Determine if the following statements are true or false.
1. An investigator should not put wet evidence into long-term storage while it is still moist.
2. Each crime scene is processed in the same way, by taking the same steps in the same order.
3. According to Locard's exchange principle, each time two people come into contact with each other, they leave some evidence of that contact behind.
4. The focal point of a crime scene is its geographic center.
5. To preserve the chain of custody, evidence bags should be opened in a new place each time, rather than breaking the signed seal applied earlier.
false, true, true, true, false?
1) true
2) false
3) true
4) false
5) true
To determine if the statements are true or false, we can analyze each statement individually:
1. An investigator should not put wet evidence into long-term storage while it is still moist.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to consider the general protocol for handling evidence. In this case, the statement is true. Wet evidence, such as items soaked in liquids or samples containing moisture, should be properly air-dried or preserved through other suitable methods before being placed into long-term storage. Otherwise, the moisture can lead to degradation or contamination, jeopardizing the integrity of the evidence.
2. Each crime scene is processed in the same way, by taking the same steps in the same order.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we should think about the nature of crime scenes and investigations. This statement is false. Crime scenes can vary greatly in terms of size, type, and circumstances. Therefore, each crime scene must be assessed individually, and the steps taken during processing may differ based on the specific situation.
3. According to Locard's exchange principle, each time two people come into contact with each other, they leave some evidence of that contact behind.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to understand Locard's exchange principle. Locard's principle states that every contact leaves a trace. Therefore, this statement is true. Whenever two individuals come into contact, they transfer trace materials, such as skin cells, fibers, or fluids, which can potentially become evidence.
4. The focal point of a crime scene is its geographic center.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to think about how crime scenes are typically analyzed. This statement is true. The focal point of a crime scene generally refers to the area where the primary activity or event occurred. It is often found at the geographic center or a location of significance within the crime scene.
5. To preserve the chain of custody, evidence bags should be opened in a new place each time, rather than breaking the signed seal applied earlier.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we should consider the proper procedures for handling evidence. This statement is false. Preserving the chain of custody is crucial in maintaining the integrity of evidence. To do so, evidence bags should not be opened or tampered with unnecessarily. Instead, a new bag should only be used when necessary, and the original seal should remain intact when possible.
Hence, the correct answers are: true, false, true, true, false.