Criminal Investigations Flashcards

What does AFIS stand for in law enforcement?

Answer: Automated Fingerprint Identification System

AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is a computerized database used to compare and identify fingerprints recovered from crime scenes.

When packaging biological evidence at a crime scene, officers should:

Answer: Allow items to air-dry before packaging them in paper bags

Biological evidence must be air-dried before packaging in paper bags because moisture promotes mold and bacterial growth that can destroy DNA evidence.

A 'dying declaration' is admissible as a hearsay exception when:

Answer: The declarant believed death was imminent when making the statement

A dying declaration is admissible when the declarant genuinely believed death was imminent at the time of the statement, as that belief reduces the motive to fabricate.

What is a suspect's 'modus operandi' (MO)?

Answer: Their characteristic method of committing crimes

Modus operandi refers to a suspect's habitual pattern and method of committing crimes, which can link separate offenses to the same perpetrator.

The cognitive interview technique is used primarily to:

Answer: Help eyewitnesses recall information more accurately and completely

The cognitive interview technique uses mental reinstatement of context and open-ended prompts to help witnesses retrieve more accurate and complete memories.

Which of the following is the key requirement for a valid consent search in Texas?

Answer: Consent must be given voluntarily and freely by a person with authority over the area

A valid consent search requires that consent be given voluntarily and freely by a person who has authority over the area to be searched, without coercion.

Under Texas law, what is the statute of limitations for murder?

Answer: There is no statute of limitations for murder

Under Texas law, there is no statute of limitations for murder, meaning the offense can be prosecuted regardless of when it occurred.