1. How does the textbook define physical evidence?
2. What is the first critical step in crime-scene investigation? Why is this step so important?
3. List the three methods of crime-scene recording.
4. What is the most important prerequisite for photographing a crime scene? Why is this so critical?
5. What is a rough sketch and what information must it accurately reflect?
6. What information must be included in any notes taken at the crime scene?
7. Besides the crime scene itself, what locations must investigators search?
8. What items from deceased victims must be collected and sent to a forensic laboratory?
9. What is the main objective in collecting and packaging physical evidence?
10. What is the best way to maintain the integrity of evidence that is collected and submitted to the crime laboratory?
11. Why is it important to package items of physical evidence in separate containers?
12. Why should ordinary mailing envelopes not be used for packaging physical evidence?
13. Describe a druggist fold and explain why it is a superior way to package small amounts of trace evidence.
14. Why should bloodstained evidence not be stored in airtight containers? What is the best way to store such evidence?
15. Define chain of custody and explain why maintaining a proper chain of custody is important. What are the possible consequences of failing to maintain a proper chain of custody?
16. What is a standard/reference sample and why is it important to the criminalist?
17. What is a substrate control and why is it important?
18. Why is it important to include a brief description of the case history on an evidence submission form?
19. What two diseases have sensitized the law enforcement community to the potential health hazards that can exist at crime scenes? Name three basic types of protective clothing that investigators use to guard against contamination by infectious materials at a crime scene.
20. List four situations in which a warrantless search may be justified.