A Quiz On Forensic Science

1. Why do SOCOs have to wear protective clothing?

To look good.

To protect the scene.

So they are waterproof.

SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) have to wear protective clothing to protect the scene. Crime scenes can contain various hazards such as blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, or other potential contaminants. Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, and coveralls, helps to prevent the contamination of evidence and ensures the integrity of the crime scene. Additionally, protective clothing also helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between different crime scenes, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of forensic analysis.

Explanation

SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) have to wear protective clothing to protect the scene. Crime scenes can contain various hazards such as blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, or other potential contaminants. Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, and coveralls, helps to prevent the contamination of evidence and ensures the integrity of the crime scene. Additionally, protective clothing also helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between different crime scenes, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of forensic analysis.

2. What leaves a fingerprint behind?

Dust

Oils

Dirt

Oils can leave a fingerprint behind because they have a greasy texture that can easily transfer onto surfaces. When a person touches an object with oily fingers, the oils from their skin can be left behind, forming a visible fingerprint. This is because oils do not evaporate quickly like water, allowing them to leave a lasting mark. Dust and dirt can also leave marks, but oils are more likely to leave a distinct fingerprint due to their unique properties.

Explanation

Oils can leave a fingerprint behind because they have a greasy texture that can easily transfer onto surfaces. When a person touches an object with oily fingers, the oils from their skin can be left behind, forming a visible fingerprint. This is because oils do not evaporate quickly like water, allowing them to leave a lasting mark. Dust and dirt can also leave marks, but oils are more likely to leave a distinct fingerprint due to their unique properties.

3. What are the main things we can see from a footprint?

Make of shoe, colour of shoe, gender type.

Make of shoe, size of shoe, colour of shoe.

Weight of owner, make of shoe, size of shoe.

Weight of owner, colour of shoe.

From a footprint, we can determine the weight of the owner based on the depth and pressure of the print. Additionally, we can identify the make of the shoe by examining the pattern and design of the sole. Lastly, the size of the shoe can be inferred by measuring the length and width of the footprint.

Explanation

From a footprint, we can determine the weight of the owner based on the depth and pressure of the print. Additionally, we can identify the make of the shoe by examining the pattern and design of the sole. Lastly, the size of the shoe can be inferred by measuring the length and width of the footprint.

4. How do you provide permenant evidence?

Draw it.

Paint it.

Video it.

Photograph it.

Don't do anything.

Photographing provides a permanent form of evidence as it captures an image that can be stored, shared, and referenced indefinitely. Unlike drawing or painting, which are subjective and can be altered or lost over time, a photograph captures an objective representation of the evidence. Videos can also be altered or deleted, whereas photographs are more difficult to manipulate. Therefore, photographing is the most reliable and effective way to provide permanent evidence.

Explanation

Photographing provides a permanent form of evidence as it captures an image that can be stored, shared, and referenced indefinitely. Unlike drawing or painting, which are subjective and can be altered or lost over time, a photograph captures an objective representation of the evidence. Videos can also be altered or deleted, whereas photographs are more difficult to manipulate. Therefore, photographing is the most reliable and effective way to provide permanent evidence.

5. What do you use to make a cast?

Plaster of Paris.

Playdough.

Cement.

Nothing, you photograph it.

Dig it up.

Plaster of Paris is commonly used to make casts because it is a versatile and easy-to-use material. It can be mixed with water to create a moldable paste that hardens quickly and retains its shape. Plaster of Paris is commonly used in medical settings to create casts for broken bones or orthopedic supports. It is also used in art and crafts to create molds and sculptures. Playdough is not suitable for making casts as it is not as durable or strong. Cement is too heavy and not moldable enough for this purpose. Photographing or digging up something does not involve making a cast.

Explanation

Plaster of Paris is commonly used to make casts because it is a versatile and easy-to-use material. It can be mixed with water to create a moldable paste that hardens quickly and retains its shape. Plaster of Paris is commonly used in medical settings to create casts for broken bones or orthopedic supports. It is also used in art and crafts to create molds and sculptures. Playdough is not suitable for making casts as it is not as durable or strong. Cement is too heavy and not moldable enough for this purpose. Photographing or digging up something does not involve making a cast.

6. How does the electrostatic print work?

All of the dust stick onto the peice of paper.

All of the dust sticks to the black plastic and foil.

Electrostatic printing works by using static electricity to attract and hold toner particles onto a surface. In this case, the black plastic and foil are likely treated with a static charge, causing the dust particles to be attracted to and stick onto them. This allows for the creation of a printed image or pattern on the plastic and foil surface.

Explanation

Electrostatic printing works by using static electricity to attract and hold toner particles onto a surface. In this case, the black plastic and foil are likely treated with a static charge, causing the dust particles to be attracted to and stick onto them. This allows for the creation of a printed image or pattern on the plastic and foil surface.

7. What can footprint impressions be ruined by?

Rain, snow and thunder.

Rain, wind and animals.

Wind, rain and air.

Footprint impressions can be ruined by rain and wind because they can wash away or distort the shape of the impression. Animals can also ruin footprint impressions by stepping on them or disturbing the surrounding area.

Explanation

Footprint impressions can be ruined by rain and wind because they can wash away or distort the shape of the impression. Animals can also ruin footprint impressions by stepping on them or disturbing the surrounding area.

8. There are 4 types of finger prints, what are they?

Arch, Whorl. Common, Loop

Loop, Composite, Whorl, Bridge

Common, Loop, Arch, Spiral

Composite, Arch, Whorl, Loop

The correct answer is Composite, Arch, Whorl, Loop. This answer correctly identifies the four types of fingerprints. A composite fingerprint is a combination of two or more patterns, such as a loop and a whorl. An arch fingerprint has ridges that slope upward in the center. A whorl fingerprint has circular or spiral patterns. A loop fingerprint has ridges that enter from one side, form a loop, and exit from the same side.

Explanation

The correct answer is Composite, Arch, Whorl, Loop. This answer correctly identifies the four types of fingerprints. A composite fingerprint is a combination of two or more patterns, such as a loop and a whorl. An arch fingerprint has ridges that slope upward in the center. A whorl fingerprint has circular or spiral patterns. A loop fingerprint has ridges that enter from one side, form a loop, and exit from the same side.

9. What does the SOCO do?

Analysis the evidence.

Uses the evidence to do the conviction.

Records the scene.

The correct answer is "Records the scene." The SOCO, which stands for Scenes of Crime Officer, is responsible for documenting and preserving the evidence found at a crime scene. This involves taking photographs, making sketches, and collecting any physical evidence that may be relevant to the investigation. By recording the scene, the SOCO helps ensure that all crucial details are documented accurately, which can be crucial for the investigation and any potential legal proceedings.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Records the scene." The SOCO, which stands for Scenes of Crime Officer, is responsible for documenting and preserving the evidence found at a crime scene. This involves taking photographs, making sketches, and collecting any physical evidence that may be relevant to the investigation. By recording the scene, the SOCO helps ensure that all crucial details are documented accurately, which can be crucial for the investigation and any potential legal proceedings.

10. What is the most common finger print in the UK?

Whorl

Arch

Loop

Composite (mixture)

The most common fingerprint pattern in the UK is a loop. A loop pattern is characterized by ridges that enter from one side of the finger and curve around to exit from the same side. This pattern is often found on the index finger and is the most prevalent type of fingerprint pattern worldwide.

Explanation

The most common fingerprint pattern in the UK is a loop. A loop pattern is characterized by ridges that enter from one side of the finger and curve around to exit from the same side. This pattern is often found on the index finger and is the most prevalent type of fingerprint pattern worldwide.