CFL Industry Standards Flashcards

In a forensic context, 'bumping' a lock leaves which characteristic evidence that distinguishes it from picking?

Answer: Impact marks on the top of key pins from repeated percussion

Lock bumping drives key pins upward with percussion, leaving distinctive impact or peening marks on the tops of key pins not seen in picking.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F883 applies to which locksmith-relevant product?

Answer: Padlocks, specifying dimensions and performance requirements

ASTM F883 covers padlocks, establishing standard dimensions and performance tests including shackle pull force, cut resistance, and cycle life.

When a forensic locksmith is asked to determine if a lock was 'bypassed without a key,' the examination must rule out which common explanation first?

Answer: Use of a duplicate or master key

The first alternate hypothesis to eliminate is authorized key use, since duplicate or master keys leave minimal forensic evidence distinct from normal operation.

Under which circumstances may a CFL ethically decline to provide an opinion in a forensic case?

Answer: When the evidence is insufficient to support a reliable conclusion

A CFL must decline to offer an opinion when the physical evidence does not permit a scientifically reliable conclusion, to avoid misleading the court.

The UL 768 standard covers which locking product category?

Answer: Combination locks

UL 768 is the standard for combination locks, covering both mechanical dial-type and electronic combination locking devices used on safes and containers.

An IBC (International Building Code) compliant egress door may use a delayed egress lock that releases after a maximum delay of:

Answer: 15 seconds after continuous pressure is applied

IBC Section 1010.1.9.7 permits delayed egress locks that release within 15 seconds of continuous pushing on the panic hardware, provided alarms and signage requirements are met.

In preparing a chain of custody document for a recovered lock, which action would most seriously compromise the evidence's admissibility?

Answer: Leaving an unaccounted gap in who possessed the lock between collection and examination

An unexplained gap in the chain of custody allows opposing counsel to argue the evidence could have been tampered with, potentially making it inadmissible.