Forensic Science & Analysis Flashcards

In forensic soil analysis, which characteristic is most useful for linking soil evidence from a suspect's shoes to a specific crime scene location?

Answer: Mineral composition, particle size distribution, and biological content

Forensic soil comparison relies on a combination of mineral composition, particle size, and biological content (pollen, diatoms) to distinguish one location from another.

A forensic inspector is analyzing glass breakage at a scene. What does a radial fracture pattern indicate?

Answer: The fractures radiate outward from the point of initial impact

Radial fractures extend outward like spokes from the point of impact, forming the first fracture pattern when a hard object strikes glass.

Which forensic technique uses volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis to identify accelerants in fire debris?

Answer: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

GC-MS is the gold standard for accelerant identification in fire debris, separating and identifying volatile organic compounds characteristic of petroleum-based accelerants.

During a forensic inspection of a vehicle involved in a suspected staged accident, which finding most strongly suggests the damage was caused by a stationary impact rather than a moving collision?

Answer: Crush damage perpendicular to the vehicle's axis without directional deformation or inertial movement evidence

Perpendicular crush without evidence of directional vehicle movement or occupant inertial forces (e.g., seatbelt engagement, forward-leaning seat) suggests the vehicle was stationary during impact.

In forensic document examination, what is 'indented writing' and how is it typically revealed?

Answer: Impressions left on underlying pages when writing on a pad, revealed by ESDA or oblique lighting

Indented writing is the impression created on pages beneath the one written on; the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA) and oblique lighting can reveal these hidden impressions.

A CPI inspector finds that window glass at a fire scene broke outward. What is the most forensically significant interpretation of this finding?

Answer: A pressure event or explosion inside the structure pushed the glass outward

Glass broken outward from a structure suggests an internal pressure event, such as an explosion or rapid pressure buildup, rather than conventional fire-driven glass failure.

When establishing the chain of custody for forensic evidence, what is the primary purpose of this procedure?

Answer: To ensure the integrity and admissibility of evidence by documenting every person who handled it

Chain of custody documents every transfer and handling of evidence to prove it has not been tampered with or contaminated, which is required for evidence to be admissible in court.