CFI Surveillance Methods & Technology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of camera system is BEST suited for capturing license plates in low-light parking areas at a fire scene?
- Standard CCTV with wide-angle lens
- Infrared-capable IP camera with narrow focal length (Correct answer)
- Pan-tilt-zoom dome camera
- Fisheye lens camera
Correct 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.
Question 2: 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?
- Assume footage was deliberately deleted
- Verify the DVR's recording schedule and storage capacity settings (Correct answer)
- Obtain a warrant for the DVR manufacturer's cloud backup
- Dismiss the footage as unreliable evidence
Correct 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.
Question 3: A drone conducting aerial surveillance of a fire scene must comply with which federal regulatory framework?
- NFPA 921 aerial provisions
- FAA Part 107 regulations (Correct answer)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
- EPA aerial monitoring standards
Correct answer: FAA Part 107 regulations
FAA Part 107 governs commercial drone operations in the United States, including those used for fire investigation aerial surveys.
Question 4: What is the primary advantage of using thermal imaging cameras during post-fire surveillance rather than standard visible-light cameras?
- They produce higher resolution images
- They can detect heat differentials indicating smoldering hot spots (Correct answer)
- They are less expensive to operate
- They provide wider field of view coverage
Correct 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.
Question 5: Social media surveillance as part of a fire investigation is MOST useful for:
- Establishing exact time of ignition
- Identifying persons of interest posting near the scene before the fire (Correct answer)
- Obtaining legally admissible physical evidence
- Replacing traditional witness interviews
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which metadata element found in a surveillance video file is MOST critical for establishing the evidentiary timeline of a fire?
- File compression codec
- Timestamp synchronization and time zone data (Correct answer)
- Camera manufacturer serial number
- Video resolution setting
Correct 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.
Question 7: When conducting covert surveillance on a fire scene for potential arson, an investigator should FIRST:
- Begin photography from a concealed location immediately
- Consult with legal counsel regarding applicable privacy laws (Correct answer)
- Install hidden cameras on private property without notice
- Conduct surveillance only after normal business hours
Correct 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.
CFI Surveillance Methods & Technology 2
Which type of camera system is BEST suited for capturing license plates in low-light parking areas at a fire scene?