ETC Crime Scene Processing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'zone search' method at a crime scene?
- Dividing the scene into sectors and assigning each to a different searcher (Correct answer)
- Walking in parallel lines across the entire scene
- Searching in an expanding spiral from the center outward
- Following the path the suspect likely traveled
Correct answer: Dividing the scene into sectors and assigning each to a different searcher
The zone search divides the scene into sectors assigned to individual searchers, reducing missed areas and overlapping coverage.
Question 2: When collecting a wet biological stain from fabric, the correct initial packaging is:
- Sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination
- Paper bag after air-drying the item (Correct answer)
- Glass vial with preservative solution
- Aluminum foil envelope
Correct answer: Paper bag after air-drying the item
Wet biological evidence must be air-dried before packaging in paper to prevent mold growth and DNA degradation.
Question 3: A technician discovers latent prints on a firearm. What is the recommended sequence before processing?
- Photograph, render safe, process for prints, then swab for DNA
- Render safe, photograph, swab for DNA, then process for prints (Correct answer)
- Render safe, process for prints, then photograph
- Photograph, swab for DNA, process for prints, then render safe
Correct answer: Render safe, photograph, swab for DNA, then process for prints
Firearms must be rendered safe first for officer safety, then documented, with DNA swabbing done before print processing to avoid cross-contamination.
Question 4: The primary purpose of using an alternate light source (ALS) at a crime scene is to:
- Illuminate dark areas for general photography
- Visualize trace evidence and biological stains not visible to the naked eye (Correct answer)
- Sterilize surfaces before swabbing
- Verify the color accuracy of evidence items
Correct answer: Visualize trace evidence and biological stains not visible to the naked eye
ALS causes certain substances—such as body fluids, fibers, and latent prints—to fluoresce, making otherwise invisible evidence detectable.
Question 5: Which documentation method provides the most accurate spatial data for reconstructing a crime scene?
- Narrative report
- Sketching with compass bearings only
- Total station or 3D laser scanning (Correct answer)
- Handheld GPS coordinates
Correct answer: Total station or 3D laser scanning
Total stations and 3D laser scanners capture precise x, y, z coordinates of all scene elements, enabling accurate reconstruction.
Question 6: An evidence technician notes a strong smell of accelerant at a fire scene. The first step should be to:
- Immediately collect soil samples from all burned areas
- Notify the fire investigator and ensure scene safety before collecting samples (Correct answer)
- Pour water on suspected accelerant areas to stabilize them
- Photograph from inside the structure before any assessment
Correct answer: Notify the fire investigator and ensure scene safety before collecting samples
Scene safety must be confirmed and the appropriate specialist notified before evidence collection begins at a fire scene.
Question 7: When documenting a bloodstain pattern, a technician should record which of the following in addition to photographs?
- Only the stain size
- Location, size, shape, distribution, and measurements relative to fixed reference points (Correct answer)
- The suspected blood type
- The humidity level only
Correct answer: Location, size, shape, distribution, and measurements relative to fixed reference points
Complete bloodstain documentation includes location, dimensions, shape, pattern type, and precise measurements tied to fixed reference points for reconstruction.
ETC Crime Scene Processing 2
Which of the following best describes the 'zone search' method at a crime scene?