Criminal Investigation Fundamentals Flashcards

Which investigative technique involves systematically reviewing financial records to uncover illegal transactions?

Answer: Financial crimes analysis

Financial crimes analysis involves examining bank records, tax returns, and financial transactions to identify fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes.

A crime scene sketch differs from crime scene photographs primarily because the sketch:

Answer: Provides accurate measurements and spatial relationships

Crime scene sketches provide precise measurements and show spatial relationships between evidence and structures, which photographs may distort due to lens perspective.

The 'modus operandi' (MO) of a criminal refers to:

Answer: The characteristic method or pattern used to commit crimes

Modus operandi is Latin for 'method of operation' and describes the characteristic pattern, techniques, or behaviors a criminal uses when committing crimes.

Under the plain view doctrine, an officer may seize an item without a warrant if:

Answer: The officer is lawfully present and the incriminating nature is immediately apparent

Plain view requires: (1) officer is lawfully in the position to observe the item, (2) the item's incriminating character is immediately apparent, and (3) the officer has lawful access to the item.

In a criminal investigation, the term 'exculpatory evidence' refers to evidence that:

Answer: Tends to prove the defendant's innocence or reduce culpability

Exculpatory evidence tends to negate guilt or reduce the degree of the offense. Under Brady v. Maryland, prosecutors must disclose such evidence to the defense.

Which of the following best describes the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine?

Answer: Evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure is inadmissible

The 'fruit of the poisonous tree' doctrine (Silverthorne Lumber Co. v. United States) holds that evidence derived from an illegal search or seizure is also tainted and inadmissible.