FRSC 1011 EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Initial notes should include - Answer -Who contacted the investigator, when the contact
was made, what the case entails, including case #, case type (fatal stabbing etc.),
names and birthdates of victims and witnesess. Where the scene is located including
discription. Date and time of arrivals of all investigators and well as recording names of
who is being contacted
what should a sketch include? - Answer -labled with case numbers, type of case, dates,
lead investigators with assistance. Measurments, ledgend, compass showing north
when collecting evidence, what should be recorded? - Answer -The person who
collects a piece of evidence should note who found it, where it was located, how it was
packaged, who packaged it, and when it was packaged. The notes should also mention
whether the evidence underwent any field tests or processing.
If a victim is present at a homicide scene what should be recorded? - Answer -the
investigator should observe and record the state of the body before the medical
examiner or coroner moves it. The notes should describe the victim's appearance and
record the position of the body and any visible wounds or blood spatter. The investigator
should make note of any identifying features or marks on the body, such as tattoos.
Besides notes about the victim, what should also be recorded about the victim? -
Answer -make a list of objects found on the body, such as a wallet or jewelry, before
collecting those items.
once the medical examiner arrives, what other information should be recorded? -
Answer -Moving the body may reveal previously unseen injuries and physical evidence
that the investigator should record. The notes should indicate when the medical
examiner or coroner moved the body and whether the victim was moved or affected in
some way by emergency medical procedures. Any preliminary identification of a victim
or suspect should be recorded.
Other options for note taking? Advantages and disadvantages - Answer -Audio
recording can be advantageous because faster than written. hands free to carry out
other tasks . However, avoid embarrassing conversation in recordings. easily uploaded
to a computer, but must be copied to a disk or flash drive to produce a hard copy.
narrating a digital video has the advantage of combining note taking with photography.
However, at some point the recording must be transcribed into a written document.
Why are detailed notes so important? - Answer -The note taker must keep in mind that
this written record may be his or her only way of refreshing his or her memory months,
perhaps years, after a crime has been processed.
,When does the note-taking process begin? - Answer -When a crime-scene investigator
is called to report to a scene It is important to begin the process of note-taking as soon
as possible in order to record the location, potential evidence, and all persons present at
any time.
Why is it an advantage to record notes by narrating a digital video of the crime scene? -
Answer -Pairing audio notes and photography in real time can help to document what is
being seen at the time a note is being taken This allows an investigator to give
commentary about details that can also be seen and that are difficult to replicate in a
written or audio-only format.
What is the goal of photography at crime scenes? - Answer -to produce examination-
quality photographs that document the crime scene and provide evidence.
Due to the goal of photography, what must be considered when taking photographs? -
Answer -that everyone involved in the case, from the investigators to the judge and jury,
must be able to interpret the photographs easily.
What 4 criteria must photographs meet? - Answer -(1) they must represent the crime
scene as found, without manipulation or bias; (2) any re-creations of scenes or
manipulation must be documented; (3) they must have bearing on the case in question;
and (4) they must not engage in emotional manipulation of the jury.
what must accompany photographs? - Answer -notes and sketches
how does digital photography work? - Answer -A digital camera captures light on each
of millions of tiny picture elements called "pixels." The light is recorded on each pixel as
a specific electric charge using a charged coupled device (CCD) or complementary
metal oxide semi-conductor (CMOS). The camera reads this charge number as image
information, and then stores the image as a file on a memory card.
what type of camera does the Scientific Working Group on Image Technology (SWGIT)
recommend? - Answer -single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with at least eight-megapixel
resolution. (get DSLR tho)
what is lossless compression? - Answer -condenses files without discarding information
so no important image information is lost. A tagged image file format (TIFF) or a raw
image (RAW) format satisfies this requirement. RAW stores the highest quality image
but requires special software for viewing.
whats a normal lens - Answer -The normal lens has a 50 to 55 mm focal length. It can
be used for most photographs that need to be taken at a crime scene because it can
capture as much area as half a wall. It can also take satisfactory photographs of pieces
of evidence at standard distances.
,whats a telephoto lens? - Answer -The telephoto lens is like a telescope attachment.
This lens has a focal length of 100 mm or greater. This means that a 200 mm telephoto
lens, produces an image that is four times the magnification of the normal 50 mm lens.
what is a wide angle lense? - Answer -A photographer who needs to capture a wider
area uses a wide-angle lens with a focal length of less than 50 mm. The typical focal
length of the wide-angle lens is 35 mm, and it can show much more area in one
photograph than can a normal lens. For example, this lens is useful in photographing
wide objects such as the facade of a building; it will capture more detail to the left and
right of the center of the structure than will a normal lens.
what is a macro lens? - Answer -When very close photographs and good detail are
required, the photographer might use a macro lens. The macro lens has a focal length
of less than 50 mm and a 1:1 or 1:2 magnification ratio. It is especially useful for close-
ups of fiber or tool mark evidence.
what is a multipurpose lens - Answer -A multipurpose lens, commonly called a "zoom"
lens, can also be used for crime-scene photography. These lenses have a range of
focal lengths, usually from 28 to 80 mm. This type of lens allows the photographer to
take normal, wide-angle, and telephoto photographs without changing lenses.
what is the aperture? - Answer -the diameter of the opening of the mechanism, called
the "diaphragm," which allows in light.
how does one adjust the aperture? - Answer -by setting the f-number, which is equal to
the focal length of the lens divided by the diameter of the aperture. Thus, the f-number
and aperture are inversely related. The lower the f-number setting, the wider the
aperture and the more light it allows in.
what are f stops? - Answer -Standard f-number settings have come to be known as f-
stops, ranging along a continuum of possible aperture sizes. For example, the lowest f-
number (1.0) is arbitrarily designated as f-stop zero (f-0). Each f-stop represents a
twofold difference in the amount of light entering the camera. Because f-stop and
aperture are inversely related, f-2 thus would have a larger aperture than f-22. Newer
digital cameras have f-stops in one-third and one-half increments, allowing more control
over the light entering through the aperture.
what are aperture priority cameras? - Answer -allow the user to control the f-stop
manually, but not the shutter speed.
how is shutter speed measured? - Answer -in fractions of a second by factors of 1/2
(i.e., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc.)
what is depth of field? - Answer -the amount of area in the foreground and background
of an in-focus object that is also relatively in focus. Crime-scene photographers should
strive to maximize depth of field—that is, make sure that every element of the
, composition is in focus. This is especially important in photographs of an entire scene
and of three-dimensional objects.
what variables affect the depth of field? - Answer -aperture size, f-stop selection, lens
selection, and distance between camera and subject.
How does aperture size affect the depth of field? - Answer -The smaller the aperture is,
the greater the depth of field will be (more of everything in focus). aperture size is
measured on a camera by the f-stop number, which is inversely related to the aperture
diameter. This means that higher f-stops will yield higher depths of field. Use the
mountain picture (landscape) for a small aperture size. Portrait mode selects a lower f-
stop number and therefore a blurry background
what is ISO? - Answer -International Standardization Organization which indicate
sensitivity to light. Lower number = higher sensitivity to light, higher number = lower
sensitiity (blurry image)
The photographer can adjust to capture an extremely bright or dark image. Most digital
cameras offer the values -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2. What do they mean? - Answer -The "0"
setting refers to the starting point—that is, the conditions the camera's autofocus feature
determines to be optimal. Adjusting toward negative numbers will reduce the exposure,
thereby darkening a bright (overexposed) shot.
what is fill flash? - Answer -This narrows the range of the flash to concentrate
illumination on only a dark, backlit subject or object. This is used to eliminate
undesirable shadows that may obscure the subject. Fill flash can be used to eliminate
shadows under trees and vehicles.
when does a photographer use a flash? At or below what f stop? - Answer -when
ambient lighting is insufficient—that is, not bright enough to allow proper exposure at an
f/8 or smaller aperture.
What are barrier filters? - Answer -"Barrier filters" block one specific wavelength of light
(i.e., color) from reaching the film or microchip, making areas of that color appear lighter
in the photograph. This is helpful when a fingerprint or other feature on a piece of
evidence is difficult to see against a surface of a specific color.
what is a bypass filter? - Answer -A "bypass filter" allows only a small range of
wavelengths of light to reach the microchip and blocks all others. Ultraviolet (UV)
photography uses a bypass filter that allows only ultraviolet light to reach the microchip.
Objects that fluoresce, or glow, under ultraviolet light—such as semen, components of
some fibers, and fluorescent fingerprint powder—appear more readily using this
technique. It is also sometimes used when photographing wounds to show greater
contrast. Other filters can be used for infrared (IR) photography.
Initial notes should include - Answer -Who contacted the investigator, when the contact
was made, what the case entails, including case #, case type (fatal stabbing etc.),
names and birthdates of victims and witnesess. Where the scene is located including
discription. Date and time of arrivals of all investigators and well as recording names of
who is being contacted
what should a sketch include? - Answer -labled with case numbers, type of case, dates,
lead investigators with assistance. Measurments, ledgend, compass showing north
when collecting evidence, what should be recorded? - Answer -The person who
collects a piece of evidence should note who found it, where it was located, how it was
packaged, who packaged it, and when it was packaged. The notes should also mention
whether the evidence underwent any field tests or processing.
If a victim is present at a homicide scene what should be recorded? - Answer -the
investigator should observe and record the state of the body before the medical
examiner or coroner moves it. The notes should describe the victim's appearance and
record the position of the body and any visible wounds or blood spatter. The investigator
should make note of any identifying features or marks on the body, such as tattoos.
Besides notes about the victim, what should also be recorded about the victim? -
Answer -make a list of objects found on the body, such as a wallet or jewelry, before
collecting those items.
once the medical examiner arrives, what other information should be recorded? -
Answer -Moving the body may reveal previously unseen injuries and physical evidence
that the investigator should record. The notes should indicate when the medical
examiner or coroner moved the body and whether the victim was moved or affected in
some way by emergency medical procedures. Any preliminary identification of a victim
or suspect should be recorded.
Other options for note taking? Advantages and disadvantages - Answer -Audio
recording can be advantageous because faster than written. hands free to carry out
other tasks . However, avoid embarrassing conversation in recordings. easily uploaded
to a computer, but must be copied to a disk or flash drive to produce a hard copy.
narrating a digital video has the advantage of combining note taking with photography.
However, at some point the recording must be transcribed into a written document.
Why are detailed notes so important? - Answer -The note taker must keep in mind that
this written record may be his or her only way of refreshing his or her memory months,
perhaps years, after a crime has been processed.
,When does the note-taking process begin? - Answer -When a crime-scene investigator
is called to report to a scene It is important to begin the process of note-taking as soon
as possible in order to record the location, potential evidence, and all persons present at
any time.
Why is it an advantage to record notes by narrating a digital video of the crime scene? -
Answer -Pairing audio notes and photography in real time can help to document what is
being seen at the time a note is being taken This allows an investigator to give
commentary about details that can also be seen and that are difficult to replicate in a
written or audio-only format.
What is the goal of photography at crime scenes? - Answer -to produce examination-
quality photographs that document the crime scene and provide evidence.
Due to the goal of photography, what must be considered when taking photographs? -
Answer -that everyone involved in the case, from the investigators to the judge and jury,
must be able to interpret the photographs easily.
What 4 criteria must photographs meet? - Answer -(1) they must represent the crime
scene as found, without manipulation or bias; (2) any re-creations of scenes or
manipulation must be documented; (3) they must have bearing on the case in question;
and (4) they must not engage in emotional manipulation of the jury.
what must accompany photographs? - Answer -notes and sketches
how does digital photography work? - Answer -A digital camera captures light on each
of millions of tiny picture elements called "pixels." The light is recorded on each pixel as
a specific electric charge using a charged coupled device (CCD) or complementary
metal oxide semi-conductor (CMOS). The camera reads this charge number as image
information, and then stores the image as a file on a memory card.
what type of camera does the Scientific Working Group on Image Technology (SWGIT)
recommend? - Answer -single-lens reflex (SLR) camera with at least eight-megapixel
resolution. (get DSLR tho)
what is lossless compression? - Answer -condenses files without discarding information
so no important image information is lost. A tagged image file format (TIFF) or a raw
image (RAW) format satisfies this requirement. RAW stores the highest quality image
but requires special software for viewing.
whats a normal lens - Answer -The normal lens has a 50 to 55 mm focal length. It can
be used for most photographs that need to be taken at a crime scene because it can
capture as much area as half a wall. It can also take satisfactory photographs of pieces
of evidence at standard distances.
,whats a telephoto lens? - Answer -The telephoto lens is like a telescope attachment.
This lens has a focal length of 100 mm or greater. This means that a 200 mm telephoto
lens, produces an image that is four times the magnification of the normal 50 mm lens.
what is a wide angle lense? - Answer -A photographer who needs to capture a wider
area uses a wide-angle lens with a focal length of less than 50 mm. The typical focal
length of the wide-angle lens is 35 mm, and it can show much more area in one
photograph than can a normal lens. For example, this lens is useful in photographing
wide objects such as the facade of a building; it will capture more detail to the left and
right of the center of the structure than will a normal lens.
what is a macro lens? - Answer -When very close photographs and good detail are
required, the photographer might use a macro lens. The macro lens has a focal length
of less than 50 mm and a 1:1 or 1:2 magnification ratio. It is especially useful for close-
ups of fiber or tool mark evidence.
what is a multipurpose lens - Answer -A multipurpose lens, commonly called a "zoom"
lens, can also be used for crime-scene photography. These lenses have a range of
focal lengths, usually from 28 to 80 mm. This type of lens allows the photographer to
take normal, wide-angle, and telephoto photographs without changing lenses.
what is the aperture? - Answer -the diameter of the opening of the mechanism, called
the "diaphragm," which allows in light.
how does one adjust the aperture? - Answer -by setting the f-number, which is equal to
the focal length of the lens divided by the diameter of the aperture. Thus, the f-number
and aperture are inversely related. The lower the f-number setting, the wider the
aperture and the more light it allows in.
what are f stops? - Answer -Standard f-number settings have come to be known as f-
stops, ranging along a continuum of possible aperture sizes. For example, the lowest f-
number (1.0) is arbitrarily designated as f-stop zero (f-0). Each f-stop represents a
twofold difference in the amount of light entering the camera. Because f-stop and
aperture are inversely related, f-2 thus would have a larger aperture than f-22. Newer
digital cameras have f-stops in one-third and one-half increments, allowing more control
over the light entering through the aperture.
what are aperture priority cameras? - Answer -allow the user to control the f-stop
manually, but not the shutter speed.
how is shutter speed measured? - Answer -in fractions of a second by factors of 1/2
(i.e., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc.)
what is depth of field? - Answer -the amount of area in the foreground and background
of an in-focus object that is also relatively in focus. Crime-scene photographers should
strive to maximize depth of field—that is, make sure that every element of the
, composition is in focus. This is especially important in photographs of an entire scene
and of three-dimensional objects.
what variables affect the depth of field? - Answer -aperture size, f-stop selection, lens
selection, and distance between camera and subject.
How does aperture size affect the depth of field? - Answer -The smaller the aperture is,
the greater the depth of field will be (more of everything in focus). aperture size is
measured on a camera by the f-stop number, which is inversely related to the aperture
diameter. This means that higher f-stops will yield higher depths of field. Use the
mountain picture (landscape) for a small aperture size. Portrait mode selects a lower f-
stop number and therefore a blurry background
what is ISO? - Answer -International Standardization Organization which indicate
sensitivity to light. Lower number = higher sensitivity to light, higher number = lower
sensitiity (blurry image)
The photographer can adjust to capture an extremely bright or dark image. Most digital
cameras offer the values -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2. What do they mean? - Answer -The "0"
setting refers to the starting point—that is, the conditions the camera's autofocus feature
determines to be optimal. Adjusting toward negative numbers will reduce the exposure,
thereby darkening a bright (overexposed) shot.
what is fill flash? - Answer -This narrows the range of the flash to concentrate
illumination on only a dark, backlit subject or object. This is used to eliminate
undesirable shadows that may obscure the subject. Fill flash can be used to eliminate
shadows under trees and vehicles.
when does a photographer use a flash? At or below what f stop? - Answer -when
ambient lighting is insufficient—that is, not bright enough to allow proper exposure at an
f/8 or smaller aperture.
What are barrier filters? - Answer -"Barrier filters" block one specific wavelength of light
(i.e., color) from reaching the film or microchip, making areas of that color appear lighter
in the photograph. This is helpful when a fingerprint or other feature on a piece of
evidence is difficult to see against a surface of a specific color.
what is a bypass filter? - Answer -A "bypass filter" allows only a small range of
wavelengths of light to reach the microchip and blocks all others. Ultraviolet (UV)
photography uses a bypass filter that allows only ultraviolet light to reach the microchip.
Objects that fluoresce, or glow, under ultraviolet light—such as semen, components of
some fibers, and fluorescent fingerprint powder—appear more readily using this
technique. It is also sometimes used when photographing wounds to show greater
contrast. Other filters can be used for infrared (IR) photography.
