Question 1

In some cases, the crime scene investigation yields results that point directly to the criminal and provide solid evidence against the offender. Which of the following provides such an example?

Accepted Answer

A fingerprint is a direct link to the individual who left it at the crime scene, and if it matches a known offender in the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) database, it provides solid evidence against the perpetrator. Although footwear impressions and tool marks can be valuable pieces of evidence, they do not provide a direct link to the offender unless the suspect's footwear or tool is identified as the source.

Question 2

A device that produces a variety of selectable wavelengths of light used in forensic examinations is known as _______________.

Accepted Answer

A device that produces a variety of selectable wavelengths of light used in forensic examinations is called an Alternate Light Source. This tool is commonly used in the examination of biological fluids, fibers, and stains. The use of different wavelengths of light allows forensic examiners to detect evidence that may not be visible with the naked eye.

Question 3

Which method is best when processing a wet vehicle for latent fingerprint evidence?

Accepted Answer

When processing a wet vehicle for latent fingerprint evidence, Small Particle Reagent (SPR) is the best choice. Ninhydrin, Amido Black, and Iodine are water-soluble, and therefore not effective on wet surfaces. SPR, on the other hand, is specifically designed to work on wet surfaces and is an excellent choice for this situation.

Question 4

You are processing a vehicle that had been stolen from an assault victim's home. Which of the following would be the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Collecting trace evidence (like fibers, hairs, or biological materials) from the interior of the vehicle should be done before processing for fingerprints. This is because the process of dusting for or lifting fingerprints can potentially disturb or destroy trace evidence. Trace evidence is often more delicate and can be easily compromised, so it should be collected first to ensure it is preserved.

Question 5

You are processing the exterior of a dark color vehicle at a crime scene, which color dusting powder should you use to process the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The key to choosing a dusting powder for processing a vehicle, especially one with a dark color, is to ensure sufficient contrast to make the latent prints visible. Therefore, any color that provides this contrast effectively is suitable, rather than being restricted to a specific color.

Question 6

One of the most important purposes of physical evidence is to establish the identity of the suspect or victim.

Accepted Answer

Physical evidence can provide DNA, fingerprints, or other identifying characteristics that can link a suspect or victim to a crime scene.

Question 7

Fingerprints at a crime scene may be formed when fingers are contaminated with foreign material, such as dirt, blood, or grease, or when the fingers are pressed against a plastic material and produce a negative impression of the pattern of the friction ridges.

Accepted Answer

Contamination and impression are two common ways fingerprints can be formed at a crime scene.

Question 8

The three main groups of fingerprints that can be found at the scene of a crime are latent, _____________, and _____________.

Accepted Answer

The three main groups of fingerprints that can be found at the scene of a crime are latent (not visible to the naked eye), patent (visible to the naked eye), and plastic (three-dimensional impressions, such as a fingerprint left in clay). Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Option A (sufficient and non-sufficient) and option C (good and bad) do not accurately describe the different types of fingerprints. Option D (identifiable and excluded) is not a commonly used categorization for fingerprints found at a crime scene.

Question 9

You are assigned to process the scene of a burglary at a single family residence. The rear window to the kitchen has broken glass and appears to be the entry point. The front door was wide open after the crime, when discovered by the homeowner. It appears the burglar ate and drank food from the refrigerator in addition to ransacking the first floor rooms of the house. All of the following are likely areas and surfaces the suspect may have left fingerprints, except for:

Accepted Answer

Cloth materials (such as curtains) are not typically good surfaces to leave fingerprints on. The other choices (rear window frame, front door knob, and glass cup) are all surfaces that are commonly touched and could potentially have fingerprints left behind.

Question 10

Which of the following chemicals would be the most appropriate when attempting to locate fingerprints on the sticky side of tape?

Accepted Answer

Gentian Violet is the most appropriate chemical for developing fingerprints on the sticky side of tape because it adheres well to the sticky residues, revealing latent prints without damaging them.

Question 11

Which of the following choices is an alternative to taking inked fingerprints from a suspect?

Accepted Answer

Livescan is an alternative to taking inked fingerprints from a suspect. It is a digital method of capturing fingerprints and does not involve the use of ink. CODIS, AFIS, and NIBIN are databases for DNA, fingerprints, and bullet casings, respectively, and are not alternatives to taking fingerprints.

Question 12

Which system allows for the ability to compare a latent fingerprint discovered at a crime scene to a criminal fingerprint database?

Accepted Answer

AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is the system that allows for the comparison of latent fingerprints discovered at crime scenes to a fingerprint database. CODIS is used for DNA profiling, Livescan is a method of capturing fingerprints digitally, and NIBIN is used for the analysis of ballistic evidence.

Question 13

You are at the scene of a burglary and tasked with collecting a fingerprint in soft latex caulk near a window. What is the most appropriate material for collecting and preserving a plastic fingerprint?

Accepted Answer

Mikrosil is a two-part silicone elastomer that creates a high-quality negative impression of a fingerprint. It is ideal for preserving plastic fingerprints because it can capture even the finest details of the print without damaging or distorting it. Dust and lift, electrostatic dust lifter, and ninhydrin are all suitable for collecting and preserving latent fingerprints on porous and nonporous surfaces, but they may not be as effective for plastic prints.

Question 14

You have been asked to collect a knife from the crime scene with a visible fingerprint in blood. Choose the most appropriate method for collecting the knife

Accepted Answer

Collecting the knife by wrapping it loosely in paper and placing it in a knife box is the most appropriate method. This approach minimizes the risk of smudging or destroying the fingerprint and prevents contamination, while also ensuring the knife is securely transported without direct handling.

Question 15

Fingerprints can be lifted from human skin. Which of the following is one acceptable technique?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Fingerprints can be lifted from human skin....

Question 16

You are tasked with processing tools for fingerprints that were reported to be used in a burglary. The burglar was started by police when they arrived at the scene and fled the scene leaving a bag of tools. A suspect was later arrested a day later with other burglary paraphernalia such as a mask and gloves. The tools are in a cloth bag and consist of an electric cordless drill, screw drivers, crow bars, hammer, electric sawz-all, and pipe wrench. Which locations on the tools would you seek to obtain fingerprints?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints can be found on various surfaces of tools where the user is likely to have held or touched them. This includes the battery portion of electric drills and sawz-alls, where the user would have to hold or change the battery; the handles of screwdrivers, crowbars, hammers, and pipe wrenches, which are the primary areas gripped during use; and the handle and button portion of electric drills and sawz-alls, where the user's fingers would naturally rest and apply pressure to operate the tools.

Question 17

You arrive at an attempted homicide in which a suspect used a knife to cut the stomach of the victim, which is his lover. Thinking the victim had died, the suspect grabbed a recycling bin and placed items he previously touched in the kitchen into the bin and fled the scene. A couple days later the bin was found about a block away with items still within. Although the victim was in a medically induced coma and couldn't provide a statement, the items were processed for fingerprints. Fingerprints in blood were visibly noticeable on the items. Which type of fingerprint is this called?

Accepted Answer

Patent fingerprints are visible prints left on a smooth surface when blood, ink, or some other liquid comes in contact with the hands and is then transferred to that surface. In this scenario, the fingerprints were visible in blood on the items, making them patent fingerprints.

Question 18

You are tasked with continuing the investigation in question 12 to determine if there are fingerprints not readily visible on the items recovered from the attempted homicide investigation. Which type of fingerprints are you seeking?

Accepted Answer

Latent fingerprints are not readily visible and require special techniques like dusting, fuming, or chemical treatments to reveal the ridge detail. Therefore, this type of fingerprint is the one to be sought after in the investigation. Patent fingerprints are visible to the naked eye, and plastic fingerprints are left in a 3D impression (like in soft wax or clay) and are not relevant to this scenario.

Question 19

You are assigned to process the scene of a theft at a construction site. The thieves stole expensive construction equipment and vehicles. Upon investigation you observe a plastic print located in a soft caulking material used during the construction of a building. The victim reports that the caulk was newly applied just prior to the theft and there were no prints in it at that time. After photographing the item, which of the following is the most appropriate method for casting the impression?

Accepted Answer

Mikrosil is the most appropriate method for casting impressions in soft or delicate materials like caulking. It is specifically designed for capturing fine details without damaging the impression, making it ideal for the scenario described.

Question 20

Fingerprints are made up of organic and inorganic material and consist of approximately ___________ % water.

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints are made up of approximately 99.5% water, making them very susceptible to being affected by environmental factors such as humidity and contact with other substances. The remaining 0.5% is composed of organic and inorganic materials such as oils, salts, and amino acids. This unique combination of water and other components gives fingerprints their distinctive pattern and allows forensic experts to use them as a reliable means of identification.

Quiz 6: Fingerprint Evidence