FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

APPLICATION OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN POLICE WORK

CRIME SCENE

The crime scene is vital in establishing the proof that a crime has actually been committed. The
permanent record of the crime scene is indispensable for successful investigation and presentation of
criminal case in the court.

To protect the crime scene from unnecessary or unauthorized disturbances, the usual practice
of the investigators or first responding officers is to cordon the area. However, this system of preserving
the crime scene is temporary since after the initial crime scene examination, the rope or police line used
to cordon the area is removed. Thus any person can enter the crime scene resulting to the alteration of
evidences present at the area.

POINTERS BEFORE TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Before actually taking pictures, asses and evaluate the crime scene to establish a plan on how to
Capture & Preserve it.

2. Photograph the crime scene environment in general before focusing at focal point.

3. Maximize use of available film supply; take as many photographs as you can.

4. Observe correct setting of the 4 controls of the camera including; focusing, exposure, film
development and printing.

5. In death related cases make sure the victim is dead before taking photographic evidences on the
direct victim.

6. Take minimum of 4 photographs at different angles concerning exterior, interior, position of

victims and physical evidences.

7. Follow a clockwise or counter clockwise in taking photographs at different angles.

8. Sequence of pictures taken should be logical and consistent to help the investigators in
reconstructing the crime scene.

9. Do not move or transfer anything at the crime scene unless it has properly been, marked
measured sketched and photographed.
10. Take note of unusual conditions or circumstances existing at the crime scene or its adjacent
environment.

11. Take note of existence of traffic lights, signals and precautions.

12. Mark or chalk the perimeter of the involved body, weapon, property, vehicle or physical
evidences before moving them.

PROCEDURES IN PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE

Crime scene photographs must be taken in different angles to show the entire details of the
scene. The photographs must cover some reference points that establish exact location of the crime
scene. Photographs must be taken starting from the perimeter towards the center while examining and
observing the conditions of the crime scene. However, if there are perishable evidences or articles of
evidences that may be fragile or perishable within a short period time, such things must be
photographed first.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF CRIME SCENE FOR PHOTOGRAPHING

1. Indoor Crime Scene

2. Outdoor Crime Scene

ORDER OF PHOTOGRAPHING A CRIME SCENE

A. Photographing the exterior of a crime scene- Photographs showing the environment of the
crime scene must show the following:

1. Geographical location of the scene that surrounds the crime scene

2. Tracing and linking evidences like footprints, tire marks, and other traces or impressions that can
be useful to identify and associate a suspect with the crime or to the scene.

3. External and internal conditions of the crime scene.

4. Points of ingress and egress

B. Photographing the interior of a crime scene- Photograph 4 sides and corners of the room and
must show the following:

1. Possible point of ingress and egress as seen inside the room.

2. Adjacent rooms where crime has been committed.

3. General appearance of the room where the crime took place.

4. Tracing evidences like fingerprints, footprints, blood stains.

5. Evidences that can be used to identify and link suspects to the crime or crime scene.

6. Physical evidences present at the crime scene

7. The body of victims of the crime.

One rule in crime scene photography is “take as many photographs as you can”. Many evidences
pertaining to the crime scene are submitted in court.

CATEGORIES OF CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS

A. EXTERIOR (OUTDOOR) CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Aerial Photograph- top view of the crime scene

2. Photograph of the crime scene at four different angles

a. North side view/angle

b. East side view/angle

c. South side view/angle

d. West side view/angle

3. Photographs of points entry and exit as observed outdoors

4. Photographs of peculiar conditions observed at the exterior of the crime scene.

B. INTERIOR (INDOOR) CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Photographs of the 4 sides of the room

2. Photographs of the entrance and exit as observed inside

3. Photographs of peculiar conditions inside the room.

C. PHOTOGRAPHS OF VICTIMS

1. Overhead shot/angle

2. Photograph of victim at 4 different angles

a. head to foot shot

b. left angle

c. foot to head shot/angle

d. right angle

3. Close-up photographs of the victims face

4. Close-up photos of injuries and wounds

5. Miscellaneous photographs

6. Take photographs of the perimeter outline of the victims body

D. PHOTOGRAPHS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCES

1. weapons with and without measurement

2. biological and chemical stains

3. fibers
4. personal properties

5. bullet holes

6. Visible impressions- fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, etc.

7. other significant physical evidences

PHOTOGRAPHY WHICH ARE SIGNIFICANT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

1. Infra-red photography – is a process of recording unseen object(s) by the use of infra-red film
and infra-red light.

Uses:

a. document examination

b. differentiation or comparison of dyes, paints, or inks

c. deciphering writing on charred documents, fabrics, or leather

d. emphasizing scars, skin bruises and tattoos

2. Ultra-violet photography – is the art or process of photographing unseen object(s) by the use of
ultra-violet light and film.

Uses:

a. document examination

b. photographing fingerprints over multi-colored of photographing

c. photographing body fluids such as seminal fluid, urine, etc.

d. photographing invisible inks, etc.

3. X-ray photography – is defined as the process of photographing or recording the internal

structure of the body.

Uses:

a. Fractures

1. capable of locating the fractured bones suspected after the assault.

2. The nature of the force used

b. Foreign Body (Identification or search of foreign body)

c. Identification of older or healed fracture or deformation

d. Custom Evasion – detection which involves custom evasion of a contraband or objects or

clothes.

4. Macro/Micro photography – used to record or photograph minute object(s)

5. Police photography – is the process of photographing or recording the crime scene or any other
subject for court presentation.

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

In certain types of crime, particularly those involving physical violence, the crime scene including
the location of relevant object within it is of vital importance in establishing points of proof. A
permanent record of such a crime scene is indispensable to a successful presentation of the case in
court. If the scene altered through carelessness or haste, it can never be restored to its exact original
condition and vital elements of proof may thereby be lost. Moreover, in the initial stages of the
investigation, the significance of certain aspects of the same may not be evident although later they may
affect vitally the issues in the case, hence, the first step in the investigation of any crime is to
photograph completely and accurately all the aspects of the scene before any of the objects of evidence
are removed or otherwise disturbed. Similar photographs should also be made after the body or bodies
have been removed. It is always wise to take to many photographs rather than too few.

For general view of the scene, use the camera at eye level. These photographs provide a
representation of the scene as the average eyewitness might have observed it naturally. If you wish to
show an object not in the normal line of vision, you must place the camera elsewhere.

Measuring devices such as rulers, yardstick, or tape measure can be used to show the relative
size of and distance between objects of the degree of magnification of an enlargement. They should not
obscure any important part of the evidence. In document and small object photographs, a 6-inch or 15-
centimeter ruler placed at the bottom of just below the object will show the relative size of objects in a
photographic exhibit.
 Photography proves itself as a vital necessary aid to the investigation, solution and prosecution
of a crime. Photography affords a permanent visual record of the crime scenes, persons, places, and
things.

Remember that photographs are often necessary to corroborate testimony of certain witnesses
and usually add weight and credibility to their testimony.

In photographing the scene, the photographer should attempt to record all useful information in
series of photographs that will help the viewer to understand where and how the crime was committed.
The term crime scene refers not only to the immediate site of the crime but also to adjacent areas which
may be important in establishing the location and surrounding of the immediate site.

Each crime has individual feature that should be photographed. Keep in mind the nature of the
offense and try to show those features that establish the elements of the offense.

The cardinal rule in crime scene investigation states that the crime scene should not be touched,
altered, or removed unless properly recorded through sketch and photograph. The crime scene cannot
be left undisturbed for an indefinite period, however, a record of the position and the condition of
details must be made before they are altered in any way. All acts of recording the scene should reflect in
the photographic log and photographic sketch indicating position of the camera, weather condition,
type of lens, film, camera, aperture and shutter speed that had been used. Investigative photograph is
prepared for the purpose of illustrating the point relative to a matter under investigation. Care must be
observed to ensure that the main subject will not be distracted by other object. Objects and conditions
that are not relevant to the crime scene should not be included.

Photography should be used as part of the documentation for all physical crime scenes, including traffic
collisions, burglaries, homicides, or any number of crimes against people or property. Photographs,
however, can be misleading and confusing to the viewer. Therefore, crime scene photographers must
ensure their work is both ethical and honest while capturing as much accurate information and detail as
possible. Documenting all elements of a crime scene is a major stepping stone when trying to piece
together what happened, how it happened and who did it.

Crime scenes are typically full of activity and often unpredictable, with first responders assisting victims
and investigators beginning their work. Even in the most ideal situation, capturing photographic
evidence can be challenging. An experienced photographer will know to take photos at all stages of the
investigation and that it is better to have too many than not enough images.
2. Evaluate conditions: Next, the photographer should evaluate the available light and weather
conditions and adjust camera settings appropriately. Crime scenes can be indoors, outside or both; they
can be vehicles, include multiple rooms, or any combination of locations, therefore no single camera
setting will work for all crime scenes.