CSI Documentation Techniques 3

Question 1

What information must appear on every evidence label or tag at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Item number, date/time collected, collector's initials, and case number

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

25–30% overlap

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Locating evidence by measuring from a single straight reference line

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Laser scanning (3D LiDAR scanning)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Before any evidence is moved or processed, as an initial overview

Answer

Video documentation should occur as an initial overview before evidence is moved, capturing the scene in its original undisturbed state.

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test