Forensic Photographer Evidence Preservation & Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real CFP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Forensic Photographer Evidence Preservation & Analysis flashcards as text
Why must the original digital image file be preserved unaltered after capture at a crime scene?
Answer: It serves as the primary evidence and baseline for authenticating any working copies
The original file is the primary evidence, and all analysis or enhancement must be performed on duplicates so authenticity can be verified against it.
A forensic photographer arrives at a scene where bloodstain evidence is exposed to approaching rain. What is the most appropriate first action?
Answer: Photograph the evidence immediately in its original condition before it is altered or protected
Transient or fragile evidence must be photographed in its original, unaltered state before environmental conditions destroy it.
What is the primary purpose of maintaining a photo log at a crime scene?
Answer: To document each exposure's details so the images can be authenticated and reconstructed later
A photo log records frame numbers, subjects, settings, and locations, supporting authentication and scene reconstruction in court.
When photographing an impression in soil for later comparison analysis, the film or sensor plane should be positioned how?
Answer: Parallel to the impression to avoid perspective distortion
Keeping the sensor plane parallel to the impression prevents perspective distortion that would invalidate dimensional comparisons.
Which practice violates proper chain of custody for digital images?
Answer: Deleting blurry or 'bad' frames from the memory card before download
Deleting any frames breaks the continuity of the record and invites allegations that exculpatory or unfavorable images were destroyed.
A scale should be included in examination-quality photographs primarily to allow what?
Answer: Accurate 1:1 reproduction and dimensional measurement of the evidence
A scale in the same plane as the evidence lets examiners enlarge the image to natural size and take reliable measurements.
Why should a photograph of the evidence be taken both with and without a scale or marker?
Answer: To show the scene was not altered and the marker did not conceal anything
The without-marker image proves the scene's original condition and that placed items did not obscure or alter evidence.