Question 1

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)
B)DNA
C)fingerprints
D)retinal scans

Accepted Answer

The statement specifically mentions that examination of gunshot residue (GSR) under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is still considered reliable, making option A the best choice. The other options listed (DNA, fingerprints, and retinal scans) are not mentioned in the statement and, while they may also benefit from technological enhancements, are not specifically linked to SEM analysis.

Question 2

The most frequently located type of microscopic evidence is:
A)skin cells.
B)hair.
C)saliva droplets.
D)fibers.

Accepted Answer

Fibers are the most frequently located type of microscopic evidence in forensic investigations, as they can easily transfer from one surface to another and are often shed by clothing or other materials. Skin cells, hair, and saliva droplets can also provide valuable forensic evidence, but are not as commonly found as fibers.

Question 3

When evidence is no longer needed, it is:
A)typically auctioned off.
B)destroyed under all circumstances.
C)always returned to the owner.
D)auctioned off, returned to the owner, or destroyed.

Accepted Answer

The best choice is D because evidence can be auctioned off depending on the circumstances, returned to the owner if it is their property, or destroyed if it is no longer needed or has no significant value. The decision on what to do with the evidence depends on the type of case, the type of evidence, and the policies and procedures in place in the particular jurisdiction.

Question 4

A way of folding paper so that evidence does not fall out is referred as a:
A)druggist hold.
B)druggist fold.
C)dime bag.
D)doper bag.

Accepted Answer

A "druggist fold" is a specific folding method that is commonly used in the drug trade to ensure that evidence (such as drugs) does not fall out of the folded paper. The other choices ("dime bag" and "doper bag") are slang terms for small bags used to store drugs, but they do not refer to a specific folding method.

Question 5

A genetic fingerprint is obtained from a suspect's:
A)finger.
B)DNA.
C)hair.
D)eye color.

Accepted Answer

A genetic fingerprint is obtained by analyzing an individual's DNA. This can typically be collected from samples such as blood, buccal swabs, or saliva, rather than just from the suspect's finger or hair. Eye color is not used in genetic fingerprinting.

Question 6

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.
B)chain of custody.
C)chain of truth.
D)integrity of evidence.

Accepted Answer

Chain of evidence is also referred to as the chain of custody, which documents the chronological history of possession, transfer, and analysis of physical or electronic evidence. It ensures that the evidence is not tampered with or altered in any way, maintaining its integrity and reliability for use in court proceedings.

Question 7

The size and shape of chips and wear patterns in the blade of a screwdriver are characteristics.
A)individual
B)group
C)class
D)unidentifiable

Accepted Answer

The size and shape of chips and wear patterns in the blade of a screwdriver are unique to each individual tool and can be used to identify it. Therefore, it is an individual characteristic.

Question 8

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
B)material
C)exculpatory
D)in flagrante delicto

Accepted Answer

Material evidence is relevant and significant to the case and holds weight in the decision-making process. Circumstantial evidence is indirect and requires inference to connect it to the case, while exculpatory evidence is evidence that proves the defendant's innocence. In flagrante delicto refers to evidence obtained during the commission of a crime and may be admissible in court, but it does not necessarily form a substantive part of the case.

Question 9

AFIS stands for:
A)automated fingerprint issuing society.
B)automatic fingerprint intake system.
C)automatic fiber identification system.
D)automated fingerprint identification system.

Accepted Answer

AFIS stands for automated fingerprint identification system. It is a biometric system used for automatically matching fingerprints of an individual to a database of known fingerprints. It is commonly used in law enforcement for criminal identification and investigation.

Question 10

Powders, Magnabrush techniques, laser technology, gelatin lifters, and cyanoacrylate are all used to process which type of evidence?
A)petechiae
B)adipocere
C)fingerprints
D)cadavers

Accepted Answer

Powders, Magnabrush techniques, laser technology, gelatin lifters, and cyanoacrylate are all used to process fingerprints.

Question 11

What type of evidence has been properly collected, identified, filed, and continuously secured?
A)relevant
B)competent
C)material
D)exculpatory

Accepted Answer

The type of evidence that has been properly collected, identified, filed, and continuously secured is considered competent, meaning it is adequate and reliable for its intended purpose. Relevant evidence is directly related to the matter at hand, material evidence has some connection to the matter at hand, and exculpatory evidence tends to clear the accused from guilt. However, none of these terms specifically relate to the proper handling and preservation of evidence, which is what is being described in the question.

Question 12

The number one mistake officers make in processing fingerprints with powder is:
A)overprocessing fingerprints.
B)misidentifying fingerprints.
C)sneezing and destroying the print.
D)selecting the wrong powder.

Accepted Answer

Overprocessing fingerprints with powder can destroy delicate ridge detail and possibly make the print unusable for identification purposes. It's important to apply powder carefully and in moderation.

Question 13

The types of prints taken of persons with reason to be at the crime scene location are referred to as:
A)illusionary fingerprints.
B)expectoratory fingerprints.
C)elimination fingerprints.
D)illuminating fingerprints.

Accepted Answer

The types of prints taken of persons with reason to be at the crime scene location are referred to as elimination fingerprints. These prints are taken to eliminate suspects from the list of possible perpetrators based on the comparison of their prints to the ones found at the crime scene.

Question 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.

Accepted Answer

DNA profiling can be done using cells from almost any part of the body, including blood, skin cells, hair cells, and even saliva. This is because all cells in the body contain the same genetic information. Fingerprints, while unique to each individual, do not contain DNA and cannot be used for DNA profiling.

Question 15

What evidence can indicate whether a person is running, lost, or carrying something heavy?
A)fingerprints
B)DNA
C)shoeprints
D)blood spatter

Accepted Answer

Shoeprints can show the type of shoe worn, the direction of movement, and the weight of the person. Running may show a pattern of longer strides and deeper impressions, while being lost may show a wandering pattern. Carrying something heavy may show a wider and deeper impression on one side compared to the other. Fingerprints and DNA are not relevant to determining physical activity or carrying heavy objects. Blood spatter may indicate a violent crime, but it does not provide information about the physical activity of the person.

Question 16

Evidence disposal can occur:
A)discontinuously.
B)at any time.
C)after approval is received.
D)annually.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Evidence disposal can occur:
A)discontinuously.
B)at any time.
C)after approval...

Question 17

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.

Accepted Answer

This choice includes all necessary information that should be recorded in an officer's notes when collecting evidence, including the time, date, location, individual who found it, case number, description of the item, and who took it into custody. This level of detail ensures a clear chain of custody and can be crucial in court proceedings.

Question 18

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.

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics are shared among a group of items, and can be used to place an item into a specific category. For example, the type of fibers used in a fabric can provide a class characteristic that identifies the type of fabric. This can be useful in narrowing down potential suspects or sources of the evidence. However, class characteristics cannot distinguish one item from another or provide information about how the object was used by an individual. They also cannot be used to trace the item to its manufacturer, as many manufacturers may use the same materials or production methods.

Question 19

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)whether it belongs to an animal or human

Accepted Answer

Hair analysis can reveal a lot of information, including the origin (body part), presence of substances, and species differentiation (human or animal), but it cannot accurately determine age and gender.

Question 20

Ultraviolet light is good for finding:
A)trace evidence such as semen or fibers.
B)bullet trajectories.
C)paint or glass.
D)tire tracks.

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet light can make certain types of trace evidence, such as semen and fibers, fluoresce or glow, making them easier to detect and collect for analysis.

Quiz 5: Forensics Physical Evidence

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

The most frequently located type of microscopic evidence is:

When evidence is no longer needed, it is:

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

A genetic fingerprint is obtained from a suspect's:

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

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

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

AFIS stands for:

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

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

The number one mistake officers make in processing fingerprints with powder is:

The types of prints taken of persons with reason to be at the crime scene location are referred to as:

DNA profiling can be done using:

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

Evidence disposal can occur:

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

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

Hair analysis can reveal all but which of the following?

Ultraviolet light is good for finding: