Criminalistics Practice Questions — Set 8

Question 1

What is 'Anthropometry' (the Bertillon System)?

Accepted Answer

An early identification system based on a series of precise physical body measurements.

Answer

The study of human insects. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The study of DNA in hair samples. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The process of reconstructing a face from a skull. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 2

In polygraphy, what does 'Reaction' versus 'Relief' indicate in a breathing chart?

Accepted Answer

Reaction is the physiological change when a difficult question is asked; Relief is the return to normal 'baseline' breathing.

Answer

Reaction is a fast heartbeat; Relief is a slow heartbeat. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

Reaction is lying; Relief is telling the truth. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

Reaction is sweat; Relief is lack of sweat. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 3

What is 'Chain of Custody' in the context of criminalistics?

Accepted Answer

The continuous, documented record of every person who handled a piece of evidence from the crime scene to the court.

Answer

The order in which witnesses testify during a trial. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The list of all police officers in a specific station. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The handcuffs used to secure a prisoner. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 4

What is the 'Muzzle Blast' in ballistics?

Accepted Answer

The expansion of hot gases and flame that exits the barrel immediately after the bullet.

Answer

The sound the gun makes. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The part of the bullet that explodes on impact. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The kickback or recoil of the gun. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 5

What is 'Locard's Exchange Principle' in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Every contact leaves a trace.

Answer

The perpetrator always returns to the crime scene.

Answer

No two crimes are identical.

Answer

Every criminal eventually makes a mistake.

Question 6

In dactyloscopy, what is the difference between a 'Radial Loop' and an 'Ulnar Loop'?

Accepted Answer

Radial loops flow toward the thumb side; Ulnar loops flow toward the little finger side.

Answer

There is no difference; they are two names for the same pattern.

Answer

Radial loops are found on the right hand; Ulnar loops are on the left.

Answer

Radial loops are larger; Ulnar loops are smaller.

Question 7

Which component of a cartridge is responsible for igniting the main gunpowder charge when struck by the firing pin?

Accepted Answer

The Primer

Answer

The Rim

Answer

The Bullet

Answer

The Case

Question 8

What is 'Indented Writing' in questioned document examination?

Accepted Answer

Invisible impressions left on the sheets of paper underneath the one being written on.

Answer

Writing made by a person who was forced to write under threat.

Answer

Writing that is very small and hard to read.

Answer

Writing that has been erased using chemicals.

Question 9

What is the function of the 'Ejector' in a semi-automatic firearm?

Accepted Answer

To push or 'kick' the spent cartridge case out of the firearm's frame after it has been extracted.

Answer

To hold the bullets in the magazine. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

To prevent the gun from firing accidentally. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

To pull the spent cartridge case out of the chamber. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 10

In the polygraph 'Stimulation Test' (Stim Test), why does the examiner intentionally identify a card that the subject has chosen in secret?

Accepted Answer

To convince the subject that the machine is 100% accurate and cannot be fooled.

Answer

To test if the subject is allergic to the ink on the cards.

Answer

To show off their magic skills.

Answer

To make the subject feel more relaxed and comfortable.