Investigative Documentation and Reports Flashcards
6 cards from real ABMDI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Investigative Documentation and Reports flashcards as text
The MDI's investigative report should be written in which style?
Answer: Objective, factual, third-person documentation of observations, actions, and information gathered
MDI reports should be objective, factual, and written in a professional format that documents observations and information without personal interpretation or emotional language.
When should an MDI complete the initial investigative report?
Answer: As soon as possible after the investigation while details are fresh, per office policy (often within 24-72 hours)
Initial reports should be completed as soon as possible after the investigation while observations are fresh, typically within the timeframe set by office policy.
A photograph taken at a death scene is most useful as evidence when it:
Answer: Includes a scale marker, proper labeling (case number, date, direction), and is taken before any scene disturbance
Forensic photographs require scale markers for size reference, proper documentation labels, and must be taken before any disturbance to preserve context and admissibility.
What is the purpose of a scene sketch or diagram in death investigation documentation?
Answer: To provide a scaled diagram showing spatial relationships between the body, evidence items, and scene features
Scene sketches document spatial relationships and measurements that photographs cannot fully convey, providing a scaled representation of the scene.
Which of the following best describes the opinion section of a medicolegal death investigation report?
Answer: The MDI may summarize findings and their investigative significance, noting that cause and manner are the medical examiner's determination
MDIs may summarize findings in an opinion section but must be clear that the final cause and manner of death determination belongs to the medical examiner, not the MDI.
MDI documentation of time of death should include which of the following elements?
Answer: The last known alive time, the found-dead time, and estimated postmortem interval range based on scene and physical findings
Time of death documentation should include last known alive time, found dead time, and an estimated postmortem interval range based on multiple physical and environmental findings.