BSFS Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of photographing a crime scene before any evidence is collected or moved?
- To document the original, undisturbed condition of the scene for the record (Correct answer)
- To identify suspects present at the scene
- To replace the need for written notes
- To satisfy media requirements for public disclosure
Correct answer: To document the original, undisturbed condition of the scene for the record
Pre-collection photography permanently documents the scene as found, establishing a baseline that cannot be reproduced once evidence is disturbed.
Question 2: The 'zone search method' at a crime scene involves:
- Dividing the scene into sections and systematically searching each area (Correct answer)
- Searching only the zone immediately surrounding the body
- Using concentric circles radiating outward from a central point
- Assigning each officer to search a random portion of the scene
Correct answer: Dividing the scene into sections and systematically searching each area
The zone method divides the scene into defined quadrants or sections so each area receives thorough, systematic coverage without overlap or gaps.
Question 3: Which type of fingerprint is deposited by the oils and sweat on the skin and is not visible without development techniques?
- Latent fingerprint (Correct answer)
- Patent fingerprint
- Plastic fingerprint
- Impressed fingerprint
Correct answer: Latent fingerprint
Latent fingerprints are invisible deposits of sweat and oils that require physical, chemical, or optical development techniques to visualize.
Question 4: Locard's Exchange Principle states that:
- Every contact between a person and a scene results in a mutual transfer of trace evidence (Correct answer)
- Criminals always leave DNA at the scene
- Evidence transfers only from the victim to the perpetrator
- Physical evidence is always visible to the naked eye
Correct answer: Every contact between a person and a scene results in a mutual transfer of trace evidence
Edmond Locard proposed that any contact between two objects results in a cross-transfer of material, forming the foundational basis of trace evidence analysis.
Question 5: Which packaging material should NOT be used to store biological evidence such as bloodstained clothing?
- Airtight plastic bags (Correct answer)
- Paper bags
- Paper envelopes
- Brown paper packaging
Correct answer: Airtight plastic bags
Airtight plastic bags trap moisture, promoting bacterial growth that degrades biological evidence such as DNA; paper packaging allows moisture to escape.
Question 6: The term 'point of entry' in crime scene investigation refers to:
- The location where the perpetrator gained access to the crime scene (Correct answer)
- Where the first responder enters the scene
- The victim's position when discovered
- The starting point for the search grid
Correct answer: The location where the perpetrator gained access to the crime scene
Identifying the point of entry helps investigators understand how access was gained, which may yield physical evidence such as tool marks, glass, or fingerprints.
BSFS Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence Collection 1
What is the primary purpose of photographing a crime scene before any evidence is collected or moved?