Criminal Investigation MidTerm
Which of the following refers to the reasoning that takes us beyond what we know to conclusions about
what we don't know? Correct Answer: Inductive reasoning.
Which are objectives of criminal investigation?
|. Recover stolen property.
||. Preserve evidence in crimes.
|||. Prepare criminal cases for prosecution. Correct Answer: |, ||, |||.
The watershed in British police development occurred in 1829 with the establishment of the London
Metropolitan Police Department by ___________________. Correct Answer: Sir Robert Peel.
The criminal investigator must incorporate skills of critical thinking with known scientific methods in
their investigations. When comparing these two approaches to criminal investigation, which statement
below best reflects a scientific method? Correct Answer: The collection of data through observation and
experimentation and the formulation and testing of hypothesis.
Criminal investigations are conducted through the use of three different responses: reactive, proactive,
and preventive. Which of the following crimes would normally require a "reactive" investigation?
Correct Answer: Robbery.
Unless the patrol officer is able to make an immediate, on-scene arrest, 12 essential questions need
direct answers to determine the solvability of the case. Based on the following facts, use the solvability
factors identified in the text to answer the solvability question in this case: A 32 year old woman was
physically assaulted by her live-in boyfriend. He used a lamp to strike the woman in the back of the head
while she was attempting to escape his grasp during an argument. The man left the scene prior to the
police arriving. Correct Answer: This case is highly solvable. Collect statements and evidence, obtain an
arrest warrant, document the scene and refer the woman to the domestic abuse shelter for counseling
and services.
The preliminary investigation is the responsibility of the _________ __________ at the crime scene. His
or her actions at the scene can greatly influence the ultimate success or failure of the investigation.
Correct Answer: First officer.
Evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, bloodstains, and fibers are examples of: Correct Answer:
Associative evidence.
When first encountering a victim and or witness, it is important for the investigator to allow the person
to state in his or her own words what occurred. How is this best accomplished? Correct Answer: By
asking the simple question, "what happened?"
Which of the following should be included in a police officer's field notes? Correct Answer: Dates, times,
locations, description of victim, and wounds on the victim.
, Photographs of the crime scene are usually taken in three stages. This approach enables a picture of all
circumstances to be painted for jurors while leading up to the most critical part of the crime scene.
What are the three photographic stages to document a crime scene? Correct Answer: General views,
medium-range, and close-up views.
What statement below best summarizes the current use of crime scene sketches? Correct Answer:
Jurors typically, can relate to a well-drafted sketch depicting all-important areas of the crime scene
location.
Which of the following statement(s) regarding trace evidence is/are correct?
|. It usually is in plain view of investigators.
||. It plays a greater role today with the aid of modern forensic analysis.
|||. Criminals seek to destroy it before leaving the crime scene. Correct Answer: ||.
In general, officers are permitted to conduct a protective search or sweep of the premises when they
have reasonable grounds to believe that a person within the premises is in immediate need of assistance
or ___________. Correct Answer: A perpetrator is present.
Why should entries into crime scenes be conducted only when necessary? Correct Answer: To avoid the
destruction or contamination of important evidence.
Evidence established by law that at face value proves a fact in dispute is known as _______________.
Correct Answer: Prima facie evidence.
Which of the following is NOT one of the phases in the search of the crime scene? Correct Answer:
Examining the victim's background.
The _______________________ states that whenever the perpetrator of a crime comes into contact
with the scene, he or she will both bring something into the scene, and leave with something from the
scene. In other words, this principle asserts that every contact leave minimally, a trace of evidence.
Correct Answer: Locard's principle.
Investigators are called to a scene where a kidnapping of a 12 year old girl was reported. Witnesses
consistently state the girl was forced into a blue mini-van. The witnesses include several of her friends
and two adults. The investigation has resulted in the identification of a van registered to Roger P.
Anderson of 1594 Maple Drive and this matches the description of the vehicle used in the abductions.
How many crime scenes should the police be immediately concerned about? Correct Answer: Three
crime scenes - the park the mini-van, and the residence at 1594 Maple Drive should be secured and
searched with proper search warrants.
In the evidence-collection process, contamination of evidence occurs most commonly when evidence is
not properly secured, is wrongfully mixed with other types of evidence, or is altered significantly from its
original condition at the crime scene. What are the legal consequences if evidence is not handled
properly? Correct Answer: When this occurs, the evidence is usually rendered inadmissible or
"incompetent" by the court.
Which is the best method of seizing a handgun as evidence? Correct Answer: Using two fingers to hold
the grip.
Which of the following refers to the reasoning that takes us beyond what we know to conclusions about
what we don't know? Correct Answer: Inductive reasoning.
Which are objectives of criminal investigation?
|. Recover stolen property.
||. Preserve evidence in crimes.
|||. Prepare criminal cases for prosecution. Correct Answer: |, ||, |||.
The watershed in British police development occurred in 1829 with the establishment of the London
Metropolitan Police Department by ___________________. Correct Answer: Sir Robert Peel.
The criminal investigator must incorporate skills of critical thinking with known scientific methods in
their investigations. When comparing these two approaches to criminal investigation, which statement
below best reflects a scientific method? Correct Answer: The collection of data through observation and
experimentation and the formulation and testing of hypothesis.
Criminal investigations are conducted through the use of three different responses: reactive, proactive,
and preventive. Which of the following crimes would normally require a "reactive" investigation?
Correct Answer: Robbery.
Unless the patrol officer is able to make an immediate, on-scene arrest, 12 essential questions need
direct answers to determine the solvability of the case. Based on the following facts, use the solvability
factors identified in the text to answer the solvability question in this case: A 32 year old woman was
physically assaulted by her live-in boyfriend. He used a lamp to strike the woman in the back of the head
while she was attempting to escape his grasp during an argument. The man left the scene prior to the
police arriving. Correct Answer: This case is highly solvable. Collect statements and evidence, obtain an
arrest warrant, document the scene and refer the woman to the domestic abuse shelter for counseling
and services.
The preliminary investigation is the responsibility of the _________ __________ at the crime scene. His
or her actions at the scene can greatly influence the ultimate success or failure of the investigation.
Correct Answer: First officer.
Evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, bloodstains, and fibers are examples of: Correct Answer:
Associative evidence.
When first encountering a victim and or witness, it is important for the investigator to allow the person
to state in his or her own words what occurred. How is this best accomplished? Correct Answer: By
asking the simple question, "what happened?"
Which of the following should be included in a police officer's field notes? Correct Answer: Dates, times,
locations, description of victim, and wounds on the victim.
, Photographs of the crime scene are usually taken in three stages. This approach enables a picture of all
circumstances to be painted for jurors while leading up to the most critical part of the crime scene.
What are the three photographic stages to document a crime scene? Correct Answer: General views,
medium-range, and close-up views.
What statement below best summarizes the current use of crime scene sketches? Correct Answer:
Jurors typically, can relate to a well-drafted sketch depicting all-important areas of the crime scene
location.
Which of the following statement(s) regarding trace evidence is/are correct?
|. It usually is in plain view of investigators.
||. It plays a greater role today with the aid of modern forensic analysis.
|||. Criminals seek to destroy it before leaving the crime scene. Correct Answer: ||.
In general, officers are permitted to conduct a protective search or sweep of the premises when they
have reasonable grounds to believe that a person within the premises is in immediate need of assistance
or ___________. Correct Answer: A perpetrator is present.
Why should entries into crime scenes be conducted only when necessary? Correct Answer: To avoid the
destruction or contamination of important evidence.
Evidence established by law that at face value proves a fact in dispute is known as _______________.
Correct Answer: Prima facie evidence.
Which of the following is NOT one of the phases in the search of the crime scene? Correct Answer:
Examining the victim's background.
The _______________________ states that whenever the perpetrator of a crime comes into contact
with the scene, he or she will both bring something into the scene, and leave with something from the
scene. In other words, this principle asserts that every contact leave minimally, a trace of evidence.
Correct Answer: Locard's principle.
Investigators are called to a scene where a kidnapping of a 12 year old girl was reported. Witnesses
consistently state the girl was forced into a blue mini-van. The witnesses include several of her friends
and two adults. The investigation has resulted in the identification of a van registered to Roger P.
Anderson of 1594 Maple Drive and this matches the description of the vehicle used in the abductions.
How many crime scenes should the police be immediately concerned about? Correct Answer: Three
crime scenes - the park the mini-van, and the residence at 1594 Maple Drive should be secured and
searched with proper search warrants.
In the evidence-collection process, contamination of evidence occurs most commonly when evidence is
not properly secured, is wrongfully mixed with other types of evidence, or is altered significantly from its
original condition at the crime scene. What are the legal consequences if evidence is not handled
properly? Correct Answer: When this occurs, the evidence is usually rendered inadmissible or
"incompetent" by the court.
Which is the best method of seizing a handgun as evidence? Correct Answer: Using two fingers to hold
the grip.
