Paxton Patterson Criminalistics Practice Test

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• ____ collected from a crime scene can either link a suspect to a crime or eliminate the person, based on the evidence.
• Chain of custody must be followed correctly otherwise it could be challenged in court.
• Which of the following best describes trace evidence?
• The ability to type blood is a valuable tool for the fields of medicine and criminology.
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it hits at an angle?
• Which term refers to fingerprints that can be seen with the naked eye at the time of contact, often due to a substance like blood or ink?
• Which type of fingerprints are fingerprints made by blood, grease, ink, or dirt and are easily visible?
• All pen companies use the same formula for ink.
• Biometrics are unique physical characteristics used to ______ humans for automated recognition.
• Shoe print impressions can be used to estimate a perpetrator's weight, size and gender.
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it hit at an angle?
• Deoxyribonucleic acid is the chemical name for DNA.
• _________ should be taken of the overall crime scene from different angles and distances.
• What happens to the diameter of blood spatter when it falls from a higher height?
• Manufactured fibers include synthetics which are made from chemical processes.
• Collecting trace evidence is NOT a delicate task.
• ________ evidence refers to any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect's possession. (8 letters)
• Which bloodstain pattern is formed by gravity pulling blood downward?
• Which statement best describes blood evidence in investigations?
• When analyzing a sample of handwriting, forensic scientists look for particular characteristics that can be used to distinguish the writer.
• A ________ is a court order issued by a judge which gives investigators the authority to search and seize private property. (7 letters)
• Which of the following is an example of physical evidence?
• There are two general categories of fibers, ________ and manufactured. (7 letters)
• Which of the following tasks are associated with the field of criminalistics?
• Which statement about chain of custody is true?
• Should multiple strands of fibers collected from a crime scene be packaged together or separately?
• Some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence, while others work in a lab, performing analyses on objects brought to them by other professionals.
• Fill in the blank: Chain of ________ refers to the documentation that tracks the process of movement of evidence through its collection, preservation, and analysis lifecycle.
• __________ __________ analysis can link a tool used at a crime scene, and the criminal who used it.
• People can be identified by which of the following characteristics?
• The following are types of admissible evidence EXCEPT:
• Criminalistics is the examination of ______ evidence using the methods of science.
• If a crime happens on private property, the owner must grant the investigators permission first before they search for evidence.
• Which technique is used to separate components of a mixture like ink?
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it falls on a smooth surface?
• Gait recognition analyzes which aspect of a person?
• Which statement is true about manufactured fibers?
• Which type of evidence is used to determine the blood type and DNA of a victim or suspect?
• Chromatography is used to do which of the following?
• Fibers found at a crime scene that came directly from an individual or an object are what type of transfer evidence?
• When trying to identify a tool used in a crime, criminalists should put the suspect tool into the evidence marking to see if it's a match.
• What are the three broad characteristics of fingerprint patterns?
• Bloodstain pattern analysis can provide an interpretation of the physical events that took place during a crime.
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it falls on a smooth surface?
• Oral or written statements given to police are considered which type of evidence?
• The collection of trace evidence samples should be immediately packaged to protect against ______ or contamination.
• Which type of analysis links a tool to a crime scene?
• Blood characteristics change, so blood is the least effective way to identify a suspect or victim.
• Which type of expert collects and analyzes blood left at a crime scene?
• Latent fingerprints are fingerprints made by blood, grease, ink, or dirt and are easily visible.
• Which term best describes the documentation that tracks the processing of evidence from collection to analysis?
• Which statement about blood spatter is true?
• What term describes material items at the crime scene?
• Chromatography can determine the chemical makeup of ink and identify the _____ it came from.
• Securing a crime scene aims to prevent loss or contamination of evidence.
• Blood evidence can be analyzed to aid in an investigation.
• What is the second step in the crime scene investigation process?
• Which of the following are forms of biometric security?
• Trace evidence can be transferred between which of the following?
• CODIS is the national electronic DNA database created by the FBI.
• Which agency introduced AFIS with the first computerized fingerprint scans in 1977?
• Investigators collect _______ using tweezers, tape, or a vacuum.
• Trace evidence can be used to link a suspect or object to a particular location.
• DNA is found in every cell in the body.
• The first known use of fingerprint identification occurred _________.
• DNA testing can lead to the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals.
• Which search pattern is described as best for houses or buildings?
• NOT an example of impression evidence?
• Which bloodstain pattern is created by a wet, bloody object coming into contact with a surface and may be used to identify an object or body part?
• When blood is found at a crime scene or on a weapon, the blood can be analyzed to determine whether it belonged to a suspect or a victim.
• Chain of ________ refers to the documentation that tracks the process of movement of evidence through its collection, preservation, and analysis lifecycle. (7 letters)
• In handwriting analysis, which element is listed as a handwriting characteristic?
• Which statement about chain of custody is true?
• True or False: Fingerprints remain virtually the same for a person's life.
• The three main fingerprint pattern categories are Loop, Arch, and Whorl.
• DNA can provide evidence of a person's _______ or innocence.
• Locard's Exchange Principle states that:
• Which phase are photographs typically taken?
• Chromatography is used to analyze mixtures such as ____, by separating the chemicals they are made from.
• ______ evidence refers to physical evidence found in small but measurable amounts at or taken from a crime scene.
• Which of the following statements about fiber transfers is true?
• At a crime scene, a criminalist aims to achieve identification, ___________, and individualization. (10 letters)
• Plastic fingerprints are best defined as three-dimensional impressions left on soft substances such as clay or soap.
• Deoxyribonucleic acid is more commonly known as ______.
• Tool mark analysis involves comparing marks on evidence to determine if they match a suspected tool.
• In which step of the investigation process will photographs of the crime scene be taken?
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it drops on a rough surface?
• When examining tire track impressions, a criminalist will examine which of the following?
• Which principle asserts that 'Every contact leaves a trace'?
• Crime scene reconstruction involves creating hypotheses based on the information and evidence gathered from the crime scene, then testing those hypotheses.
• Criminalistics is the examination of _________ evidence using the methods of science.
• When examining shoe print impressions, a criminalist can identify a person's _____ (the way they walk).
• What is the process for determining the sequence of events that occurred during and after a crime known as?
• Odontology deals with bite mark analysis.
• Chromatography is the process of separating a ________ into its various components so they can be easily identified.. (7 letters)
• Chromatography can help identify an unknown substance.
• Blood ________ can determine the blood type and DNA, which can then be matched to possible suspects and victims.
• The term 'impression' refers to a pattern left by surface characteristics.
• ________ evidence refers to any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect's possession. (8 letters)
• Bite mark impressions can be left on skin or other objects.
• Fibers from clothing, carpeting, or furniture can often be useful in solving a crime.
• What characteristic will blood spatter have when it falls from a higher height?
• Which of the following is NOT documented in a chain of custody form?
• The process where the liquid travels up and away from its point of contact with a material is called what?
• Which statement best reflects chromatography's purpose in forensics?
• NOT typically included in a rough sketch?
• What type of material found on clothing, carpeting, or furniture is often useful in solving a crime?
• In tire track impressions, which feature is examined?
• Criminalistics is the examination of physical evidence using scientific methods. Which term best describes the type of evidence such as fibers, hair, and glass?
• Which of the following are characteristics used to describe handwriting?
• Admissible evidence can be physical, direct, or testimonial. Which option is NOT a common category of admissible evidence?
• In what year did the Innocence Project begin?
• ________ fingerprints are three-dimensional impressions that are easily visible. (7 letters)
• Blood evidence can be analyzed to aid in an investigation.
• The term 'primary crime scene' refers to the location where the actual crime occurred.
• Locard's principle predicts that a perpetrator will leave what kind of evidence at the scene?
• By analyzing which material can investigators sometimes determine if a suspect was at the crime scene, by finding it on the victim's clothing, furniture, or carpeting?
• _______________ is an efficient method for separating compounds and identifying an unknown substance. (14 letters)
• Who is credited with recognizing chromatography as an effective separation method?
• Manufactured fibers are derived from animal and plant sources.
• Which of the following statements about first responders' securing actions is true?
• Which type of material from everyday items is commonly analyzed in trace evidence to connect a suspect to a scene?
• Criminalists look to accomplish the following during a crime scene investigation EXCEPT:
• Which statement about natural fibers is true?
• Some forensic scientists travel to the scene to collect the evidence, while others work in a lab, performing analyses on objects brought to them by other professionals.
• Criminalists look to accomplish the following during a crime scene investigation EXCEPT:
• Manufactured fibers are derived from animal and plant sources.
• Which of the following is NOT an example of trace evidence?
• Which type of blood evidence gives clues to the location of a crime, the movement of a victim, and to identify the type of weapon used to commit the crime?
• The angle of _______ describes the angle at which a blood droplet hits a surface.
• Fibers found at a scene of a crime can be a significant element in a criminal investigation.
• The terms criminalistics and forensic science are often used interchangeably.
• Which statement about the usefulness of blood evidence is true?
• Trace evidence transfer can occur between which of the following?
• Which statement best describes how blood evidence is used in investigations?
• Which of the following is an example of impression evidence?
• In what year did AFIS first show computerized fingerprint scans?
• The Locard's Exchange Principle states: Every contact leaves a trace.
• Latent fingerprints require what to be seen?
• Trace evidence includes oral or written statements given to police.
• In the context of evidence handling, which term describes the documentation that tracks who has handled the evidence?
• Blood ________ can determine the blood type and DNA, which can then be matched to possible suspects and victims.
• The two general types of fibers are _______ and _______.
• Which statement about height and blood spatter diameter is correct?
• Which term describes the exchange of material between the crime scene and the suspect or object?
• AFIS stands for Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
• Trace evidence includes oral or written statements given to police.
• Which statement about trace evidence collection is true?
• A criminalist looks to accomplish the following at each crime scene - identification, ___________, and individualization.
• Which bloodstain pattern can help identify the weapon type used?
• Which method of fiber collection is preferred?
• Which agency created the national electronic DNA database CODIS?
• Which type of expert collects and analyzes blood left at a crime scene?
• Chromatography in forensic science has many applications.
• DNA testing can be used to gain the release of wrongfully convicted people.
• Which type of search pattern is best used in houses or buildings?
• What is the primary purpose of crime scene reconstruction?
• The documentation that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, preservation, and analysis lifecycle is known as:
• Which statement best describes the scope of criminalistics?
• A perpetrator of a crime will only leave some form of evidence at the scene of the crime.
• Securing a crime scene is critical in preserving and preventing the loss or contamination of _________.
• Capillary Action describes the movement of a liquid in what direction?
• Handwriting analysis involves comparing features to determine authorship.
• Which statement best describes the usefulness of both natural and manufactured fibers in crime-scene analysis?
• Chain of custody must be followed correctly otherwise it could be challenged in court.
• The process of chromatography can only be used to identify ink.
• An additional search for physical evidence doesn't need to be done after the initial scan of the scene.
• Odor/scent recognition is the most well known form of biometrics security.
• Which term completes the phrase 'Chain of ________' ?
• Multiple strands of fibers collected from a crime scene can be packaged together.
• Investigators can analyze bite marks to help identify victims or suspects.
• How a person walks is called their _____.
• Which directional indicator should be included in a rough crime scene sketch?
• In forensic science, the Locard's Exchange Principle states that 'every ________ leaves a trace.' (7 letters)
• The statement about trace evidence including oral or written statements is true.
• Trace evidence transfer can occur in many ways. Which option best reflects the fact that multiple transfer routes are possible?
• Which type of fingerprints are three-dimensional impressions that are easily visible.
• There are NO exceptions to the need for a warrant.
• Fingerprints have been used only more recently to identify people.
• Fibers picked up by individuals or objects previously, are known as an __________ transfer.
• What is the five-letter acronym for the FBI's national electronic DNA database?
• Mikhail S. Tsvet (1872-1919) realized that ________ was an efficient method for separating compounds.
• A rough sketch of the crime scene should include which elements?
• The term chromatography is used to refer to the process of separating a ________ into its components.
• An ___________ is a pattern showing some or all of its surface characteristics.
• Which bloodstain pattern provides clues to the location of a crime, the movement of a victim, and to identify the type of weapon used to commit the crime?
• Which type of blood evidence is most commonly used to determine both blood type and DNA information?
• True or False: The terms criminalistics and forensic science are often used interchangeably.
• What is the most common blood group system?
• Passive Bloodstains are patterns created by the force of _______.
• The trace evidence collection technique of lifting uses which of the following?
• Which statement best describes trace evidence?
• The DNA Identification Act authorized the FBI to create CODIS.
• The two general categories of fibers are natural and manufactured.
• Fingerprints are the only way to identify individuals.
• Fingerprints are used for automated recognition because they are unique.
• Handwriting analysis is used in forensic science to identify a person from _______ documents.
• Which of the following statements best describes trace evidence?
• Impression evidence found at crime scenes can include footwear impressions, tire tracks, and tool marks.
• Bloodstain pattern analysis is used to interpret the physical events that occurred during a crime.
• Which fingerprint type is commonly invisible and requires chemical or physical development to reveal?
• All blood spatter looks the same.
• Which of the following is NOT documented in a chain of custody form?
• There are three broad categories of fingerprint patterns.
• Which type of blood evidence is used to determine the blood type and DNA of a victim or suspect?
• In the chain of custody, custody refers to:
• Which of the following is NOT an example of trace evidence?
• Which bloodstain pattern is created by the force of gravity?
• Fingerprints are an impression made by the ________ of a finger left on any surface a person touches.
• Which type of fingerprints are invisible and require special techniques to be seen?
• Fibers often provide the same level of proof as fingerprints or DNA evidence.
• Which type of blood evidence is used to identify the patterns that give clues to how a crime happened?
• The second step in the crime scene investigation process is to separate any witnesses to keep them from discussing the crime.
• The _____ method of searching is best used for large crime scenes such as fields.
• There are a number of different types of impression evidence found at crime scenes.
• When you touch something, you may leave behind a print of your finger because there is a small amount of ____ in your skin.
• When blood spatter hits a surface at an angle, what feature is commonly observed?
• Which statement about black ink is true?
• Ink composition can vary between pen brands.
• In forensic science, Locard's Exchange Principle states that every ______ leaves a trace.
• Which of the following tasks may be done by the first responder(s) to secure the scene?
• Bite mark impression evidence is a part of which specialized area of forensic science?
• In America, every citizen is granted protection from unreasonable search and seizure of their property by officials through which Amendment?
• Where the actual crime took place is referred to as what?
• In chromatography, the substance being separated is referred to as a ________.