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This chapter covers the aspects of what forensic photography brings to crime scene investigation.
Photography is a valuable tool in being able to document the characteristics of a crime scene and communicate them to others.
Both in courtroom settings, and for crime scene reproduction purposes.
In this chapter we will cover various issues effecting photography at crime scenes.
Its objectives, what forensic photography is and is not,
as well as methods of photography, advantages and disadvantages of videotaping crime scenes,
and digital camera basics to name a few.
Forensic photographs are used to record the conditions of the scene in their original form,
prior to any change, which is necessary in the recall of information sometime weeks, months, or even years in the future.
This involves recording the location of physical evidence
especially from the points of view of the parties to the crime scene.
This is used in combination with other forms of documentation, for instance
sketches or narratives, to document the relationships between evidence
items and other aspects of the crime scene.
Forensic photographs are used to supplement other forms of documentation,
that are used in a crime scene. Not to be used in the place of them.
In keeping with the definition of Forensic Science; by that I mean
“applying the scientific process to investigation”,
Forensic Photographs must not be used or utilized in the same way as Artistic Photography
where the intent of artistic photography might be to illicit feeling,
emotion, or convey ironic perspective; photography in
an investigation is meant to capture physical aspects of an area in actuality.
As with any scientific process, forensic photography involves a systems of techniques for
investigating and acquiring knowledge.
Therefore, a systematic approach is necessary to ensure that all photographs
are taken at the scene prior to any actions that may compromise the integrity of the scene.
Another aspect of the scientific process is that of documentation.
Photography at a crime scene should be documented according to order of events
time, date, location, and items photographed; as well as who the photographs were taken by.
In forensic photography we use what is known as the rule of three.
Which refers to the composing the sets of images in such a way as to
guide the viewer toward the focal point of each set of images.
This is accomplished by setting up photographs
first from a long range view, then from a medium range, and lastly a close up view.
The investigator is using this method of evidence collection to
illustrate the story line of the scene to those who were not there. Such as,
judges, juries, other investigators, and even attorneys
associated with the case. It should be done from the point
of view of the witnesses at the scene. And illustrate the aspects such
as the path or paths the suspect took to and from the scene.
photographs are taken of the general layout of the area.
Physical items of evidence and their locations to other items nearby
are noted. Latent pieces of evidence, such as impressions or prints
are photographed. And someone’s physical wounds are
all examples of types of evidence that can be photographed at crime scenes.
The choice of camera used in crime scene investigations is determined in a variety of
ways, such as ease of use, new technology, the conditions that are being photographed,
or investigator preference. However, the reality is, that specialized training and
budgets for equipment have greater to do with the type cameras that are used by
any particular department or investigator than any of the other categories.
Crime scene photography has come along from the days where Polaroid
(self developing) instant pictures, or basic 35mm film was used. In today’s
investigative environment, the 35mm camera is being replaced by the Digital SLR
or single-lens reflex camera,
which like the 35mm cameras have zoom and macro capabilities,
yet bring additional attributes, such as immediate photographic analysis
and an almost unlimited amount of photos that can be taken and digitally stored.
It is imperative that any crime scene investigator become familiar with, at a minimum,
the basics of whatever camera system, he/she may be using.
Things such as: Depth of field, Light meter
Filters, Shutter, and F-Stop to name a few.
You should take note of these camera basics and research definitions and techniques
from the course text, as well as outside sources for cameras you may be familiar with or you may be using.
For instance, depth of field refers to the zone both in front of and behind the focal point
that also appears acceptably sharp.
It can be controlled, because it is affected by changes in the aperture size.
Techniques for crime scene photography are affected by issues, such as:
the size of the scene, lighting conditions, weather, the scene location,
any possible hazards that exist, and visual clarity of the items to be photographed.
In some cases, investigators use infrared techniques to document crime scenes:
infrared photography records images formed by infrared light.
It can be used to locate alterations on documents
or to locate grave sites from aerial photographs.
It can be used in a crime lab to detect and document gunshot residue on a bloody or dark fabric surface.
UV light photography is a technique used to document materials that glow (or fluoresce) under ultraviolet light sources.
Examples of evidence that is photographed using this technique are things such as:
***, certain fibers, and latent fingerprints, dusted with fluorescent powders, to name a few.
UV photography can also be used to photograph body wounds, such as bite marks.
There are times in which an investigator might choose to use a video camera to record a crime scene,
in addition to using still photographs. The use of video has its advantages, as well as drawbacks.
Remember, the intent is to illustrate a storyline to the viewer from a particular perspective.
Using video can provide a more relatable view (in motion) to juries or other people.
Some of the drawbacks to the use of video come in the form of unnecessary data
or detail that may not be pertinent to the criminal case,
such as sporadic and candid audio from investigators or other technicians at the scene,
camera motion, image clarity, and other issue that could only be resolved through editing.
The editing of video or, even still images, can be problematic in a courtroom setting
and may jeopardize the admissibility of the video or image into court.
In conclusion for this presentation some key points of interest you should take with you are:
What the objectives of crime scene photography are.
What crime scene (forensic) photography is and what it is not.
What is meant by the phrase rule of three, and the basic types of photographs that are taken.
What some of the basics are that any crime scene photographer should know about their camera equipment.
And any alternative techniques that are used by crime scene investigators.