Unit 2 Test Questions
Review Questions
1. What is physical evidence? Provide at least three examples in your answer.
Physical evidence is anything that can establish a crime has happened and anything that leads the crime to the criminal. Law enforcement may collect physical evidence not only from the crime scene, but also from a person's body and/or property (home, car,etc). Some examples include weapons, fibers, and hair.
2. Describe three ways that a crime scene can be recorded. What is a benefit of each?
Some ways a crime scene may be recorded is through photographs, drawings and videography. Benefits of photographs is that the photo is taken before anything is moved, and some photos are focused on a weapon that is seen much better than in videos or drawings. Benefit of drawings is that it shows distance between objects in the room & their relationship in space to eachother. Benefits of videography is that it both records the visual elements of the scene and it can also serve as a form of notes if information is related to the recording.
3. What is a chain of custody? Why is it important?
Chain of custody is a list of all people that had posession of the evidence during the crime investigation. This is important because it shows who had access to the evidence and indicates individuals from the time it is found until the time is is used in trial. This reduces the chance that the evidence has been contaminated or that someone has had the opportunity to destroy it.
4. What three types of photographs are taken at crime scenes? Describe each type?
The 3 types of photographs taken at crime scenes are overview, intermediate and close-up photographs. Overview photographs show crime scene in wide angles taken at different angles to show entries and exits to the crime scene. Intermediate photographs are taken closer to the evidence, but still show area surrounding the evidence. Close-up photographs focus on an injury, a weapon, or any piece of