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Kinicha Hawkins, Lab Section 213

Overview: Done

Ask:1. What are some common types of physical evidence?

2. What is identification?3. What is the first requirement for the process of identification?

4. What is the premier model of ALL forensics database systems?5. What is the role do physical evidence play in our criminal justice society?

Read: Done

Write:1. What are some common types of physical evidence? Blood, semen, saliva, documents, drugs,

explosives, fiber, and fingerprints are just some common types of physical evidence. It would be

impossible to list all the objects that could conceivably be of importance to a crime.

2. What is identification? The process of determining a substances physical or chemical identity isidentification. Drug analysis, species determination, and explosive residue analysis are typical

examples of this undertaking in a forensics setting.

3. What is the first requirement for the process of identification? The adoption of testing procedures thatgive characteristics results for specific standard materials.

4. What is the premier model of ALL forensics database systems? The Integrated Automated FingerprintIdentification System (IAFIS), a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the

FBI.

5. What is the role do physical evidence play in our criminal justice society? The physical evidence leftbehind at a crime scene plays a crucial role in reconstructing the events that took place surrounding

the crime.

Evaluate: I believe I have a good overview and understanding of chapter 3. I believe I have a fullunderstanding of this chapter.

Test:Done!

Summary:In Chapter 3 it discusses the important of different types of physical evidence in a crime laboratory and their

important to the crime scene. Today, the crime laboratory is on the forefront of the investigation seeking to

identify perpetrators. This chapter even outlines the many computerized systems that we use in the criminal

justice system to better our investigations. For example: (IAFIS- the Integrated Automated Fingerprint

Identification System, CODIS- Combined DNA Index System, NIBIN- National Integrated Ballistics Information

Network). A dramatic enhancement of the role of forensics science in criminal investigations has come about

through the creation of computerized databases. Analyzing the evidence once its found has the importance role

of determining whether a suspect specimen and a standard/reference specimen have a common origin. Before

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processing a crime scene for physical evidence, the investigators should make a preliminary examination of the

scene as it was left be the perpetrator. Often reconstruction requires that involvement of a medical examiner or

a criminalist. Reconstruction is a team effort that involves putting together many different pieces of a puzzle.

During the walk-through, the investigators task is to document observations and formulate how the scene

should ultimately be processed. I did enjoy reading this chapter.