Surveillance Methods & Technology Flashcards
7 cards from real CFI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Surveillance Methods & Technology flashcards as text
Which type of camera system is BEST suited for capturing license plates in low-light parking areas at a fire scene?
Answer: Infrared-capable IP camera with narrow focal length
Infrared-capable IP cameras with narrow focal lengths provide sufficient illumination and resolution to capture plate details in low-light environments.
When reviewing DVR footage from a business near a fire scene, the investigator notices a 2-hour gap in the recording. What is the FIRST investigative step?
Answer: Verify the DVR's recording schedule and storage capacity settings
Investigators must first rule out technical explanations such as scheduled recording gaps or storage overwrites before assuming intentional deletion.
A drone conducting aerial surveillance of a fire scene must comply with which federal regulatory framework?
Answer: FAA Part 107 regulations
FAA Part 107 governs commercial drone operations in the United States, including those used for fire investigation aerial surveys.
What is the primary advantage of using thermal imaging cameras during post-fire surveillance rather than standard visible-light cameras?
Answer: They can detect heat differentials indicating smoldering hot spots
Thermal cameras detect infrared radiation, enabling investigators to locate residual heat signatures that may indicate rekindling risks or origin areas.
Social media surveillance as part of a fire investigation is MOST useful for:
Answer: Identifying persons of interest posting near the scene before the fire
Social media posts with geolocation or timestamps can place suspects near a scene and identify persons of interest for further investigation.
Which metadata element found in a surveillance video file is MOST critical for establishing the evidentiary timeline of a fire?
Answer: Timestamp synchronization and time zone data
Accurate timestamps synchronized to a known reference allow investigators to correlate footage with the fire timeline and other evidence.
When conducting covert surveillance on a fire scene for potential arson, an investigator should FIRST:
Answer: Consult with legal counsel regarding applicable privacy laws
Privacy laws vary by jurisdiction, and legal guidance ensures surveillance activities are admissible and do not expose investigators to liability.