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

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

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Chapter 2: Documenting the Crime Scene: Note Taking, Photographing and Sketching

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which are permanent written records of the facts of a case to be used in further investigation, in writing reports and in prosecuting the case?

a.	field notes	c.	investigative notes
b.	tape recordings	d.	stenographer notes

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 42

OBJ:   Explain why notes are important in an investigation.

 

2. Record all information that helps to answer the questions of

a.	Who? What? Which? When? How? and Why?
b.	Who? What? Where? When? How? and Why?
c.	Which? When? Why? Where? and How many?
d.	Why? When? and Why or why not?

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 43              OBJ:   Discuss what to record.

 

3. When taking notes, the investigator should

a.	ignore unimportant items.
b.	write only the important items.
c.	learn to select key facts and record them in abbreviated form.
d.	never take notes but always memorize things verbatim and record them later.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 44              OBJ:   Discuss what to record.

 

4. One of the disadvantages of photographs is that

a.	they can be taken immediately and thus the crime scene processors have not prepared the scene.
b.	they are not selective.
c.	they are not admissible into court.
d.	they are only allowed in court if black and white.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

5. When taking photographs/videotape, the investigator should

a.	take the primary points of concern or interest.
b.	take only those shots wanted by the prosecutor.
c.	examine the scene from all sides and take only the sides of the crime scene that show the best view.
d.	take sufficient photographs and/or videotape to reconstruct the entire scene.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

6. Types of investigative photography include

a.	crime scene and mug shots.
b.	aerial, night and laboratory pictures.
c.	lineup photographs and those related to crime scenes.
d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

7. Which of the following does a crime scene sketch accomplish?

a.	accurately portrays the physical facts
b.	relates to the sequence of events at the scene
c.	establishes the precise location and relationship of objects and evidence at the scene
d.	all of these choices

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 56

OBJ:   Explain the various purposes of crime scene sketches.

 

8. The basic purpose of field notes is to

a.	show the officer was at the scene.
b.	show the date and time of the incident.
c.	record all facts of the incident.
d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 45

OBJ:   Describe characteristics of effective notes.

 

9. The amount of notes taken is determined by

a.	the conditions of each case.
b.	whether the crime is a felony or not.
c.	department policy and procedure.
d.	calls for service.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 43              OBJ:   Discuss what to record.

 

10. Which plotting method establishes a straight line from one fixed point to another fixed point from which measurements are taken at right angles?

a.	baseline	c.	triangulation
b.	rectangular-coordinate	d.	cross-projection

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 60

OBJ:   Differentiate between the different plotting methods used in sketches.

 

11. The photographic technique in which a scene is photographed clockwise, with the first picture showing a specific object on one side of the photograph and the next picture showing the same object on the opposite side of the photograph, is called

a.	scoping.	c.	overlapping.
b.	cross-projection photography.	d.	triangulation.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

12. The Bertillon identification system includes

a.	a written description of a person.
b.	a person’s complete criminal record.
c.	a photograph.
d.	both a written description of a person and a photograph.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

13. Which type of camera is more likely to result in convictions?

a.	Polaroid	c.	point-and-shoot camera
b.	medium-format camera	d.	video camera

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 48

OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

14. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of photographs?

a.	They do not show actual distances.
b.	They are not selective.
c.	They may be distorted.
d.	Photographs are always admissible in court.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

15. According to a national video forensics expert, what is the “new DNA for law enforcement”?

a.	fingerprints	c.	footprints
b.	tire tracks	d.	video analysis

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 52

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

16. The main problem with night photography is

a.	lack of color.
b.	shadows.
c.	the cost of calling out a photographer.
d.	proper illumination.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 53

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

17. Admissible photographs must be

a.	noninflammatory.	c.	relevant.
b.	material.	d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 55

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

18. Photographs should be taken

a.	before officers leave the scene.
b.	only after the investigators complete a crime scene sketch.
c.	before tending to emergencies, to show the “true” scene as officers found it.
d.	before anything is disturbed.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

19. Sketch all serious crime and crash scenes

a.	after taking photographs.
b.	before anything is moved.
c.	both after taking photographs and before anything is moved.
d.	neither after taking photographs nor before anything is moved.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 57

OBJ:   Identify what evidence to sketch.

 

20. Many agencies fail to do this with those tasked with videotaping a crime scene:

a.	provide enough videotape.
b.	provide adequate training.
c.	provide adequate supervision.
d.	provide enough portable power sources.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

21. Photographs should be taken in the following order:

a.	specific objects, specific area, general area.
b.	specific area, general area, specific objects.
c.	general area, specific area, specific objects.
d.	micro to macro in all cases.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

22. This type of photography may be best used for extensive, large-scale, outside areas:

a.	flash photography.	c.	painting with light.
b.	aerial photography.	d.	walking flash.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 52-53

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

23. Writing on the back of your photographs to identify them later is referred to as

a.	stacking.	c.	cataloging.
b.	backing.	d.	back-dating.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 55

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

24. Showing the relationship between evidence on the walls and the floors of a room, by flattening out the walls on the sketch, allowing the viewer to look straight down into the sketch, is best done using which of the following methods?

a.	compass-point	c.	rectangular-coordination
b.	cross-projection	d.	doll-house

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 61

OBJ:   Differentiate between the different plotting methods used in sketches.

 

25. Which type of photography is often used to establish the identity of a subject, a location and in some cases criminal behavior?

a.	surveillance	c.	digital
b.	infra-red	d.	mobile

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 51-52

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

26. Which process would enlarge the evidence to be viewed?

a.	microphotography	c.	paleontology
b.	macrophotography	d.	odontology

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

27. In which direction should the top of a sketch be oriented?

a.	west	c.	south
b.	north	d.	east

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 58

OBJ:   Write the steps to take in making a rough sketch.

 

28. Crime scene photographs are

a.	substitutes for sketches.	c.	better than sketches.
b.	substitutes for notes.	d.	none of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 56

OBJ:   Explain the various purposes of crime scene sketches.

 

29. Providing proof that the image introduced into evidence is the same image taken at the crime scene is referred to as

a.	redundancy.	c.	concrete evidence.
b.	image authentication.	d.	pictometry.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 56

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

30. A sketch drawn or personally witnessed by an investigator that accurately portrays a crime scene and that is allowed into evidence is referred to as what type of sketch?

a.	freehand	c.	admissible
b.	exculpatory	d.	courtroom

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 67

OBJ:   Clarify when a sketch or a scale drawing is admissible in court.

 

31. Which of the following statements about photographic resolution is not true?

a.	Resolution is commonly quantified by pixels.
b.	An image photographed with a high-resolution camera, if printed on a low-resolution printer, will not show fine detail clearly.
c.	A megapixel is roughly equivalent to a thousand dots.
d.	A low-resolution image, if enlarged too much, will lose quality.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

32. Record in notes the following items at the crime scene:

a.	services rendered.
b.	weather conditions.
c.	name, address and phone number of every person present.
d.	all of these choices.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 43-44       OBJ:   Discuss what to record.

 

33. Which type of photograph would best capture the immediate crime scene and the location of objects in the area or room?

a.	long-range shot	c.	close-range shot
b.	medium-range shot	d.	none of these choices

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

34. A major advance is the ability of computer software to stitch together digital photos of 180 degrees or more to create one 360-degree photo—a panoramic view of a crime scene that is interactive, allowing viewers, including jury members, to walk through it as though they were there. This type of 360-degree photographic view is called

a.	an aerial view.	c.	immersive imaging.
b.	an exploded view.	d.	walkthrough imaging.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 49

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

35. What should be photographed first?

a.	the deceased	c.	fragile evidence
b.	weapons	d.	witnesses

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

36. According to the Handbook of Forensic Services, what should be used when photographing latent prints?

a.	flash and marker
b.	ruler and a pencil
c.	tripod and cable release
d.	macrolens and flashlight set at an oblique angle

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 48

OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

37. These cameras are specially constructed to take pictures of fingerprints without distortion. They provide their own light through four bulbs, one in each corner. Removing a bulb from any corner provides slanted lighting to show fingerprint ridge detail. They are

a.	tripod cameras.	c.	backlit cameras.
b.	fingerprint cameras.	d.	blacklight cameras.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 48

OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

TRUE/FALSE

 

38. Digital photographs can create a virtual scene similar to Pictometry.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 53

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

39. Evidence not discernible to the naked eye can be detected by laser-beam photography.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

40. Notes are not admissible in court.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 46

OBJ:   Explain why notes are important in an investigation.

 

41. The purpose of a marker in a photograph is to show the location of the specific object being photographed.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

42. Microphotography is useful in criminal investigations because it renders bruises and injuries visible long after their actual occurrence.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

43. The first step in sketching a crime scene is to outline the area and the crime.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 57

OBJ:   Write the steps to take in making a rough sketch.

 

44. The basic purpose of crime scene photography is to record the entire crime scene permanently.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 46

OBJ:   Discuss purposes of crime scene photography.

 

45. The basic purpose of note taking is to convict and punish offenders.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 45

OBJ:   Describe characteristics of effective notes.

 

46. A notebook is only a temporary report to record facts and has no real evidentiary value in itself.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 46

OBJ:   Describe characteristics of effective notes.

 

47. The advantages of videos include accurate representation of a crime scene and evidence, ability to show distance and sound capability to more fully document what is being seen.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

48. Photographs and videotapes reproduce the crime scene in detail primarily for presentation to the media.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 46

OBJ:   Discuss purposes of crime scene photography.

 

49. Digital cameras have not yet been approved for court use for crime scene photography.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 47-48

OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

50. To be admissible in court, photographs must be material, relevant, competent, accurate, free of distortion and noninflammatory.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 55

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

51. The first rough crime scene sketch is often an extremely important investigative aid.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 56

OBJ:   Explain the various purposes of crime scene sketches.

 

52. It is best to include every possible detail in a crime scene sketch.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 57

OBJ:   Identify what evidence to sketch.

 

53. Cameras may be stored wherever they are most readily available for use.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 49

OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

54. Digital recorders are rapidly replacing notebooks in law enforcement note taking.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 43              OBJ:   Discuss what to record.

 

55. Note taking should never, under any circumstance, be delayed or postponed.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 42

OBJ:   Demonstrate when to take notes.

 

56. Checklists are a critical aspect of the law enforcement function, especially when it comes to crime scene photography.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

57. If an item of evidence has inadvertently been moved before being photographed, put it back immediately and then resume taking photos.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

58. Ultraviolet-light photography is used to document bite marks, neck strangulation marks and other impressions left from intentional injuries.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

59. The rough sketch must always be drawn to scale.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 57

OBJ:   Write the steps to take in making a rough sketch.

 

60. It is important to take crime scene photographs from eye level.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 51

OBJ:   Describe technical errors to avoid.

 

COMPLETION

 

61. One of the ways a crime scene sketch can be used to assist an investigation is to ____________ people.

 

ANS:  interview

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 56

OBJ:   Explain the various purposes of crime scene sketches.

 

62. ___________ is commonly used in outdoor scenes but can also be used indoors. This process of locating evidence or other items uses straight-line measures from two fixed objects.

 

ANS:  Triangulation

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 60

OBJ:   Differentiate between the different plotting methods used in sketches.

 

63. A sketch that is drawn or personally witnessed by an investigator, that accurately portrays a crime scene and that is introduced as evidence is referred to as a(n) ______________ sketch.

 

ANS:  admissible

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 67

OBJ:   Clarify when a sketch or a scale drawing is admissible in court.

 

64. Mug shots can be used in ___________________ lineups to help identify suspects.

 

ANS:  photographic

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

65. Writing your initials, the date the photo was taken, what the photo depicts and the direction of north on the back of a photograph is a procedure called ___________.

 

ANS:  backing

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 55

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

66. The plotting method restricted to square or rectangular areas is the ____________-coordinate method.

 

ANS:  rectangular

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 60

OBJ:   Differentiate between the different plotting methods used in sketches.

 

67. A crime scene sketch contains, among other things, the scale of the sketch, the direction of north and the name of the person making the sketch. This is referred to as the ___________.

 

ANS:  legend

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 63              OBJ:   Write the steps to take in making a rough sketch.

 

68. The technique in which a scene is photographed clockwise, with the first picture showing an object on the right side of the photograph and the next picture showing the same object on the left side of the photograph, is called ____________.

 

ANS:  overlapping

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

69. Take ___________ shots first because they are the most subject to alteration by weather and security violations.

 

ANS:  exterior

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 50

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

70. To overcome defense challenges that a digital image was altered or otherwise tampered with, investigators must rigorously maintain the ______________.

 

ANS:  chain of custody

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 55

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

71. Enhanced surveillance capability can be provided by using ____________, thereby collecting critical intelligence without exposing officers.

 

ANS:  robots

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 52              OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

SHORT ANSWER

 

72. When should the investigator start taking notes?

 

ANS:

Start taking notes as soon as possible after receiving a call to respond, and continue recording information as it is received throughout the investigation.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 42              OBJ:   Demonstrate when to take notes.

 

73. What type of items would one photograph in a laboratory?

 

ANS:

Not all investigative photography is done in the field. Sometimes objects are photographed in a laboratory with special equipment that is too large, delicate, or expensive to use in the field. For example, infrared film photographs can reveal the contents of unopened envelopes, bloodstains, alterations to documents, variations in types of ink, and residue near where a bullet has passed through clothing. X-ray cameras can detect loaded dice.

 

Microphotography takes pictures through a microscope and can help identify minute particles of evidence such as hairs or fibers. In contrast, macrophotography enlarges a subject. For example, a fingerprint or a tool mark can be greatly enlarged to show the details of ridges or striations.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 53-54

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

74. What is immersive imaging?

 

ANS:

Immersive imaging is a type of 360-degree photographic view. Crime Scene Virtual Tour (CSVT) software lets jurors virtually step into a crime scene. The software allows the scene to be viewed from any angle with zoom, pan, tilt, and rotate features. If a witness claims to have been standing at a certain place, an investigator can virtually go there to view that perspective.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 49

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

75. What kind of camera is useful for photographing trace evidence such as bloodstains and tool marks?

 

ANS:

Fingerprint cameras are specially constructed to take pictures of fingerprints without distortion. This camera can also photograph trace evidence such as bloodstains and tool marks.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 48              OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

76. What are trip cameras, and what are they used for?

 

ANS:

Trip cameras (cameras that set themselves off) are helpful in surveillance.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 48              OBJ:   Decide on proper photographic equipment needed.

 

77. What typically determines where and how notes are to be filed?

 

ANS:

Department policy usually determines where and how notes are filed.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 45

OBJ:   Decide which notes to retain and where to file them.

 

78. Imagine you are at the scene of a car accident involving two vehicles and a pedestrian. What evidence would you sketch?

 

ANS:

All crash scenes should be sketched after photographs are taken and before anything is moved. Sketch the entire scene, the objects and the evidence. For a car accident with two vehicles and a pedestrian, a sketch should include the following, at a minimum: placement of the vehicles, the pedestrian, the stop light or stop sign, the lanes and direction of traffic, any obstacles (visual or physical) in the area, and all permanent fixtures such as buildings, benches, planters, etc.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 57              OBJ:   Identify what evidence to sketch.

 

79. When creating a scale drawing of a crime scene, what does an officer need to consider in order for the drawing to be admissible in court?

 

ANS:

An admissible sketch is drawn or personally witnessed by an investigator and accurately portrays a crime scene. A scale drawing also is admissible if the investigating officer drew it or approved it after it was drawn and if it accurately represents the rough sketch. The rough sketch must remain available as evidence.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 66-67

OBJ:   Clarify when a sketch or a scale drawing is admissible in court.

 

80. Briefly outline the six steps in making a sketch of a crime scene.

 

ANS:

To sketch a crime scene, the six steps are:

• Observe and plan.
• Measure distances and outline the area.
• Plot objects and evidence within the outline.
• Take notes and record details.
• Identify the sketch with a legend and a scale.
• Reassess the sketch.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 57-63       OBJ:   Write the steps to take in making a rough sketch.

 

81. Imagine you are at the scene of a homicide. The victim was murdered on the sidewalk in front of a public building on a busy street. Briefly record the photographs you need to take, and in what order they should be taken.

 

ANS:

First, photograph the general area. This would include the street scene, the sidewalk, the front of the building and any other general areas in the vicinity of the crime scene. Then photograph specific areas, which would include the placement of the body, from all views. Specific areas might also include the entrance to the building, if the victim was shot going into or coming out of the building, or a nearby parked car, if the victim was getting out of or into the car. Finally, photograph specific objects of evidence such as the weapon, any bullet casing or shells, blood stains or spatter, articles of clothing or any other type of physical evidence. Exterior shots should be taken first because they are the most subject to alteration by weather and security violations.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 50-51

OBJ:   Determine what to photograph at a crime scene and in what sequence.

 

82. Explain what conditions a photograph needs to satisfy in order to be admitted as evidence in court.

 

ANS:

Photographs must be material, relevant, competent, accurate, free of distortion and noninflammatory to be admissible in court.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 55-56

OBJ:   Illustrate the basic rules to which evidence photographs must adhere.

 

83. How long does evidence, including photographic evidence, need to be kept?

 

ANS:

Appeals have been granted as long as 20 years after convictions, with the defendant being granted a new trial. Because of this, many officers retain their notes indefinitely.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 45

OBJ:   Decide which notes to retain and where to file them.

 

84. When would it be appropriate to use surveillance photography?

 

ANS:

Surveillance photography establishes the identity of a subject or records criminal behavior without the photographer’s presence being known to the subject. The photographs or video can help identify a suspect’s associates, destroy an alibi, plan a raid or develop a surveillance plan. With a well-thought out plan, surveillance tapes can potentially be a “real force multiplier for law enforcement agencies of any size.”

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 51-52

OBJ:   Compare and contrast the types of photography used in criminal investigations.

 

85. What are some of the advantages of videos?

 

ANS:

Some advantages of videos are: they accurately represent the crime scene and evidence; they are able to show distance more clearly than photos; and they have sound capability to more fully document what is being seen.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

86. What are some of the disadvantages of videos?

 

ANS:

A disadvantage of videos is that many people mistakenly believe that no training in videotaping is necessary. This can lead to poor video quality and a diminished value in the video’s documentation of the crime scene.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 47

OBJ:   Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of crime scene photography and videography.

 

Chapter 4: Searches

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. In which 1984 case did the Supreme Court define a search as “a governmental infringement of a legitimate expectation of privacy?”

a.	United States v. Ross	c.	Mapp v. Ohio
b.	United States v. Jacobsen	d.	Terry v. Ohio

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 95

OBJ:   Define what basic restriction is placed on all searches.

 

2. A lane search, or partitioning the area into lanes,

a.	can be adapted to any number of police personnel.
b.	is intended to be used only with one officer.
c.	works well inside.
d.	must always be used with a traffic director.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 108-109

OBJ:   Outline what is included in organizing a crime scene search.

 

3. Which of the following is not a goal of a search during an investigation?

a.	to establish that a crime was committed
b.	to establish when the crime was committed
c.	to identify who committed the crime
d.	to punish the offender

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Discuss what a successful crime scene search accomplishes.

 

4. Which of the following do investigators not need to know in order to conduct an effective search?

a.	the legal requirements for searching
b.	the identity of the offender
c.	the elements of the crime being investigated
d.	the items being searched for

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Outline what is required for an effective search.

 

5. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbids what type of searches and seizures?

a.	illegal	c.	unreasonable
b.	unsupervised	d.	undercover

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Identify which constitutional amendment restricts investigative searches.

 

6. In which of the following cases is a search not legal?

a.	The search is incidental to a lawful arrest.
b.	An officer stops a suspicious person and believes the person to be armed.
c.	An emergency exists.
d.	An officer conducts a search of a motorist for a driving infraction.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 97

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

7. A way to determine if probable cause exists today is which test?

a.	plain-view doctrine	c.	voice stress test
b.	totality-of-the-circumstances test	d.	truth-in-evidence test

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 98

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

8. A judge may issue a search warrant if which of the following items are being sought by an officer?

a.	stolen or embezzled property
b.	property that is designed for noncriminal activity
c.	evidence that demonstrates a person is continuing criminal activity while on probation
d.	personal drug usage of medicinal marijuana

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 98

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

9. A search conducted with a warrant must be limited to

a.	only the specific room in the house.
b.	cars that are present on the property.
c.	only the specific area and items named in the warrant.
d.	only those items within the arm’s-length rule.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 100

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

10. Consent to search is valid only if given

a.	under duress.
b.	by a person who is not in control of the property.
c.	voluntarily.
d.	unknowingly.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 100

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

11. Terry v. Ohio supported officers’ right to

a.	question suspects with an attorney present.
b.	conduct a patdown or a frisk if they believe the person might be armed and dangerous.
c.	conduct a full-body cavity search of an individual who is not in custody.
d.	search vehicles upon probable cause to do so.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 101-102

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

12. Every lawful arrest is accompanied by a search of the arrested person. This is referred to as

a.	search of the person.	c.	search upon complaint.
b.	search incident to arrest.	d.	search with consent.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 102-103

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

13. The Chimel decision established that a search incidental to a lawful arrest must be made simultaneously with the arrest. A search incidental to arrest must be confined to

a.	the arrested person’s body.
b.	the arrested person’s body and car.
c.	the area within the suspect’s immediate control.
d.	the general area.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 103

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

14. Emergency circumstances (such as fire or officers hearing shots fired or screams) that allow officers to enter a home without a warrant are referred to as

a.	no-knock entries.	c.	exigent circumstances.
b.	high-risk entries.	d.	warrantless emergencies.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 103

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

15. The Carroll decision established that with probable cause,

a.	automobiles may not be searched unless consent is given.
b.	houses may be searched if the person was arrested in the house.
c.	individuals associated with an arrested person may be searched.
d.	automobiles may be searched based on their obvious mobility.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

16. Mincey v. Arizona established that

a.	officers may always search the premises when the search is associated with an arrest.
b.	while officers are on the premises pursuing their legitimate emergency activities, any evidence in plain view may be seized.
c.	searching a location where there are illegal drugs is legal without a search warrant, owing to special federal antidrug legislation.
d.	officers may not seize evidence they find in plain view while pursuing emergency activities.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 111

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

17. Wyoming v. Houghton (1999) held that an officer may search an automobile passenger’s belongings simply because the officer suspects the driver has done something wrong. This ruling, which was intended to prevent drivers from claiming that illegal drugs or other contraband belongs to passengers rather than themselves, is referred to as the

a.	jump-seat exception.	c.	passenger property exception.
b.	passenger patdown.	d.	shotgun-seat exception.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 102

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

18. The courts have ruled that when police take custody of a vehicle or other property, the police

a.	may not inventory the property without a court order.
b.	may not inventory the property without probable cause.
c.	may inventory the property.
d.	may search the property regardless of circumstances.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

19. The most important limitation on searches is that they must be

a.	expedient in scope.	c.	broad in scope.
b.	narrow in scope.	d.	prearranged by warrant.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Define what basic restriction is placed on all searches.

 

20. Which rule said that courts would not accept evidence obtained by unreasonable search and seizure?

a.	silver-platter rule	c.	roots-of-the-tree rule
b.	exclusionary rule	d.	rule of thumb

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Describe what the exclusionary rule is and how it affects investigators.

 

21. In Nix v. Williams, the Court said that if illegally obtained evidence (a statement, in this case, which led to a little girl’s body) would, in all likelihood, eventually have been discovered legally (for example, by a large search party), it may be used. This is referred to as what exception to the exclusionary rule?

a.	the inevitable-discovery doctrine	c.	the public safety rule
b.	the plain-view rule	d.	the eyes-on rule

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 97

OBJ:   Describe what the exclusionary rule is and how it affects investigators.

 

22. Hopefully, a well-organized, thorough and proper organization of a crime scene search will result in

a.	a meticulous search with no accidental destruction of evidence.
b.	generating ideas about who might be a suspect.
c.	ignoring some evidence that may have been found by accident.
d.	identifying the motive.

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Discuss what a successful crime scene search accomplishes.

 

23. In United States v. Leon, the court established that illegally obtained evidence may be admissible if the police were truly not aware they were violating a suspect’s Fourth Amendment rights. In this case, the police were following up on a tip from an unreliable informant, which later invalidated the warrant. This exception is called the

a.	sidewalk exception.	c.	public safety exception.
b.	good-faith doctrine.	d.	just-in-time exception.

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Describe what the exclusionary rule is and how it affects investigators.

 

24. Physical evidence is

a.	blood-spattered.	c.	anything material and relevant.
b.	on a person.	d.	easily obtainable.

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Explain what physical evidence is.

 

25. In California v. Greenwood, the Supreme Court ruled that

a.	searches of homes are illegal.
b.	searches of cars are legal if part of an inventory.
c.	the curtilage rule applies to all evidence.
d.	containers left on public property are open to search by police without a warrant.

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 112-113

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

TRUE/FALSE

 

26. The search of a vehicle does not require probable cause because vehicles are mobile.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

27. Dogs cannot be trained to search for explosives.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 116

OBJ:   Outline how to use dogs in searches.

 

28. Interior searches go from the general to the specific, usually in a circular pattern, covering all surfaces of a search area.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 110

OBJ:   Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns.

 

29. Plain-view evidence is admissible in court, no matter what the circumstances.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 111

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

30. Officers may not seize contraband they discover during a legal search, but must ask consent.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 111

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

31. Officers may use heat-sensing (thermal-scanning) devices without a warrant.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 112

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

32. The common denominator of all search patterns is that they are designed to systematically locate any evidence at a crime scene or any other area where evidence might be found.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 108

OBJ:   Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns.

 

33. There are some instances in which evidence may not exist at the crime scene.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Outline what is included in organizing a crime scene search.

 

34. In Wyoming v. Houghton, the court ruled that an officer may search the belongings of an automobile passenger simply because the officer suspects the driver has done something wrong.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

35. Under the consent once removed exception, officers can make a warrantless entry to arrest a suspect if consent to enter was given earlier to an undercover officer or informant.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

36. In Georgia v. Randolph (2006), the Supreme Court said, “If any party who is present and has authority to object to the search does object to the search, the police may not conduct the search on the authority of that party who gave consent.”

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

37. A search with consent must be voluntary.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

38. A search warrant can be issued to search for and seize property designed or intended for use in committing a crime.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 98

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

39. The consent to search must not be in response to an officer’s claim of lawful authority or in response to a command or threat by an officer.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

40. Every lawful arrest is accompanied by a search of the arrested person to protect the arresting officers and others and to prevent destruction of evidence.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 102

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

41. During a stop of a moving vehicle, officers may search the vehicle and any closed containers in it without probable cause or consent.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

42. One of the reasons that the courts allow an inventory of vehicles and property is to protect the owner’s property.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 105

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

43. Property owners can consent to police entry or search even though a tenant or guest has lawful right of possession of the premises.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101

OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

44. Illinois v. McArthur (2001) ruled that officers may detain residents outside their homes until a search warrant can be obtained if necessary.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 102

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

45. The Fourth Amendment protects both people and places.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Identify which constitutional amendment restricts investigative searches.

 

COMPLETION

 

46. ________________ searches are prohibited by the Fourth Amendment.

 

ANS:  Unreasonable

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Identify which constitutional amendment restricts investigative searches.

 

47. When probable cause exists but there is no time to obtain a search warrant, the officer may conduct a search. This is an example of an emergency, or  ________________ circumstances.

 

ANS:  exigent

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 103

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

48. The Carroll decision established that automobiles may be searched without a warrant, largely based on the __________________ of vehicles.

 

ANS:  mobility

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 104

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

49. The landmark decision in Terry v. Ohio established police officers’ right to pat down or frisk a person they have stopped to question if they have reasonable suspicion that the person might be ________ and ___________.

 

ANS:

armed, dangerous

dangerous, armed

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 102

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

50. In order to obtain a valid search warrant, officers must appear before a judge and establish probable cause to believe that the location contains evidence of a crime, and they must __________________ describe that evidence.

 

ANS:  specifically

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 97

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

51. The Supreme Court has ruled that probable cause should be based on a totality-of-the-___________________ test.

 

ANS:  circumstances

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 98

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

52. In a unanimous ruling in United States v. Banks (2003), the Supreme Court upheld the ___________ entry into a suspected drug dealer’s apartment 15 to 20 seconds after police knocked and announced themselves.

 

ANS:  forced

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 100

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

53. _________ __________ determines the extent of a search scene.

 

ANS:  Department policy

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 115

OBJ:   Describe how to search a vehicle, a suspect and a dead body.

 

54. A search conducted with a warrant must be limited to the specific area and

specific items named in the warrant, in accordance with the ____________________ requirement.

 

ANS:  particularity

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 100

OBJ:   Clarify what the preconditions and limitations of a legal search are.

 

55. When asking for consent to search, it is good practice to get a(n) ____________ answer before conducting a search, and even better practice to obtain a written consent to search.

 

ANS:  affirmative

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 101            OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

SHORT ANSWER

 

56. Define curtilage.

 

ANS:

The Supreme Court has described curtilage as “the area to which extends the intimate activity associated with the sanctity of a man’s home and the privacies of life.” In other words, curtilage is that portion of a residence that is not open to the public. It is reserved for private owner or family use, and an expectation of privacy exists.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 113

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

57. Describe the “fruit-of-the-poisonous-tree” doctrine.

 

ANS:

This doctrine states that evidence obtained as a result of an earlier illegality must be excluded from trial.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 96

OBJ:   Describe what the exclusionary rule is and how it affects investigators.

 

58. The courts have upheld the right of an officer to inventory a vehicle for what reasons?

 

ANS:

When police take custody of a vehicle (or other property), the courts have upheld their right to inventory such property for the following reasons:

• to protect the owner’s property,
• to protect the police from disputes and claims that the property was stolen or damaged,
• to protect the police and the public from danger, and
• to determine the owner’s identity.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 105

OBJ:   Describe what precedents are established by the Weeks, Mapp, Terry, Chimel, Carroll and Chambers decisions.

 

59. The search team leader is primarily responsible for which tasks?

 

ANS:

The search team leader determines the number of personnel needed, assigns those personnel, determines the type of search best suited for the area, and determines the items most likely to be found. The search leader also determines whether anyone other than the person who committed the crime has entered the scene. Evidence should never be removed from the scene without the search leader’s permission.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Outline what is included in organizing a crime scene search.

 

60. What is the plain-view doctrine?

 

ANS:

The Court ruled that while officers are on the premises pursuing their legitimate emergency activities, any evidence in plain view may be seized.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 111-112

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

61. When is trash subject to search?

 

ANS:

In California v. Greenwood (1988), the Supreme Court ruled that containers left on public property are open to search by police without a warrant.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 112-113

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

62. What are the limits on a “dog-sniff” search for narcotics at a traffic stop?

 

ANS:

In Illinois v. Caballes (2005) the Supreme Court confirmed that a dog sniff was not a search under the Fourth Amendment. This ruling reinforced law enforcement’s ability to identify drug traffickers and users by using police K-9s in walk-around searches of vehicles stopped for traffic offenses. If, however, use of a drug-sniffing canine prolongs a stop, the dog sniff may become an illegal search.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 116            OBJ:   Outline how to use dogs in searches.

 

63. Describe limits on using thermal imaging in searches.

 

ANS:

Kyllo v. United States (2001) held that thermal scanning of a private residence from outside the residence is a search under the Fourth Amendment and requires a search warrant.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 112

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

64. How would you proceed with the search of a dead body at a crime scene? What issues must be considered?

 

ANS:

Searching a dead body should be done only after the coroner or medical examiner has arrived or given permission. Search a dead body systematically and completely. Include the immediate area around and under the body.

 

The search usually begins with the clothing, which is likely to reveal a wallet or personal identification papers as well as trace evidence. If the body is not fingerprinted at the scene, tie paper bags securely on the hands so that fingerprinting can be done at the coroner’s laboratory. If possible, place the body in a body bag to ensure that no physical evidence is lost while it is being transported.

 

Search the area around and beneath where the body lay immediately after it is removed. A bullet may have passed through part of the body and lodged in the floor or the dirt beneath it. Trace evidence may have fallen from the body or clothing as the body was removed. Inventory and describe all items removed from the deceased.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 115-116

OBJ:   Describe how to search a vehicle, a suspect and a dead body.

 

65. Describe the “plain feel/touch” exception to the exclusionary rule.

 

ANS:

The “plain-feel/touch” exception is an extension of the plain-view exception. If a police officer lawfully pats down a suspect’s outer clothing and feels an object that he immediately identifies as contraband, a warrantless seizure is justified because there is no invasion of the suspect’s privacy beyond that already authorized by the officer’s search for weapons.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 111-112

OBJ:   Describe whether evidence left in plain view may be lawfully seized and whether it is admissible in court.

 

66. How would you organize a search for a murder weapon in an open field?

 

ANS:

Any of the following exterior search patterns could be used.

 

The lane-search pattern partitions the area into lanes, or narrow strips, using stakes and string. If only one officer is available for the search, the lane pattern can be adapted to what is commonly called the strip-search pattern. For an extensive search, the lane pattern is often modified to form a grid, and the area is crisscrossed.

 

Another commonly used pattern is the circle search, which begins at the center of an area to be searched and spreads out in ever-widening concentric circles.

 

In the zone or sector search, an area is divided into equal squares on a map of the area and each square is numbered. Search personnel are assigned to specific squares.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns.

 

67. Describe a situation in which an officer might use an anticipatory warrant.

 

ANS:

In United States v. Grubbs (2006) the Supreme Court defined an anticipatory warrant as one “based upon an affidavit showing probable cause that at some future time (but not presently) certain evidence of crime will be located at a specified place.” An example of this might be a situation in which the police know exactly when a suspect will buy drugs and exactly where he will bring them—say, to his home. The police can ask a judge to issue an anticipatory search warrant. This will allow the police to search the suspect’s home immediately after he brings the drugs home, instead of waiting for a normal search warrant.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 100            OBJ:   Discuss when a warrantless search is justified.

 

68. Define an uncontaminated crime scene.

 

ANS:

If no one has entered the scene between the time the crime was committed and when the police arrived, and if the scene was immediately secured, the scene is considered to be a true, or uncontaminated, scene; that is, no evidence has been introduced into it or taken from it except by the person who committed the crime.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 107

OBJ:   Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns.

 

69. How would you organize a search for a murder weapon inside an apartment?

 

ANS:

Interior searches go from the general to the specific, usually in a circular pattern, covering all surfaces of a search area. The floor should be searched first. The search patterns used for exterior searches can be adapted for an interior crime scene: lane search, strip search, grid search, circle search, zone/sector search. Of prime concern is to search thoroughly without destroying evidence.

 

An interior room search usually starts at the point of entry. The floor is searched first so no evidence is inadvertently destroyed during the remainder of the search. After the floor search, the walls—including doors and windows—and then the ceiling are searched, normally using a clockwise or counterclockwise pattern around the room. After a room is searched in one direction, it is often searched in the opposite direction because lighting is different from different angles. The same general procedures are followed in searching closets, halls or other rooms off the main room.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   pp. 110-111

OBJ:   Define and compare interior and exterior search patterns.

 

70. Discuss whether dogs are subject to the same legal limitations on searches that officers are.

 

ANS:

As agents of the police, dogs are subject to the same legal limitations on searches that officers are. In United States v. Place (1983) the Supreme Court ruled that exposing luggage located in a public place to a police K-9 sniff was not a search within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment. In essence, such a ruling concedes that the use of dogs may lead to the same end via less intrusive means, thus sparing law enforcement other time-consuming steps required to effect a legal search.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   p. 116            OBJ:   Outline how to use dogs in searches.