​FORENSIC BASICS-VOCABULARY

​FORENSIC BASICS-VOCABULARY

By Jennifer Lindauer

​

CRIME SCENE BASICS

GENERAL TERMS- THESE ARE WORDS THAT ARE COMMONLY USED IN FORENSICS. YOU WILL SEE THEM FREQUENTLY.

CRIME SCENE

Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred.  

PRIMARY CRIME SCENE

The original location of a crime or accident.

SECONDARY CRIME SCENE

An alternate location where additional evidence may be found.

SUSPECT

Person thought to be capable of committing a crime.

Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime.

​ACCOMPLICE

Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime.

​ALIBI

Reason a person commits a crime, such as money, hate, or jealousy.

​MOTIVE

PERSONNEL- the people who are employed in a company, organization, or one of the armed forceS

CSI-CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

​​CSI Personnel

typically the first to arrive at a crime scene. They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is destroyed and detaining persons of interest in the crime.

POLICE OFFICERS

Interview witnesses, victims, and consult with the CSI unit to investigate by following leads provided by testimonial and physical evidence.

DETECTIVES

Documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence using the correct tools, equipment, and procedures.

CSI UNIT

Scientists who analyze, compare, identify and interpret physical evidence to provide clues about a crime; often specialize in specific types of evidence

CRIMINALISTS