Question 1

The latest in night vision technology includes infrared (IR)technology and thermal imaging (TI).This technology requires no light at all to see objects in total darkness.

Accepted Answer

Infrared technology and thermal imaging technology can detect objects in total darkness without the need for visible light.

Question 2

Mitochondrial DNA is more useful for identification than nuclear DNA.

Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is less variable and provides information about maternal lineage only, whereas nuclear DNA is unique to each individual (except identical twins) and provides a more comprehensive genetic profile, making it more useful for identification purposes.

Question 3

Composite sketches of suspects can be prepared by computers without the assistance of a police artist.

Accepted Answer

With the advancement in technology, many law enforcement agencies are now using software that allows them to create facial composites of suspects. These software programs use algorithms to generate an image based on specific features that are described by witnesses or victims. Therefore, police no longer solely rely on the skill of an artist to create an accurate composite sketch.

Question 4

DNA collection needs to improve because crime labs are ill-equipped to deal with the influx of DNA samples.

Accepted Answer

With the increasing use of DNA in criminal investigations, crime labs are facing a backlog of DNA samples waiting to be analyzed. This highlights the need for improved DNA collection methods and more advanced technology in crime labs.

Question 5

Because computer-aided investigation systems have not proven to be very effective in the criminal investigation process,they are being abandoned by many police departments in the United States.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not completely true. While some police departments may have abandoned computer-aided investigation systems, others continue to use and rely on them in their investigation process. Additionally, the effectiveness of these systems can vary depending on their capabilities and how they are utilized.

Question 6

Lasers can be used to lift fingerprints from surfaces that often defy traditional powder or chemical techniques,including glass,paper,cardboard,rubber,wood,plastic,leather,and even human skin.

Accepted Answer

Lasers are indeed used to lift fingerprints from surfaces that are difficult to work with using traditional powder or chemical techniques.

Question 7

The Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP)is maintained by DHS.

Accepted Answer

The Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) is actually maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), not the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ViCAP is a database and investigative support center for law enforcement agencies nationwide to share information and track patterns in violent crimes.

Question 8

Police officers with in-car data access technology make more than eight times as many inquiries on driving records,vehicle registrations,and wanted persons or property per 8-hour shift than do officers without in-car computers.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true as per the given information. Officers with in-car data access technology can quickly and easily access important information, which results in a higher number of inquiries per shift compared to officers without access to such technology.

Question 9

It is impossible to change one's fingerprints.

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints are determined by genetic factors and their formation in the womb, and they remain the same throughout a person's life.

Question 10

ViCAP contains information on unsolved burglaries.

Accepted Answer

ViCAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program) focuses on violent crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, missing persons, and unidentified human remains, rather than unsolved burglaries.

Question 11

Automated fingerprint identification systems began to be developed in the 1980s.

Accepted Answer

Automated fingerprint identification systems were first developed in the 1980s, with the first system becoming operational in 1984.

Question 12

The domestic use of drones,and even their consideration of use,has become the subject of national debate,including filibuster in the U.S.Senate.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The domestic use of drones has been the subject of national debate and even led to a filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

Question 13

Age-progression photographs are prepared by forensic artists rather than computers.

Accepted Answer

Age-progression photographs can be prepared by both forensic artists and computer software, with technology increasingly being used to automate and enhance the process.

Question 14

The BlackBerry can be loaded with specialized law enforcement programs allowing the user to query the NCIC database as well as other state and motor vehicle department databases.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The BlackBerry is often used by law enforcement and can be equipped with specialized software allowing access to various databases for investigative purposes.

Question 15

The first police department with a computer system (in 1964)was:

Accepted Answer

The first police department to use a computer system in 1964 was St. Louis. This early adoption of technology marked a significant step forward in law enforcement capabilities and data management.

Question 16

Less-than-lethal technology is the perfect weapon available that will immediately stop unlawful resistance and will cause absolutely no harm to the receiver.

Accepted Answer

Less-than-lethal technology, such as tasers, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, can still cause harm and even death in some cases. While they may be designed to reduce the risk of lethal force, they are not completely harmless.

Question 17

There are six classifications of fingerprints.

Accepted Answer

There are three primary classifications of fingerprints: loop, whorl, and arch.

Question 18

PCR-STR procedures for the analysis of DNA evidence allow samples that have degraded or broken down to be analyzed.

Accepted Answer

PCR-STR (polymerase chain reaction-short tandem repeat) procedures can amplify and analyze even small amounts of degraded or fragmented DNA samples. Therefore, it is true that these procedures allow the analysis of DNA evidence that has degraded or broken down.

Question 19

Computers have not yet been used for patrol allocation operations.

Accepted Answer

Computers have been used for patrol allocation operations in some police departments, although it is not yet universally adopted.

Question 20

Today,computerization is suitable for:

Accepted Answer

Computerization is suitable for any police department, regardless of size.

Quiz 14: Computers Technology And Criminalistics In Policing