CSI Terminology

4. Evidence allowing investigators to understand the actions that took place at the scene, such as a blood spatter pattern.
5. Evidence that will quickly lose its value if not preserved, such as blood in the rain.
9. Evidence that links a person or item to the crime scene.
10. Known material taken from a person with lawful access to the scene.
11. Print (finger, palm, or foot) not readily visible under normal lighting.
14. Objects retaining the characteristics of other objects pressed against them, like tool marks.
17. Small quantities of transferred material, like hair, paint chips, or fibers.
18. Documented process that verifies the chronological history and integrity of evidence.
19. Crime scene test providing basic, non-confirming information about a compound.
20. Possessing the potential to provide valuable details to an investigation.

1. Physical evidence like bodily fluids from a human, plant, or animal.
2. Evidence of origin not yet determined, recovered from a crime scene or an offender.
3. Material from a verifiable source used to link an offender, scene, and/or victim to unknown evidence.
6. Theory that everyone entering or exiting a scene deposits or removes material.
7. Chemicals used with an alternate light source to reveal latent prints.
8. Special lighting device to locate and enhance evidence like fluids or fibers.
12. Unwanted transfer of material between two pieces of physical evidence.
13. Initial law enforcement or public safety officers arriving at a scene.
15. Known, uncontaminated material used for comparison to evidence.
16. Individuals like medical personnel, prosecutors, or evidence technicians involved in a scene.
18. Unwanted transfer of material to evidence, like adding your own fingerprint to a weapon.