American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

During the fingerprinting of a deceased individual at a crime scene, it is crucial to protect any potential trace evidence that may be present on the hands. Using paper bags on the hands serves multiple purposes: it safeguards the integrity of trace evidence, such as fibers, hair, or other materials that may have been dislodged during the fingerprinting process, and it helps to preserve the condition of the hands for further examination or analysis.

This practice aligns with standard protocols in forensic investigations, where the preservation and proper collection of evidence are paramount for ensuring that no critical information is lost. By placing the hands in paper bags, investigators can minimize the risk of contamination or loss of evidence that could be important for the case.

The other actions do not adhere to best practices in forensic science. Immediate fingerprinting without precautions could compromise both the evidence and the quality of fingerprinting. Taking photos of the hands before fingerprinting, while useful for documentation, does not address the immediate need to protect trace evidence. Contacting a supervisor for guidance may not be appropriate at the moment when immediate protective action is required to preserve the evidence. Therefore, using paper bags is the preferred and correct action in this context.