Crime Scene Documentation and Reporting Flashcards
7 cards from real CSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Crime Scene Documentation and Reporting flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'baseline measurement' technique in crime scene sketching?
Answer: To establish a fixed reference line from which measurements to evidence are taken
The baseline technique uses a straight reference line (often a wall) from which perpendicular measurements locate evidence precisely on the sketch.
Which type of crime scene sketch shows a bird's-eye view of the scene?
Answer: Floor plan (overhead) sketch
A floor plan or overhead sketch depicts the scene from directly above, showing the spatial relationship between evidence and fixed structures.
When documenting bite mark evidence on a victim, the most critical supplemental measurement tool is:
Answer: An ABFO No. 2 scale
The ABFO No. 2 scale is the forensic standard for bite mark photography because it provides circular reference points and L-shaped rulers for accurate distortion correction.
A supplemental report filed after the initial crime scene report typically documents:
Answer: New evidence, additional interviews, or updated findings discovered after initial filing
Supplemental reports capture new information, follow-up actions, and updated findings that arise after the initial report has been filed.
The 'triangulation' method in crime scene sketching involves:
Answer: Measuring the distance from an evidence item to two fixed points
Triangulation locates evidence by measuring its distance from two fixed, known points, creating a triangle that precisely fixes the item's position.
Why should crime scene video documentation be recorded before still photography when possible?
Answer: Video provides an uninterrupted, dynamic overview before the scene is disturbed by still camera positioning
Video captures the scene in its most pristine state with continuous motion before investigators move around for still photography, providing the most authentic initial overview.
What information is typically recorded in an evidence log at the crime scene?
Answer: Item number, description, location found, collector's name, date, and time
An evidence log records each item's identifying number, physical description, precise location, who collected it, and when, establishing the foundation of chain of custody.