ABMDI Investigative Documentation and Reports 2

Question 1

The MDI's investigative report should be written in which style?

Accepted Answer

Objective, factual, third-person documentation of observations, actions, and information gathered

Answer

First-person narrative with emotional interpretation of findings

Answer

Legal brief format following state criminal code conventions

Answer

Summary bullet points without narrative explanation

Question 2

When should an MDI complete the initial investigative report?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible after the investigation while details are fresh, per office policy (often within 24-72 hours)

Answer

Within one year of the investigation

Answer

Only after the autopsy is complete and findings are known

Answer

Report completion is optional if law enforcement has already filed a report

Question 3

A photograph taken at a death scene is most useful as evidence when it:

Accepted Answer

Includes a scale marker, proper labeling (case number, date, direction), and is taken before any scene disturbance

Answer

Is taken by law enforcement only, not the MDI

Answer

Shows only the decedent and not the surrounding scene context

Answer

Is taken with maximum zoom to capture only injuries

Question 4

What is the purpose of a scene sketch or diagram in death investigation documentation?

Accepted Answer

To provide a scaled diagram showing spatial relationships between the body, evidence items, and scene features

Answer

To replace the need for photographs in most cases

Answer

To document the MDI's opinion about the manner of death

Answer

To satisfy the medical examiner's administrative filing requirement only

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the opinion section of a medicolegal death investigation report?

Accepted Answer

The MDI may summarize findings and their investigative significance, noting that cause and manner are the medical examiner's determination

Answer

The opinion section is where the MDI states the final cause and manner of death

Answer

MDI reports never include opinion sections

Answer

The opinion must cite at least three peer-reviewed references

Question 6

MDI documentation of time of death should include which of the following elements?

Accepted Answer

The last known alive time, the found-dead time, and estimated postmortem interval range based on scene and physical findings

Answer

The exact time determined by the MDI using postmortem changes only

Answer

Only the coroner's official pronouncement time

Answer

The time listed on the 911 call as the time of death