CFP Forensic Photographer Evidence Preservation & Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why must the original digital image file be preserved unaltered after capture at a crime scene?
- It serves as the primary evidence and baseline for authenticating any working copies (Correct answer)
- It allows faster uploading to cloud storage
- It reduces the number of photographs needed at trial
- It prevents the camera sensor from degrading
Correct 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.
Question 2: A forensic photographer arrives at a scene where bloodstain evidence is exposed to approaching rain. What is the most appropriate first action?
- Photograph the evidence immediately in its original condition before it is altered or protected (Correct answer)
- Wait for the lead detective to finish the walkthrough
- Cover the stain with plastic and photograph it later
- Collect a swab first and photograph the swab
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a photo log at a crime scene?
- To document each exposure's details so the images can be authenticated and reconstructed later (Correct answer)
- To calculate the photographer's billable hours
- To decide which images to delete in-camera
- To track battery and memory card usage
Correct 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.
Question 4: When photographing an impression in soil for later comparison analysis, the film or sensor plane should be positioned how?
- Parallel to the impression to avoid perspective distortion (Correct answer)
- At a 45-degree angle to add depth
- Perpendicular to the light source
- As close as the lens will focus regardless of angle
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which practice violates proper chain of custody for digital images?
- Deleting blurry or 'bad' frames from the memory card before download (Correct answer)
- Recording the transfer of the memory card to the evidence custodian
- Generating hash values for image files at download
- Storing original files on write-protected media
Correct 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.
Question 6: A scale should be included in examination-quality photographs primarily to allow what?
- Accurate 1:1 reproduction and dimensional measurement of the evidence (Correct answer)
- Automatic white balance correction
- Identification of the photographer
- Faster autofocus in low light
Correct 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.
Question 7: Why should a photograph of the evidence be taken both with and without a scale or marker?
- To show the scene was not altered and the marker did not conceal anything (Correct answer)
- To double the number of billable images
- Because scales cause lens flare
- To test two different exposure settings
Correct 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.
CFP Forensic Photographer Evidence Preservation & Analysis 2
Why must the original digital image file be preserved unaltered after capture at a crime scene?