crime scene photography rules and procedures

Police PhotographyPolice Photography

Summer 2012

Prepared by:Eiroll Manalo

Crime Scene PhotographyCrime Scene Photography

Procedures

Certain procedures must be followed to ensure the validity of the photographs taken when submitted to courts.


Procedures

1.Each roll of film must have an identifier photograph:

a.Case report numberb.Other pertinent information


Procedures

2. The initial photographs showing the overall scene should be taken using a technique called overlapping.


Procedures - Overlapping Technique

- Involves photographing the entire scene in a clockwise manner

- The photograph is composed so that a specific object is pictured on the right side of the first photograph

- The second photograph then has that same object in view on the left side. This right to left pattern continues with each subsequent photograph until the entire scene is recorded.


Procedures

3. The sequence of photographs showing all pertinent locations should be represented by a progression of general-to-specific photos


Procedures – General-to-specific

As the clockwise sequence of overlapping photos are taken the photos should be taken from three vantage points: long range, midrange and close-up


Procedures – General-to-specific

Wide Shot (Long Range)

Mid Shot (Midrange)

Close-up Shot (Close Range)


Procedures

4. As each photograph is taken, a photographic log should record what it depicts


Procedures – Photographic Log

The photograpic log is necessary because of the number and types of photos that are normally taken at the crime scene.



It records the chronology of the photos taken and the pertinent technical and practical data to explain the photos and place them into the perspective of the crime scene



Circumstances and location determine the specifice information to appear in the log, but several pieces of information are always imperative

(SEE SAMPLE)


Procedures

5. When the photographs are printed, they should be marked like any other piece of evidence from the scene, through a procedure called backing.


Procedures - Backing

Accomplished by placing: a.the investigator’s initialsb.the date the photograph was takenc.a brief description of what the photograph

represents, and and.indication of direction



The direction indicator can simply be letters such as C/F/S – camera facing south

A felt-tip pen may be used to back the photographs, or the information can be written on a label that is affixed to the back of each photograph



This procedure is helpful in correlating the photographs with the crime scene sketch during testimony in court, which may occur long after the photographs were taken


Procedures – Auto accidents

6. The National Institute of Justice recommends that auto accident investigators take photographs of the following:


Procedures

The overall scene of the accident from both approaches to the point of impact.

The exact positions of the vehicles, injured persons, and objects directly connected to the accident.

All points of impact, marks of impact, and damage to real property.


ProceduresAll pavement obstructions and defects in

the roadway. Close-ups of damage to vehicles; one

photograph should show the front and one side of the vehicle, and another should show the rear and other side of the vehicle.

.


Procedures

Skid marks; if possible, photographs should be taken before the vehicle has been moved and again after it has been moved.

Tire tracks, glass, and other associated debris


RulesTake numerous photographs of the

general crime scene and all entrances to and exits from the scene.

Take two photos of objects less than six inches in length: one close-up, to obtain a large image, and one at a distance of at least six feet to indicate background and perspective


RulesPhotograph fingerprints before they are

lifted. Use markers or pointers to clarify

important aspects of a photograph, such as bloodstains, bullet holes, or tire marks. However, photos should be taken of this evidence prior to the marking procedure


RulesPhotographs of homicide scenes should

show the significant aspects of the body in relationship to the scene.

Identification photographs taken at the morgue should show the head, in profile and full face, and the wounds, depicting size and shape


RulesAny photograph to be used as evidence

should be carefully examineed to ensure there are no misleading aspects.