Documentation Techniques Flashcards

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:

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Which of the following best describes the main advantage of a crime scene sketch over crime scene photographs?

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.

A photo log is a critical component of crime scene documentation. Its primary purpose is to:

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.