CSI Impression and Pattern Evidence 2

Question 1

When casting a tire track impression in soft soil, what material is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Dental stone

Answer

Dental stone is preferred over plaster of Paris because it is harder, more durable, and captures finer detail.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of electrostatic lifting in footwear examination?

Accepted Answer

Lifting dry, dusty shoe impressions from hard surfaces

Answer

An electrostatic lifting device (ESDA) uses static charge to transfer dry dust impressions onto a black lifting film.

Question 3

A bite mark on a victim's skin shows individual tooth characteristics. Which characteristic is NOT typically used in bite mark analysis?

Accepted Answer

Dental enamel color

Answer

Enamel color is not a reliable or useful characteristic in bite mark comparison because skin impressions do not record color.

Question 4

In tire track analysis, what does 'track width' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The distance between the left and right tires on the same axle

Answer

Track width is measured from the center of the left tire to the center of the right tire on the same axle, helping narrow down vehicle type.

Question 5

When photographing a shoe impression in soil at a crime scene, what is the correct oblique lighting angle?

Accepted Answer

A low angle of approximately 10-45 degrees

Answer

Low oblique lighting at 10–45 degrees casts shadows that highlight the three-dimensional detail of the impression.

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test