CSI - Crime Scene Investigator Crime Scene Documentation Techniques Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An investigator is documenting a crime scene with photography. They take a wide shot of the entire room, then a photo showing the relationship of a firearm to a nearby table, and finally a detailed picture of the firearm's serial number with a scale. This three-step process is known as:
- Triangulation photography
- Overall, mid-range, and close-up photography (Correct answer)
- Systematic evidence capture
- Perspective grid photography
Correct answer: Overall, mid-range, and close-up photography
The standard method for crime scene photography involves taking three types of photographs: overall, mid-range, and close-up. Overall photos capture the entire scene, mid-range photos show the relationship between evidence and fixed objects, and close-up photos detail specific items of evidence.
Question 2: When creating a crime scene sketch, which measurement technique is most commonly used to document the location of evidence by taking two measurements from fixed points to the evidence item, thereby forming a triangle?
- Rectangular coordinates
- Baseline method
- Polar coordinates
- Triangulation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Triangulation
Triangulation is a fundamental sketching and mapping method where two measurements are taken from two fixed points (like the corners of a room) to the center of a piece of evidence. This creates a triangle, accurately fixing the evidence's position in the sketch.
Question 3: A CSI is compiling their notes after processing a homicide scene. Which of the following pieces of information is considered an essential element that MUST be included in the crime scene notes?
- The investigator's personal opinion on a potential suspect
- A list of all media personnel present outside the perimeter
- The names of personnel who collected specific items of evidence (Correct answer)
- The brand name of the camera used for photography
Correct answer: The names of personnel who collected specific items of evidence
Crime scene notes must be a factual and objective record. Essential details include who discovered, handled, and collected each piece of evidence to maintain the chain of custody. Personal opinions, media presence, and specific equipment brands (unless required by agency policy) are not considered essential documentation for the integrity of the scene itself.
Question 4: During the video documentation of a large outdoor crime scene, the videographer starts by recording the surrounding area, including landmarks and access roads, before slowly moving toward the central area of the scene. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
- To allow the camera's sensor to adjust to the lighting conditions
- To provide a sense of scale for the evidence that will be shown later
- To orient the viewer and show the overall layout and context of the scene (Correct answer)
- To create a continuous, unedited recording for admissibility in court
Correct answer: To orient the viewer and show the overall layout and context of the scene
Videography of a crime scene should start with wide, overall shots to orient the viewer. This provides context for the scene, showing its location relative to surroundings before moving to more specific details, similar to the principle of overall photography.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the main advantage of a crime scene sketch over crime scene photographs?
- Sketches can be created more quickly than taking comprehensive photographs.
- Sketches can accurately represent the spatial relationships and distances between objects. (Correct answer)
- Sketches capture the emotional atmosphere of the crime scene.
- Sketches are considered more objective and less prone to distortion than photographs.
Correct answer: Sketches can accurately represent the spatial relationships and distances between objects.
While photographs are crucial, they can sometimes distort perspectives and distances. A properly prepared sketch provides an accurate, top-down view with precise measurements that clearly depicts the spatial relationships between items of evidence and key features of the scene.
Question 6: A photo log is a critical component of crime scene documentation. Its primary purpose is to:
- Record the camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) for each photograph taken.
- Provide a written record linking each photograph to its description, location, and time. (Correct answer)
- Serve as a release form for individuals who may appear in the background of photos.
- Track the battery life and memory card usage of the camera during the investigation.
Correct answer: Provide a written record linking each photograph to its description, location, and time.
The photo log is a running record of all photographs taken at a scene. It includes the photo number, the time it was taken, a description of what the photo depicts, and its location, ensuring that the visual evidence is properly cataloged and understandable later.
CSI - Crime Scene Investigator Crime Scene Documentation Techniques Questions and Answers 1
An investigator is documenting a crime scene with photography.
They take a wide shot of the entire room, then a photo showing the relationship of a firearm to a nearby table, and finally a detailed picture of the firearm's serial number with a scale.
This three-step process is known as: