CSI Crime Scene Documentation and Reporting 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'baseline measurement' technique in crime scene sketching?
- To measure the height of objects at the scene
- To establish a fixed reference line from which measurements to evidence are taken (Correct answer)
- To determine the time of death
- To calculate the trajectory of projectiles
Correct answer: To establish a fixed reference line from which measurements to evidence are taken
The baseline technique uses a straight reference line (often a wall) from which perpendicular measurements locate evidence precisely on the sketch.
Question 2: Which type of crime scene sketch shows a bird's-eye view of the scene?
- Elevation sketch
- Exploded sketch
- Floor plan (overhead) sketch (Correct answer)
- Cross-section sketch
Correct answer: Floor plan (overhead) sketch
A floor plan or overhead sketch depicts the scene from directly above, showing the spatial relationship between evidence and fixed structures.
Question 3: When documenting bite mark evidence on a victim, the most critical supplemental measurement tool is:
- A steel tape measure
- An ABFO No. 2 scale (Correct answer)
- A standard ruler
- A grid overlay
Correct answer: An ABFO No. 2 scale
The ABFO No. 2 scale is the forensic standard for bite mark photography because it provides circular reference points and L-shaped rulers for accurate distortion correction.
Question 4: A supplemental report filed after the initial crime scene report typically documents:
- Only information that contradicts the original report
- New evidence, additional interviews, or updated findings discovered after initial filing (Correct answer)
- The investigator's personal opinions on the case
- Only laboratory results
Correct answer: New evidence, additional interviews, or updated findings discovered after initial filing
Supplemental reports capture new information, follow-up actions, and updated findings that arise after the initial report has been filed.
Question 5: The 'triangulation' method in crime scene sketching involves:
- Using three reference photos taken from different angles
- Measuring the distance from an evidence item to two fixed points (Correct answer)
- Dividing the scene into three equal zones
- Using three investigators to independently sketch the scene
Correct answer: Measuring the distance from an evidence item to two fixed points
Triangulation locates evidence by measuring its distance from two fixed, known points, creating a triangle that precisely fixes the item's position.
Question 6: Why should crime scene video documentation be recorded before still photography when possible?
- Video is legally superior to photographs in court
- Video provides an uninterrupted, dynamic overview before the scene is disturbed by still camera positioning (Correct answer)
- Still cameras cannot capture wide angles
- Video takes less time than photography
Correct answer: Video provides an uninterrupted, dynamic overview before the scene is disturbed by still camera positioning
Video captures the scene in its most pristine state with continuous motion before investigators move around for still photography, providing the most authentic initial overview.
Question 7: What information is typically recorded in an evidence log at the crime scene?
- Only the names of suspects
- Item number, description, location found, collector's name, date, and time (Correct answer)
- Lab analysis results and conclusions
- Witness statements and interview transcripts
Correct answer: Item number, description, location found, collector's name, date, and time
An evidence log records each item's identifying number, physical description, precise location, who collected it, and when, establishing the foundation of chain of custody.
CSI Crime Scene Documentation and Reporting 3
What is the purpose of a 'baseline measurement' technique in crime scene sketching?