CSI Documentation Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What information must appear on every evidence label or tag at a crime scene?
- Only the item number
- Item number, date/time collected, collector's initials, and case number (Correct answer)
- The suspect's name and photograph
- The estimated value of the item
Correct answer: Item number, date/time collected, collector's initials, and case number
Evidence labels must include item number, date/time collected, collector's initials, and case number to maintain a complete chain of custody.
Question 2: In 360-degree crime scene photography, what is the recommended overlap between adjacent photos?
- No overlap needed
- 10–15% overlap
- 25–30% overlap (Correct answer)
- 50–60% overlap
Correct answer: 25–30% overlap
A 25–30% overlap between adjacent photos ensures complete coverage and allows photos to be stitched into panoramic or 3D reconstructions.
Question 3: What is the 'baseline method' used for in crime scene sketching?
- Establishing the time of death
- Locating evidence by measuring from a single straight reference line (Correct answer)
- Photographing evidence at baseline exposure
- Determining the baseline temperature of biological evidence
Correct answer: Locating evidence by measuring from a single straight reference line
The baseline method locates evidence by taking perpendicular measurements from a single straight reference line such as a wall or roadway edge.
Question 4: Which documentation method is considered the 'gold standard' for preserving a crime scene in three dimensions?
- Sketch with measurements
- Standard photography
- Laser scanning (3D LiDAR scanning) (Correct answer)
- Video walkthrough
Correct answer: Laser scanning (3D LiDAR scanning)
3D LiDAR laser scanning captures millions of precise data points to create an accurate three-dimensional model of the entire crime scene.
Question 5: When should video documentation of a crime scene ideally occur?
- After all evidence has been collected and packaged
- Only if photographs are unavailable
- Before any evidence is moved or processed, as an initial overview (Correct answer)
- At the end of processing to show the scene cleared
Correct answer: Before any evidence is moved or processed, as an initial overview
Video documentation should occur as an initial overview before evidence is moved, capturing the scene in its original undisturbed state.
Question 6: What does 'establish, medium, and close-up' refer to in crime scene photography?
- Three different camera models used at scenes
- A three-shot progression that documents evidence in context and detail (Correct answer)
- Lighting levels used for indoor scenes
- The sequence in which witnesses are interviewed
Correct answer: A three-shot progression that documents evidence in context and detail
The establish, medium, and close-up progression ensures evidence is documented showing its location in context and then in increasing detail.
Question 7: Why is a scale (ruler or measuring tape) placed next to evidence before photographing it?
- To add color contrast to the photo
- To show the actual size of the evidence item in the photograph (Correct answer)
- To indicate where officers should not step
- To satisfy chain-of-custody requirements
Correct answer: To show the actual size of the evidence item in the photograph
A scale in the photograph allows viewers to determine the actual size of the evidence item when reviewing the image later.
CSI Documentation Techniques 3
What information must appear on every evidence label or tag at a crime scene?