Forensic Science Capstone Practice Exam

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• Which test must be used to confirm blood evidence in the laboratory?
• Who should receive the needed information and oversee the transition of the scene at handoff?
• Which is the least accurate method of measurement during sketching?
• Which unit is used to express the full circumference of the tire in the data?
• What is the purpose of an inventory search?
• Which of the following is a documented verification step for latent print examiners?
• What is the warrant clause?
• When is it appropriate to release the crime scene to the next team?
• What happens to stains on a rough surface?
• What is the return of inventory in the context of a search warrant?
• Trace evidence refers to?
• Triangulation is used for what purpose in sketches?
• Which of the following best describes 'effects' in Fourth Amendment contexts?
• Environmental conditions in the final report describe?
• What is one of the two reasons why crime scene photos are poor?
• Which amendment is most closely associated with applying the Bill of Rights to the states?
• Which statement about AFIS is true?
• What are the two types of circle or spiral search pattern?
• When should casting of a tool mark occur?
• What does IBIS stand for?
• Which item is addressed under the factors re entry and exit in the final report?
• Which term describes how light energy interacts with an object when using an ALS to produce fluorescence?
• Which statement about nuclear DNA is accurate?
• Forensic entomology studies what?
• Under common law, when statutes were absent, how did courts determine handling of cases?
• What defines an expert witness?
• What does 'value' determination indicate in fingerprint analysis?
• Stare decisis means that
• Blind verification is defined as:
• Behavioral profiling in forensic science involves?
• Which PPE item protects footwear from splashes and contact?
• Ulnar refers to which side of the hand?
• Which feature distinguishes tent arches from plain arches?
• The first official use of fingerprints on a large scale occurred in which year?
• AFIS stands for which system?
• How long is a search warrant valid before it voids?
• What is the warrant clause?
• Which of the following lists the three levels of the federal court system from lowest to highest, as described?
• Which event occurred after 1880?
• Livor mortis typically becomes fixed at which time after death?
• What kind of characteristics do firearms provide?
• Which documents are involved in the process of utilizing a search warrant?
• What can be seen through the barrier filter when using an ALS?
• Are fingerprints unique or can identical twins share the same friction ridge skin?
• Which of the following is listed as an advanced measurement method for sketches?
• Fingerprints were used to identify prisoners in which year?
• Which statement about implicit bias is true?
• Why should you avoid packaging biological evidence in plastic or airtight containers?
• Which PPE item provides splash and mucous membrane protection?
• Which firearm detail is explicitly recorded regarding cartridge headstamp?
• Which of the following items should be included on the packaging label?
• Which of the following is NOT a rifle action type?
• Which category is used to classify tool marks into groups based on common properties?
• What can forensic anthropology determine from a skeleton?
• Mummification occurs under which conditions?
• Which of the following is an example of class characteristics?
• An example of implicit bias?
• Which component of the final report specifically addresses fingerprint evidence?
• Which of the following lists the three types of fingerprint evidence?
• Which type of crime scene photograph explicitly includes a scale to show size?
• Which statement correctly characterizes individual characteristics?
• Which statement is NOT part of the stated rules of evidence?
• Which packaging choice helps prevent static electricity buildup when handling electronic evidence?
• What is the primary purpose of using an Alternate Light Source in forensic investigations?
• Which statement correctly describes the direction of loops in fingerprint patterns?
• What must be documented in the case file to verify a latent print examination?
• Which mark indicates the firing pin impression?
• Zone search is best used in which scenario?
• Which of the following is NOT a tire mark characteristic?
• What is the standard time limit for collecting a GSR kit?
• Which is an example of explicit bias?
• A high-velocity blood spatter is typically associated with what type of wound?
• When collecting soil, what amount should be collected?
• In a radial loop, the ridges flow in which direction?
• Which of the following is NOT considered impression evidence?
• Which statement describes an advanced measurement method for sketches?
• What are the 3 basic glass determinations?
• Which statement best defines ethics in a professional context?
• What is the CSI effect?
• Which set lists the three basic aspects of the camera controlled by a crime scene photographer?
• Which of the following is an objective conclusion that BPA can determine?
• Which packaging is used for volatile chemicals and residues?
• Major case prints are utilized to do which of the following?
• Inconclusive evaluation results must not be construed as a statement of __________?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the five critical ingredients to a good crime scene processing?
• What is considered most important in sketching?
• Which statement accurately describes search incident to arrest?
• Volar pads are transient swelling of tissue beneath which skin layer?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a level 2 analysis conclusion?
• What does discovery refer to in legal terms?
• Presumptive tests in serology indicate what?
• If the impression lacks sufficient details to reach one of these conclusions, the print is determined to be of 'no value.' (analysis is still conducted). Which statement is correct?
• Passive stains are what?
• Level 3 detail in fingerprint analysis consists of which elements?
• Defense attorneys are entitled to review what materials?
• Which items should always have a biohazard sticker?
• AVE-V stands for?
• Volar pads develop in the fetus at approximately how many weeks?
• Which bias-reduction measure involves external evaluation by independent parties?
• Which of the following are exceptions to the warrant requirement?
• Which statement about individual characteristics is correct?
• In tire tread analysis, which features are considered individual characteristics?
• Which is an example of an exception to the warrant requirement arising from a lawful arrest?
• Which statement describes individual characteristics?
• Rigor mortis typically begins within which time frame after death?
• Which statement reflects the relationship among DNA extraction, PCR, and serology in forensic biology workflows?
• What is tunnel vision bias?
• What are the two layers of skin called?
• What is physical evidence?
• Which of the following is not a listed search pattern?
• Which activity is not listed among the FBI's 12 steps of crime scene processing?
• Azimuth wheel/compass rose is useful for which type of scenes?
• Which indicator used to estimate time since death is not one of the three primary temperature-based PMI indicators?
• Which packaging feature helps prevent vapors from escaping?
• What is the purpose of a Garrity Warning?
• Which of the following is not typically a media contact in an organization?
• In the AVE-V framework, the Analyze component entails what action?
• Defense attorneys are entitled to review what materials as part of representing suspects?
• Which statement correctly states the three requirements for a legally valid search warrant?
• Should investigators avoid trying to 'solve' the vase while still on the crime scene?
• In simple terms, what does the 4th amendment protect?
• Which option best summarizes the listed shoe print characteristics?
• A modern, nontraditional method not listed among the four primary methods for recovering impression evidence is:
• What types of things can cause a false positive on a Hemastix?
• Which term describes law that emerges from court rulings rather than statutes?
• What is the key difference between semi-automatic and automatic firearms?
• Friction ridge impressions examinations are conducted using which methodology?
• Do you need an ALS to observe the Bluestar reaction to latent blood?
• What is viscosity?
• Which probability threshold corresponds to probable cause (more likely than not)?
• What is chain of custody?
• Which event occurred earliest in the history of fingerprint identification?
• Algor mortis describes which postmortem change?
• What is GSR?
• Which option best captures the purpose of precedent?
• Which option is NOT a typical characteristic of a shoe print?
• Private searches and constitutional violations?
• Which of the following lists all standard light-control techniques?
• What is the primary purpose of a presumptive test in forensic analysis?
• What does chain of custody documentation establish?
• Procedural laws are best described as
• What information does the azimuth wheel/compass rose help record?
• What are volar pads?
• In sketch triangulation, what is the purpose of using two known reference points?
• Mapping in the context of sketches is defined as what?
• Do you package biological evidence in plastic?
• Noble Cause Corruption is associated with which idea?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a bias-reduction measure?
• In fingerprint terminology, radial refers to which side of the hand?
• What is an Alternate Light Source (ALS) used for?
• What is the step immediately after Photograph Scene in the sequence?
• Which of the following lists the five elements of a sketch?
• Which of the following is an objective BPA conclusion regarding origin?
• Which of the following is NOT traditionally considered one of the three primary postmortem interval indicators (Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Algor Mortis)?
• Locard's Exchange Principle explains that:
• Rectangular coordinates are most effective for which boundary condition?
• Role of prosecutors includes
• How can testimonial evidence be more credible?
• Whose office typically retains custody of a body for autopsy and death investigation?
• Which of the following is NOT an individual characteristic of a firearm?
• What is the determination of value by a latent print examiner?
• What is the typical viewpoint described for a sketch?
• What term describes noting how the scene was accessed and left during documentation?
• Common Law is described as
• Revolvers are defined as having
• Which detail should be recorded about ammunition loaded in a firearm?
• Tardieu Spots are observed during which postmortem interval?
• Friction ridges are permanent and remain unchanged throughout life until what occurs?
• Marbling refers to which phenomenon?
• The two core principles underlying fingerprint identification are permanence and which other concept?
• What is a latent print?
• Which of the following lists the three types of physical evidence?
• Under what condition may evidence be seized under the plain view doctrine?
• Which type of evidence is generally considered more credible?
• Level 2 detail in fingerprint analysis consists of which of the following?
• Which statement about the Daubert standard is correct?
• Level 2 detail includes which elements?
• Pistol action types include which description?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the three main entities of crime scene processing?
• What is it called when the body is on its back?
• PPE stands for and its importance?
• What are two accepted methods of collecting fibers and hairs?
• Which statement best contrasts Frye and Daubert standards?
• How are U.S. Attorneys appointed?
• Tache Noire is described as which of the following?
• What is a sketch?
• Which feature is most characteristic for differentiating shoe prints in footwear analysis?
• Explicit bias is?
• Which item is NOT typically addressed when debriefing the first responding officers?
• What is a primary purpose of the ACE-V methodology?
• What does lack of candor mean in investigations?
• Which statement about class characteristics is correct?
• What are examples of 'persons, houses, papers, and effects'?
• Bluestar is a forensic reagent used to detect latent blood stains not visible through the naked eye using which mechanism?
• Nuclear DNA is:
• What are the three basic fingerprint types and their approximate proportions?
• Which statement about glove use in scene work is true?
• Beyond Level 1 detail, which factors are considered when evaluating a fingerprint impression?
• Which statement correctly describes a latent print?
• What best describes rigor mortis?
• Which FBI step involves capturing the scene photographically?
• Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally.
• The strip/grid search pattern is best suited for which scenario?
• Break action is a shotgun action type that loads and unloads by which method?
• What is the first step in the FBI's 12 steps of crime scene processing?
• Why is the physical characteristics of the bloodstain pattern important?
• Which PPE item provides inhalation protection?
• Which of the following is listed as a potential threat to an officer's safety?
• Which of the following is a shotgun action type?
• Which statement best describes a core duty of initial responders?
• Forensic serology is the study and detection of bodily fluids.
• Under what conditions are Miranda Rights triggered?
• Which of the following is typically considered a class characteristic?
• What is used for the recovery of hairs and fibers?
• Which of the following is an example of class characteristics?
• Does the Bill of Rights apply to private citizens and government?
• Which statement is one of the simple theories for BPA?
• Where should soil be preserved?
• Is bite mark analysis recognized by the American Dental Association or the FBI?
• Which FBI step involves preparing a crime scene sketch?
• What should a first responder include in the scene log?
• Which step is typically performed after PCR in a basic forensic DNA analysis workflow?
• Ridgeology aims to do which of the following?
• State prosecutors are commonly known as what?
• What best describes a target group in fingerprint analysis?
• Which statement best distinguishes testimonial evidence from physical evidence?
• When does individualization occur?
• Ridgeology is the study of friction ridge formation, in sequence, with sufficient detail to individualize.
• An anticipatory search warrant is defined as?
• Which feature is essential for determining spatial relationships on a sketch?
• Transfer stains are what?
• What is Locard's Exchange Principle?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of firearm?
• Which statement best defines mapping in sketch practice?
• What is the first duty of a first responder at a scene?
• All evaluations are reproducible. Which statement is correct?
• What should the label on packaging include?
• What output can AFIS provide after processing a fingerprint?
• Which statement about the relationship between state and federal prosecutors is true?
• Which amendment primarily deals with trial procedures and the right to counsel and jury?
• Which list shows the correct order of the federal court levels from lowest to highest?
• Depth of field in photography is controlled by which setting?
• Skin is classified as which biological structure?
• What is the required police action before entry to execute a search warrant?
• What does Rule 901 require for evidence to be admitted?
• Bluestar detects latent blood stains using which mechanism?
• Which statement accurately describes the relationship between subject matter jurisdiction and geographic jurisdiction?
• Which court is an appellate court in the federal system?
• Which statement best describes confirmation bias?
• Which is the first item listed under postmortem intervals (PMI)?
• What is the term for a body positioned face down?
• Tache Noire forms when:
• Which sequence correctly lists the steps to the examination of the corpse?
• Common biological evidence includes which options?
• The first use of fingerprints in a criminal case occurred in which year?
• A crime scene final report should include which of the following?
• ACE stands for?
• What packaging is used for collected paint?
• Common biological evidence includes which items?
• What is the first step to secure and control the crime scene?
• What are the two types of 2-D impressions?
• What is the purpose of the List of Evidence section in a crime scene report?
• In the context of measurement, which unit is used to express the tire circumference?
• Which of the following is a factor to consider during latent print analysis?
• What is the interpretive value of evidence?
• Subject matter jurisdiction refers to which of the following?
• Plastic fingerprints are impressions made in what type of surface?
• What is the sixth step in the crime scene processing sequence?
• Cast-off stains can do what?
• Forensic anthropology primarily studies what?
• 5th amendment?
• The scales of justice symbolize
• Under the vehicle exception, when may police search a vehicle without a warrant?
• Which section logically follows Evidence Processing in the standard report sequence?
• Which step involves Release Scene?
• What type of characteristics does body fluid provide (class/individual)?
• Which option represents the direction of twist derived from rifling?
• Which of the following is a region of interest on an unfired cartridge?
• What percent of hairs and fibers are lost within the first 8 hours following deposition?
• What type of test is Hemastix?
• Which statement describes the purpose of class characteristics in tool mark analysis?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of a shoe print?
• In policing, what does the term 'slippery slope' describe?
• Compression marks are formed when a tool is forcces into a softer material.
• Rifling twist is described by which attributes?
• Which of the following is another objective conclusion BPA can determine?
• What are the typical hours for serving a search warrant, absent exceptions?
• Which action best describes investigators' focus during the investigative phase?
• Which statement describes revolvers?
• Which option best describes what an Alternate Light Source allows a technician to employ?
• What can footwear impression evidence reveal?
• Which statement best defines favoritism in police corruption?
• Which statement describes a revolver's double-action mechanism?
• Which statement best describes how details are used to determine similarity between two known prints?
• Which question should be asked to determine if a live round was present in the chamber?
• What does the 6th Amendment guarantee in the criminal justice system?
• Why are both rough and final sketches used?
• What is the role of an expert witness?
• Which of the following best defines ethics in a professional context?
• Which of the following is a whorl pattern type?
• Which statement characterizes plain arches?
• Which statement is true about the tire circumference value provided?
• Transecting baseline is defined as what?
• Which activity is a typical function of investigators during an investigation?
• Which surface is NOT listed as suitable for an electrostatic lifting device?
• Which technique is not listed among common forensic biology techniques?
• Which of the following is a primary method for recovering impression evidence?
• Precedent is defined as
• What does Level 1 detail in fingerprint analysis include?
• True or False: All prints recovered from a crime scene are partial prints.
• What is the goal of methodology?
• Which statement describes arterial spurt?
• Why is maintaining the integrity of a crime scene critical?
• Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
• Latent fingerprints are what in relation to the naked eye?
• Exigent circumstances are situations allowing law enforcement to act without a warrant due to what?
• A forensic professional should have working knowledge on the nature of physical evidence as well as which other aspect?
• Which is an example of an individual characteristic of a tool mark?
• Which is a class characteristic of a tool mark?
• Does AFIS make fingerprint identifications?
• What always takes priority over evidence preservation?
• When should AVE-V be used?
• Which constitutional amendment extends select protections to citizens from state governments as well as federal?
• Which feature is commonly used to characterize a shoe print in footwear analysis?
• What is the primary role of a media coordinator or public information officer?
• Radial refers to which side of the hand?
• What are federal prosecutors called?
• What is the method used to recover a serial number when it has been removed by grinding?
• Which section is typically included in the final crime scene report?
• Statutory Criminal Law is best described as
• When is it good to use a line search?
• What does 'looking the other way' mean in the context of police corruption?
• Which description best defines an expert witness?
• What are the four search patterns listed?
• Which of the following is NOT a technique for recovering 3-D footwear impressions?
• When should you change your gloves?
• Noble Cause Corruption (Dirty Harry Syndrome) refers to which idea?
• Geographic jurisdiction describes what?
• Which item is considered a situational factor to note in a narrative scene description?
• Which statement best describes the viewpoint for a sketch?
• How should evidence be preserved at a scene?
• Which statement reflects why a crime scene perimeter is established?
• What is the full circumference of the tire in feet?
• Islands and enclosures are examples of which category?
• Which term describes the pretrial exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense?
• Was the safety mechanism engaged?
• When packaging digital evidence from devices, which material is appropriate for computers and cellphones?
• Which standard must accompany a warrant?
• In AVE-V, what does the 'V' component represent?
• Case law is primarily defined as
• What is the purpose of NIBIN?
• What is the primary goal of evidence packaging?
• At what week does friction ridge development begin?
• What is the purpose of written documentation at a crime scene?
• What is the meaning of individualization in this context?
• Tardieu Spots occur due to pressure of blood rupturing vessels in dependent areas. When is that observed?
• In AVE-V, what does the 'E' component represent?
• Which PPE item is impervious to liquid contaminants?
• Which of the following best defines class characteristics?
• What is the effect of a shutter speed that is too slow?
• Projected impact stains are what?
• Which statement best describes the concept of a 'slippery slope' in policing?
• Which statement best describes voir dire in the context of expert witnesses?
• What is the appropriate packaging for dry objects?
• What is testimonial evidence?
• Does Hemastix differentiate between human and animal blood?
• Which field is concerned with analyzing friction ridges to identify individuals?
• Which of the following is NOT a threat to crime scene integrity?
• Which of the following best defines digital forensics?
• Skeletonized stains are categorized as what?
• How should a sharp object be packaged?
• Rectangular coordinates involve measuring at right angles from the evidence to the surrounding walls and surfaces. This method is best used for which type of scene?
• Which statement correctly lists the four search patterns described?
• Which type of fingerprint is visible due to deposition of contaminants such as blood or grease?
• Which statement best describes rough sketches?
• Which category is typically included in Scene Documentation?
• Which statement about Garrity Warning is true?
• What does BPA attempt to define?
• Which role is described as talking to the media?
• Are district attorneys elected officials?
• What is latent print processing?
• Which of the following is one of the eight steps used to describe each item of evidence?
• Which of the following is NOT listed as a solution to bias?
• Which item should be recorded about the firearm?
• Which PMI item is observed many days after death and helps estimate time since death?
• What are the two miscellaneous stains?
• Which categories of crime scene photographs are typically used?
• Which step in the crime scene processing sequence involves photographing the scene?
• Is the target surface important for BPA?
• NIBIN stands for which of the following?
• In a revolver, what does the external hammer refer to?
• Which role is commonly involved in media communications within an organization?
• Striation marks are formed when the cutting edge of the tool is slid against a surface.
• Which item is NOT classified as one of the three primary types of physical evidence?
• Triangulation in sketching is described as which of the following?
• The physical evidence recovered from a scene will provide which characteristics?
• Why is Locard's Exchange Principle fundamental to forensic investigations?
• Which term describes characteristics used to identify a specific firearm?
• Which statement about latent print processing is true?
• Are fingerprints left after every touch?
• In AVE-V, what does the 'C' component represent?
• What is the upper hand of using an ALS?
• What is toolmark analysis?
• Toolmark analysis is primarily used to evaluate what?
• Which measurement technique involves measuring at right angles from the evidence to surrounding walls and surfaces?
• Arterial spurt patterns describe blood that is
• Whorl patterns are defined by what feature?
• What is the first step in the crime scene processing sequence?
• Which item belongs in the header of a final report?
• What does the exclusionary rule state?
• What does questioned document analysis primarily involve?
• When a device is powered on, which action helps preserve digital evidence?
• What year did the first scientific method of classifying fingerprints appear?
• Which of the following is an example of an individual characteristic?
• Which statement about circle or spiral search patterns is accurate?
• Which role is typically part of the crime scene team?
• Which statement about mitochondrial DNA inheritance is correct?
• Which action type is commonly associated with a lever mechanism?
• Which statement is NOT part of the standard guidelines for crime scene photography?
• What is impression evidence?
• Which item is included in the footer of a final report?
• What are the two types of evidence as described?
• What does SWGFAST stand for?
• What is the primary function of a forensic pathologist?
• What are Miranda Rights?
• Which aspect is central to the Daubert standard's significance in court?
• Which term describes the individual characteristics of tool marks?
• Volar pads form the basis of what aspect of fingerprints?
• Rectangular coordinates are best used for which kind of sketches?
• Explicit Bias is?
• Which two amendments are described as protecting fair treatment in criminal proceedings and extending protections to the states?
• Which term describes looking the other way by officers?
• What does it mean to process a scene?
• Which of the following is NOT a class characteristic of a firearm?
• Crime scene reconstruction is the process of?
• What occurs after Voir Dire?
• Which statement correctly describes loop patterns and their components?
• Which statement accurately describes a revolver's single-action mechanism?
• Which statement best defines probable cause?
• What should you do before packaging a firearm?
• Pistol action types include which of the following?
• Joint jurisdiction means what?
• Is Hemastix a confirmatory test for blood?
• Implicit Bias is?
• What is analysis?
• What does bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) do?
• Void or ghosting stains refer to what?
• Which option is not a valid packaging option for digital evidence?
• Why should you not package computers and cellphones in plastic packaging?
• Which of the following is NOT a technique for recovering 2-D footwear impressions?
• Galton characteristics include which items?
• Livor mortis results in a blue to purple discoloration due to blood settling under gravity; when does it typically appear and become fixed?
• Which section appears first in the typical final report structure?
• Which role is typically responsible for communicating with the media?
• Forensic chemistry primarily involves which of the following?
• Which discipline focuses on deriving characteristics from skeletal remains such as age and sex?
• Which step involves Prepare Sketch / Diagram?
• Which mark is a region of interest on a fired cartridge?
• Level 3 detail includes which elements?
• Bloodstain pattern analysis can determine?
• Which of the following is a set of techniques commonly used in forensic biology labs?
• Which FBI step specifically focuses on collecting physical evidence?
• Which item in footwear evidence is described by Brand, Size, and Tread design?
• Which statement best describes the role of defense attorneys?
• If the impression lacks sufficient details to reach one of these conclusions, the print is 'no value' (analysis is still conducted). Which statement is correct?