Unit 3: Documentation of Crime Scene - Practice Quiz

FSC110 — Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory 60 Questions
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1 What is a crime scene sketch primarily used for?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Replacing the need for photographs entirely
B. Recording accurate measurements and locations of evidence
C. Identifying fingerprints at the scene
D. Determining the time of death

2 A rough sketch of a crime scene is usually prepared:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Only after leaving the scene
B. By the courtroom artist
C. At the scene during the investigation
D. Weeks after the investigation

3 Which statement about a rough sketch is TRUE?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. It is never used in court
B. It is prepared in an office
C. It is not drawn to scale
D. It is always drawn to exact scale

4 The final sketch of a crime scene is characterized by being:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Made without measurements
B. Drawn freehand at the scene
C. Drawn to scale and neatly prepared
D. Incomplete and rough

5 The sketching method that measures an object from two fixed points is called:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Triangulation method
B. Baseline method
C. Polar coordinate method
D. Compass point method

6 The method where evidence is measured from two fixed walls at right angles is known as the:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Rectangular coordinate method
B. Polar method
C. Triangulation method
D. Grid method

7 Which of the following should a crime scene sketch always include?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. The suspect's confession
B. The investigator's opinion
C. A legend or key
D. A photograph of the victim

8 An indicator showing direction on a crime scene sketch is the:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Scale bar
B. Title block
C. Legend
D. Compass direction (North arrow)

9 Which sketching method is most suitable for large outdoor crime scenes?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Triangulation method
B. Elevation method
C. Cross-projection method
D. Rectangular coordinate method

10 In the baseline method, evidence is measured relative to:

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. The nearest tree only
B. A moving vehicle
C. The photographer's position
D. A straight reference line

11 Why are fixed reference points important in outdoor sketching?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. They allow the scene to be reconstructed later
B. They replace measurements
C. They remove the need for a legend
D. They speed up photography

12 Which of these is a good fixed reference point for an outdoor scene?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. A wandering pedestrian
B. A permanent utility pole
C. A parked car that may move
D. A pile of leaves

13 The grid method of sketching divides the scene into:

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Triangles only
B. Random circles
C. Squares of equal size
D. A single straight line

14 What information should be noted on every crime scene sketch?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Easy
A. Jury instructions
B. The weather forecast for next week
C. The suspect's alibi
D. Date, time, and location

15 The first photographs taken at a crime scene should be:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. Photos of the investigators
B. Photos taken after evidence is moved
C. Extreme close-ups only
D. Overall (long-range) views

16 Which sequence correctly describes crime scene photography?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. Mid-range, close-up, then overall
B. Close-up, overall, then mid-range
C. Close-up, mid-range, then overall
D. Overall, mid-range, then close-up

17 A scale (ruler) is placed next to evidence in a photograph to:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. Add decoration
B. Replace measurements in the sketch
C. Hide part of the evidence
D. Show the size of the evidence

18 Crime scene photographs should ideally be taken:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. After cleaning the scene
B. Before any evidence is moved
C. Only once at the end
D. After evidence is collected

19 A photograph taken with a scale is called a:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. Silhouette photograph
B. Overall photograph
C. Comparison (or evidence-establishing) photograph
D. Panoramic photograph

20 What is a photographic log used for?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Easy
A. Recording details of each photo taken
B. Interviewing witnesses
C. Storing physical evidence
D. Sketching the scene

21 An investigator is sketching a rectangular room where a body lies near the center. To fix the exact position of the body, the investigator measures its distance from two adjacent walls at right angles. Which sketching method is being applied?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Baseline method
B. Triangulation method
C. Polar coordinate method
D. Rectangular coordinate method

22 While making a rough sketch of an indoor scene, an officer records measurements to a piece of evidence from two fixed reference points (e.g., two corners of a doorway) and notes both distances. Which method produces the intersecting-arc fix used here?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Triangulation method
B. Grid method
C. Rectangular coordinate method
D. Cross-projection method

23 To show blood spatter on the walls and the position of items on the floor simultaneously, an investigator draws the room as if the walls have been folded outward flat around the floor plan. This technique is called the:

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Baseline method
B. Rectangular coordinate method
C. Bird's-eye method
D. Cross-projection (exploded) method

24 A rough sketch is drawn at the scene while a final sketch is prepared later. Which statement correctly distinguishes the two?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Both are always drawn to exact scale using drafting tools
B. The rough sketch is drawn to scale, while the final sketch is freehand
C. The final sketch omits measurements to keep it uncluttered
D. The rough sketch is not to scale, while the final sketch is drawn to scale

25 A room measures 6 m by 4 m and is drawn on paper at a scale of . What are the dimensions of the room on the final sketch?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A.
B.
C.
D.

26 Which element is considered essential on every crime scene sketch, whether rough or final?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. A colored artistic rendering of the room
B. A photograph of the investigator
C. A legend/key and a direction indicator (North arrow)
D. Only the case number

27 At a large outdoor scene, an investigator establishes a straight reference line between two fixed points and measures each item's perpendicular distance from that line plus its distance along it. Which method is being used?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Triangulation method
B. Baseline method
C. Rectangular coordinate method
D. Cross-projection method

28 Why is the triangulation method often preferred over the rectangular coordinate method for outdoor crime scenes?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Triangulation does not require any reference points
B. Triangulation avoids the need for any measurements
C. Rectangular coordinates cannot be measured with a tape
D. Outdoor scenes usually lack two perpendicular fixed walls, but fixed reference points can still be chosen

29 An item is located by measuring its distance and its angle (bearing) from a single fixed reference point. This outdoor sketching technique is the:

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Baseline method
B. Grid method
C. Polar coordinate method
D. Rectangular coordinate method

30 When choosing reference points for an outdoor triangulation sketch, which choice is most appropriate?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Temporary police barrier tape
B. Loose rocks scattered near the evidence
C. Parked vehicles that may be moved later
D. Permanent immovable objects such as building corners or fixed posts

31 A very large outdoor field is divided into equal squares with two sets of perpendicular parallel lines, and evidence positions are recorded by their square. Which sketching method is described?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. Grid method
B. Triangulation method
C. Polar coordinate method
D. Baseline method

32 Two reference points are 20 m apart along a baseline. An item lies 8 m along the baseline from the first point and 3 m perpendicular from it. On a final sketch, where is the item plotted?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Medium
A. along and perpendicular
B. along and perpendicular
C. along and perpendicular
D. along and perpendicular

33 Crime scene photographs are generally taken in a specific sequence. Which order correctly reflects that progression?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Mid-range → close-up → overall
B. Close-up → mid-range → overall
C. Close-up → overall → mid-range
D. Overall (long-range) → mid-range → close-up

34 Why is a scale (ruler) placed beside an item in a close-up photograph, and why is a second photo often taken without it?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. The scale shows true size, while a photo without it proves the scene was not altered
B. Both photos are identical and one is a backup only
C. The scale replaces the need for measurements in the sketch
D. The scale adds color, while the second photo improves lighting

35 For close-up photography of small evidence such as a fingerprint or toolmark, the camera should ideally be positioned so that the film/sensor plane is:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Parallel to the surface of the evidence
B. At a 45° angle to the evidence
C. Tilted to catch reflected light
D. As far as possible from the evidence

36 A photographic log should be maintained during crime scene photography. Which set of details is it primarily meant to record?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Only the names of officers present at the scene
B. Weather forecasts for the following week
C. Photo number, description, distance, and camera settings for each shot
D. The retail price of the camera equipment used

37 When photographing an outdoor scene in bright midday sunlight that casts harsh shadows over evidence, the best practice is to:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Photograph directly into the sun for contrast
B. Avoid taking any close-up shots outdoors
C. Use fill flash or a diffuser to reduce harsh shadows
D. Wait until complete darkness before photographing

38 Which statement about the relationship between crime scene photographs and sketches is correct?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Photographs capture detail but not accurate distances, so sketches provide precise measurements
B. Photographs are drawn to scale while sketches are not
C. Photographs alone are sufficient and sketches are unnecessary
D. Sketches show true colors better than photographs

39 In an indoor room, an investigator wants overall photographs that show all four corners and the full layout. The most effective approach is to:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Photograph from each corner toward the opposite side of the room
B. Take a single photo from the room's exact center
C. Photograph only the doorway from outside
D. Use only extreme close-ups of the walls

40 Which principle guides the sequence and completeness of crime scene photography before any evidence is moved?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Medium
A. Photograph the scene in its original, undisturbed condition first
B. Photograph only the items that appear most important
C. Move evidence to better lighting before photographing
D. Clean the scene to improve photo clarity

41 An investigator is sketching a rectangular room where a body lies near the center. To fix the body's position using the triangulation method, which minimum set of measurements is required for a single point on the body?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. One perpendicular distance from a single wall to that point
B. Two perpendicular distances from two adjacent walls to that point
C. Two distances from two fixed reference points to that single point
D. One distance and one interior angle from a single reference point

42 In the rectangular coordinate (baseline offset) method for an indoor scene, why are two mutually perpendicular walls chosen as reference axes rather than an arbitrary baseline?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Walls are always longer than any drawn baseline
B. It allows the sketcher to avoid measuring the body entirely
C. Walls provide fixed, permanent right-angle references that simplify perpendicular measurements
D. It eliminates the need for a scale on the final sketch

43 A final indoor sketch is drawn to a scale of . A wall measuring in reality should be drawn as what length on paper?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A.
B.
C.
D.

44 The cross-projection (exploded) sketch is uniquely suited for an indoor scene when evidence is located on which surfaces?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Only on the floor near the entrance
B. Only outdoors on the ground surface
C. Only on movable furniture
D. On the walls and ceiling as well as the floor

45 Which statement correctly distinguishes the rough sketch from the final sketch of an indoor scene?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. The rough sketch is drawn at the scene without scale; the final sketch is drawn to scale
B. The final sketch omits the legend that the rough sketch contains
C. Both must be drawn to exact scale at the scene
D. The rough sketch is drawn to scale; the final sketch is freehand

46 When two objects in a room must both be located, an investigator uses triangulation but selects reference points that are only apart. What is the primary problem this introduces?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Triangulation cannot be used with any two fixed points
B. The measurements become impossible to record
C. Intersecting arcs meet at a very shallow angle, reducing positional accuracy
D. The scale of the final sketch automatically changes

47 An indoor sketch legend lists items keyed by letters and numbers. What is the correct role of the legend relative to the sketch body?

preparing rough and final sketch for indoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. It replaces the need for a compass direction
B. It substitutes for taking photographs
C. It identifies symbols so the sketch stays uncluttered and unambiguous
D. It records the exact scale ratio only

48 In a large open field with no fixed structures, which sketching method is generally most appropriate for locating scattered evidence?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Baseline method using a fixed reference line between two permanent points
B. Rectangular coordinate method using room walls
C. Cross-projection method
D. Compass-point method from a single doorway

49 An outdoor scene sketch shows a body located using the polar/azimuth (compass point) coordinate method. What two pieces of data fix each point?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Two perpendicular offsets from a baseline
B. A single perpendicular from the nearest road
C. A distance and a bearing angle from a fixed reference point
D. Two distances from two reference points

50 Why must an outdoor final sketch always include a north arrow and, ideally, GPS coordinates of the datum point?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. To allow the scene to be relocated and oriented later without permanent walls as reference
B. To indicate the wind direction at the time of the crime
C. To identify which investigator drew the sketch
D. To replace the requirement for a scale bar

51 An outdoor baseline of is drawn to scale on a sheet where . An item lies along the baseline with a perpendicular offset. Its plotted coordinates from the baseline origin are:

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. along, offset
B. along, offset
C. along, offset
D. along, offset

52 A scene spans uneven, sloping terrain. What error most commonly arises if only horizontal (map) distances are recorded while measuring along the slope?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. The compass bearings become inverted
B. Recorded distances exceed true horizontal distances, distorting plotted positions
C. The baseline can no longer be drawn
D. The scale ratio doubles automatically

53 For a vehicle collision spread across a highway, which combination best documents both the roadway geometry and evidence positions on a final outdoor sketch?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. Cross-projection of the road surface onto the sky
B. Baseline along the road centerline with perpendicular offsets to each item
C. Compass bearings taken from inside a building 200 m away
D. Triangulation from two moving vehicles

54 Why is the triangulation method sometimes preferred over the baseline method for a small outdoor scene bounded by two permanent corners of a building?

drafting rough and final sketch for outdoor crime scene using different sketching methods Hard
A. It automatically corrects for slope
B. It works only when no permanent references exist
C. Fixed building corners give two accurate, permanent reference points for arc intersection
D. It removes the need to record any distances

55 In the standard photographic progression of a scene, what is the correct sequence?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. Close-up, then overall, then mid-range
B. Mid-range, then close-up, then overall
C. Overall (long-range), then mid-range, then close-up
D. Close-up, then mid-range, then overall

56 When photographing a small item of evidence for identification and measurement, why is a scale placed at the same plane as the item and a second photo taken without the scale?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. Two photos are required only outdoors
B. The without-scale image proves the scene was unaltered; same-plane scale ensures accurate size
C. The scale changes the item's color
D. The scale must always block part of the item

57 An indoor scene photographed at night uses direct on-camera flash, producing harsh shadows and hotspots on a glossy floor. Which technique best preserves detail without altering the scene?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. Moving objects into a lit corner before shooting
B. Increasing the flash power to maximum
C. Using only the camera's built-in flash at close range
D. Bounce or off-camera flash with painting-with-light for large dark areas

58 Why should the crime scene photographer maintain a detailed photo log recording each frame's number, subject, and settings?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. It determines the camera's shutter speed automatically
B. It authenticates each image and links it to the scene for admissibility
C. It replaces the need for a final scale sketch
D. It is only needed for outdoor scenes

59 For outdoor evidence photography in bright midday sun creating deep shadows across a footwear impression, the best corrective technique is:

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. Photographing directly into the sun
B. Waiting until full darkness with no artificial light
C. Using maximum aperture with no additional light
D. Oblique (side) lighting with fill flash or a reflector to reveal impression detail

60 A mid-range photograph must show the spatial relationship between a weapon and a doorway. Which composition principle is most important?

recording indoor and outdoor crime scene by photography method Hard
A. Fill the frame entirely with the weapon
B. Include both the evidence and a recognizable fixed feature in one frame
C. Use extreme close-up macro focus only
D. Exclude all background features