle; money; notebook; paper; pencils, pens; picks; plaster; pliers; protractor; rope; ruler, carpenter-type; ruler, straightedge; scissors; screwdrivers, standard and Phillips; scribe; sketching supplies; spatula; string; tags; templates; tongue depressors, wooden; tubes, glass, with stoppers; tweezers; wrecking bar.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 126-127

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

58. Once evidence is discovered, photographed and sketched, it is ready for collecting. How could you collect several different items in order to best avoid cross-contamination?

 

ANS:

Make sure items of evidence do not touch one another. When using the same tool for several tasks, thoroughly clean the tool after each use to prevent cross-contamination.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 131            OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

59. How is it possible to collect scent from a crime scene?

 

ANS:

An article of clothing can be used as a scent article, or scent evidence can be collected by placing a sterile gauze pad on an item of evidence. A Scent Transfer Unit uses a vacuum system to trap scent on gauze. If no scent article is available, the Scent Transfer Unit can be put in a closed room to vacuum the air for 5 minutes to try to capture a scent. These scent pads can be presented to a tracking dog or placed in a freezer for preservation.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 157

OBJ:   Explain how the identification of blood and hair can be useful.

 

60. Explain the difference between competent, material and relevant evidence.

 

ANS:

Material evidence forms a substantive part of the case or has a legitimate and effective influence on the decision of the case. Relevant evidence applies to the matter in question. Competent evidence has been properly collected, identified, filed and continuously secured.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 125

OBJ:   Describe various methods of processing physical evidence.

 

61. Describe the process of identifying and preserving the various types of fingerprints.

 

ANS:

Latent fingerprints are impressions transferred to a surface, either by sweat on the ridges of the fingers or because the fingers carry residue of oil, dirt, blood or other substance. Latent prints are not readily seen but can be developed through powders or chemicals. They are normally left on nonporous surfaces.

 

Visible fingerprints are made when fingers are dirty or stained. They occur primarily on glossy or light-colored surfaces and can be dusted and lifted.

 

Plastic fingerprints, one form of visible print, are impressions left in soft substances such as putty, grease, tar, butter or soft soap. These prints are photographed, not dusted.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 139-144

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

62. List and describe the evidence that would be most helpful in showing that a specific person was at a scene.

 

ANS:

Probabilities play a large role in determining the value of evidence. Fingerprints and DNA, for example, provide positive identification. In contrast, blood type does not provide positive identification, but it can help eliminate a person as a suspect. An object’s individuality is also important. For example, a heel mark’s value is directly proportional to the number of its specific features, such as brand name, number of nails and individual wear patterns that can be identified. Some objects have identification marks on them. Other evidence requires a comparison to be of value—a tire impression matching a tire, a bullet matching a specific revolver, a torn piece of clothing matching a shirt.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 129            OBJ:   Identify evidence.

 

63. How should an investigator avoid contaminating evidence?

 

ANS:

To minimize contamination of a crime scene and the evidence within, cordon off the area and keep all unnecessary people, including police officers, outside the scene perimeter.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 131            OBJ:   Discuss common errors in collecting evidence.

 

64. When would an investigator make use of an ultraviolet light?

 

ANS:

An investigator should use a UV light for some kinds of hard-to-see evidence—small amounts of semen, for instance, or fibers.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 130            OBJ:   Identify evidence.

 

65. Why is the quality of a rolled fingerprint important?

 

ANS:

Smudges and distortions reduce the print’s usefulness, so quality is extremely important.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 145

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

66. Why did the jury seem to disregard the DNA evidence in the O.J. Simpson case, and what suggestions do you have for avoiding such problems?

 

ANS:

The defense raised questions about how blood samples were collected, preserved and examined. To avoid such problems, use disposable instruments or clean them thoroughly before and after handling each sample; avoid talking, sneezing, and coughing over evidence; air-dry evidence thoroughly before packaging; and put evidence into new paper bags or envelopes, not into plastic bags, and never use staples.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 148            OBJ:   Define DNA profiling.

 

67. Briefly describe the differences between latent, visible and plastic fingerprints.

 

ANS:

Latent fingerprints are impressions transferred to a surface, either by sweat on the ridges of the fingers or because the fingers carry residue of oil, dirt, blood or other substances. Latent prints are not readily seen but can be developed through powders or chemicals. They are normally left on nonporous surfaces.

 

Visible fingerprints are made when fingers are dirty or stained. They occur primarily on glossy or light-colored surfaces and can be dusted and lifted.

 

Plastic fingerprints, one form of visible print, are impressions left in soft substances such as putty, grease, tar, butter or soft soap. These prints are photographed, not dusted.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 139-140

OBJ:   Explain where fingerprints can be found and how they should be preserved.

 

68. Describe the type of evidence that might be found at the scene of a hit-and-run. How should this evidence be collected?

 

ANS:

In hit-and-run cases, collect paint samples from any area of the vehicle that had contact with the victim. Take paint samples down to the original metal to show the layer composition. Use small boxes for submitting paint samples to the crime lab, putting samples from different parts of the vehicle in separate small boxes. If paint chips are on the clothing of the victim or suspect, send the entire article of clothing in a paper bag to the laboratory, properly labeled and identified.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 170-171

OBJ:   Describe what evidence to collect in hit-and-run cases.

 

69. Discuss how language analysis can contribute to an investigation.

 

ANS:

An individual’s communication, whether written or spoken, may provide clues about his or her gender, age, race or ethnicity or what part of the country (or world) the person grew up in or has spent recent time in. Language analysis may also provide insight into a person’s educational level, political views and religious orientation, which may in turn provide further evidence regarding a criminal motive.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 147

OBJ:   Describe what can and cannot be determined from fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains and hairs.

 

70. What can the examination of human skeletal remains contribute to an investigation?

 

ANS:

If adequate human skeletal remains are available, the sex, race, approximate age at death, approximate height and approximate time since death can be determined. Dental comparisons and X-rays of old fractures are other important identifying features or individual characteristics.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 171

OBJ:   Explain what can be determined from human skeletal remains.