Topics to Discuss

Importance of Crime Scene Photography

Adjustments on a Camera Control
Essential Items of Info to be Included During Note taking
Basic Parts of Camera
Camera Operation
Kinds of Films, Lenses and its Uses
Methods Used in Crime Scene Sketch
Pieces of Information that should be Included on a Crime
Scene Sketch
 LEARNING GOAL

The goal of this course is to provide

the participants with an overview of
the extensive use and importance of
photography in criminal investigation.
Introduction to Photography
• Plays an important role in both
criminal and civil cases.

• Extensive use in criminal

investigation.

• Complex technique on the subject.

The word photography is derived from
two Greek words photos (light) and
graphos (chart or drawing or writing).

Literally, photography means “to draw

with light”
Three Most Common Methods of
Recording a Crime Scene:

• Note taking

• Photography

• Sketching
 USE OF PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTE

Notes are valuable not only as an aid to an accurate

recall of events to be testified to in court, but also to
furnish the raw material needed in the written formal
report of the case.

A different notebook/photo log should be used for

each separate case and it should be kept
permanently in a safe place.
NOTE TAKING
The investigator/photographer’s notes are his/ her
personal record of the search for evidence.

The objective of note taking at a crime scene is to

make detailed notes that will remain fully meaningful even
months after the event. Oftentimes, a note that is
completely clear to the writer a short time after being
made but later becomes unintelligible.

Notes should be supplemented by:

a. Sketches and
b. Photographs of the scene.
NOTE TAKING – Essential Items of Information
1. Date, time, location, etc

The date and time of the investigator’s assignment to the case

should be noted. The exact time of arrival, exact location of
the crime scene, light and weather condition, the names of any
officers contacted, and names of other persons on the scene
of the crime.

2. Detailed Description of the Victim and his/her Clothing

The name, age, height, weight, complexion, and color of hair

and eyes of the victim need to be included in the notes. Outer
garments worn by the victim should be described in terms of
the type of garment and the color.
NOTE TAKING – Essential Items of Information

3. Wounds the Victim has received

The exact location of a wound or injury, its type, size, and in

the case a bruise, its color need to be included in the notes.

4. A General Description of the Crime Scene

The investigator should note any damage to items, any

apparent disturbance of the normal arrangement of furniture or
other objects, and the presence of objects that seem unusual in
the context of the scene.
NOTE TAKING – Essential Items of Information

5. The type of Camera and Film Used in Photographing

the Crime Scene.
As each photograph is taken, a note should be made that
includes the “f” stop of the camera, shutter speed, distance
focused, direction in which the camera was faced, flash if
used, object or area photographed, and the time that the
photograph was taken. The disposition of the film (the
location that it was sent for processing) should also be noted.
NOTE TAKING – Essential Items of Information

6. Discovery of Each Significant Item of Evidence

Included should be the description of the item, the time it was

discovered, by whom, the exact place of its discovery, how it
was marked, the type of container it was placed in, how the
container was sealed and marked, and the disposition of the
item after it was collected.
NOTE TAKING – Essential Items of Information

7. The Failure to Locate Items

Included should be the absence of items that would

normally be associated with the crime that is being
investigated, the area of the crime scene, or with any
deceased victims (i.e., and item of clothing is missing from
the victim’s body that could not be located at the scene of
the crime.)
 USES OF PHOTOGRAPHS
• Identification
• Preservation
• Description
• Substitution
• Record
 BASIC REQUIREMENT OF A
PHOTOGRAPH ADMITTED AS EVIDENCE
IN COURT

• Accurate representation
• Free of distortion
• Material & relevant
• Unbiased
ELEMENTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
• Camera
• Sensitized Materials (film & photo paper)
• Light
• Chemical Process
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Photography is an art or science, which
deals with the reproduction of images
through the action of light, upon sensitized
materials (film or paper) with the aid of a
camera and its accessories, and the chemical
processes involved therein.

Forensic Photography deals with the study

of notion of photography, its application to
law enforcement work and the preparation
of photographs for court presentation.
Macro Photography is the art or process of photographing
an object at greater than 1:1 ratio up to nine times magnification.
Macro Photography
Macro Photography with powerful magnifier
Macro Photography
Micro Photography is the art or process of
photographing minute objects and magnified by
means of the microscope and enlarge it from 10
times up.
Micro Photography
Infra red Photography is the art or process of photographing or
recording unseen objects by means of infra red light.
Macro Photography with Infrared film
Ultra Violet Photography is the art or process of
photographing unseen objects with the use of ultra
violet rays and filters.
MUGFILE - a photographic file containing police photographs of known
and “unknown” criminals background data concerning their physical
characteristics and personalities.

Mug-Shot Photography
photograph the subject in front of the height scale without footwear to
determine his/her exact height. Let the subject hold the case verifier. Mug-
Shots shall be done in Six (6) different angles with case number each shot:
1. Front view, whole body
2. Front view (half body-head to elbow)
3. Left Side view (half body-head to elbow)
4. Right Side view (half body-head to elbow)
5. Left Quarter view (half body-head to elbow)
6. Right Quarter view (half body-head to elbow)
Single Lens Reflex

SLR
Essential parts of the Camera
1. Body or Light Tight Box – suggest an enclosure
or devoid of light. Opens and closes on a
predetermined time during exposure and allows
only the light coming from the lens to reach the
film.

2. Lens - The function of the lens is to focus the

light coming from the subject. It is chiefly
responsible for the sharpness of the image
formed through which light passes during
exposure.
Essential parts of the Camera
3. Shutter – is used to allow light to enter through
the lens and reach the film for a pre-determined
intervals of time, which light is again blocked off
from the film.
4. Holder of sensitized material – located at the
opposite side of the lens. Its function is to hold
firmly the sensitized material in its place during
exposure to prevent the formation of a multiple
or blurred image of the subject.
5. Viewfinder – it is a means of determining the
field of view of the camera or the extent of the
coverage of the lens.
 CARE AND HANDLING OF THE CAMERA AND FILM

• The photographer should take care of the camera

between uses.

• The camera should never be exposed to direct sunlight

or to heat from being place in glove compartments or
trunks of vehicles in the hot weather.

• The photographer should also keep the film in an

insulated chest or wrapped in white reflective cloth.
Exposed film should be maintained in a refrigerator or
processed immediately.
PARTS OF LENS
ZOOM LENS – allows you to fine-tune subject framing by adjusting
the focal length of the lens.
Standard/Normal Lens produces an image that is roughly equivalent
to the way a scene appears when viewed with the naked eye.
Standard lenses often have wide maximum apertures, making them useful
in low-light situations.
Wide-angle Zoom can able to select an intermediate focal length
setting. However, it is likely to be slower and heavier and to show more
image distortion than a wide-angle fixed focal length lens.
Wide-angle Lens takes in a larger angle of view than a standard lens,
and is ideal for photographing a group of people or when you are
working in confined space.
Zoom lens with variable focal length that can be quickly
adjusted to varying subject or image size.
Shift Lens (also known as perspective control lens) gets its name
because it can be shifted off-centered in relation to the film frame. You
can keep the camera parallel and shift the lens upward to record an
undistorted image.
Telephoto Zoom Lens is useful for portraits and for moving objects.
Unlike a wide-angle zoom, a telephoto zoom should not show any
obvious distortion.
Fisheye Lens- The depth of field is so extensive that all you need
to do is set the focus for the approximate distance of the subject.
Long-Focus Lens- is it useful for large images of distant
subjects or when you cannot move close enough to use a shorter
lens.
Macro Lens- is designed primarily to be used at very close
focusing distances. When taking close-up outdoors, longer macro
lens produce a large image from farther back.

available in focal lengths ranging from 50mm to 200mm

FILM SPEED RATING SYSTEM
1. ISO – International Standard Organization
2. DIN – Deutsche Industrie Norm, the European

Film Rating System

3. ASA – American Standard Association

Expressed the arithmetical and logarithm value system.

 IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHY

• Permanent Record
it captures the things we failed to notice
• Significance of Certain Aspects of the

Crime Scene
• Reconstruction of the Crime Scene
GENERAL METHODS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Overlapping Method – a photographic method of

taking series of photographs in a circular or clockwise
direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the
entire crime scene. If a single photograph cannot
show the entire crime scene, apply this method.

2. Progressive Method – a photographic method of

taking a crime scene photographs starting from fixed
point, photographing each evidence as the
photographer moves toward it, and progressively gets
closer. (from general to specific)
PROCEDURES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING
THE CRIME SCENE

 GENERAL VIEW or Long Range View

-overall view of the crime scene to include the reference point.

 MEDIUM VIEW or Mid Range View

-showing the four angles of the crime scene including the possible
entrance and exit point of the suspect.

 CLOSE-UP SHOT
-to identify the subject.

 EXTREME CLOSE-UP SHOT

-to show the extent damage on the subject.
 Photographing the Crime Scene

In certain types of crime, particularly

those involving physical violence, the
crime scene and the location of all
relevant objects within it are of vital
importance in establishing points of
proof.
 Indoor
• Views of the exterior of the building/vehicle, with
relation to other buildings/ vehicles, roads, streets, etc.
• Point of entry - outside and inside.
• Point of exit - outside and inside.
• Condition of the crime scene.
• Area fm which valuable articles were found/removed.
• Articles left at the scene.
• Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers, and cigarette
butts.
• Toolmarks and impressions of shoes or tire tracks.
• Fingerprints and footprints, as well as articles on
which these prints may be found.
 PRESERVATION OF FINGERPRINTS
THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

When possible, fingerprints found at the crime

scene should be preserved by photography before
any attempts are made at preserving them.

Photographing a fingerprint leaves the object

intact so that further photos can be taken if the first
is successful. It also makes easier to produce the
evidence in court.
PRESERVATION OF FINGERPRINTS
THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS
 Markings in the Filed of View

NOTE:
Shoe print or tire impression should be
photographed before the addition of a scale
or label.
The body should be photographed with any clothing that is
on the body when it is found, and then without clothing.

To unidentified cadavers, include marks on the victim’s

body especially tattoo or scars for identification.
Show the general
condition of the
corpse being
deformed.
Consider the range of photographing to the damage
part clearly; take some close-up shots on the several
directions if possible so as to clarify their relation.
 Evidence of resistance of the
criminal act is of particular importance
in sex offenses; verify the head, neck
including marks and discoloration of
the body in general, the condition of
specifically affected parts, and
presence of foreign hairs, fibers, and
biological stains.
 Indications of the victims effort to
resist, such as bruises or black and blue
marks and evidence of the presence of
either or both parties at the scene.

Photograph of the stains or marks

should also be taken at the crime scene.
After the stains have been photographed,
specimens should be carefully preserved
for submission to the medical doctor or
other specialists whose duty is to identify
them and prepare microphotograph for use
as evidence.
General View
Medium View
Close up Shot
 The suspect’s body may show
evidence of physical struggle, such
as scratches or bruises, foreign hairs
or fibers that may be discovered by
the physician. The garments of the
suspects may reveal bloodstains,
semen, hair strands, etc.
 If the cadaver is subject
for autopsy, photograph its
front and rear views in the
nude so as to clearly reveal
the conditions in detail.
 AUTOPSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Front view, whole body Back view, whole body

Left side view, whole body Right side view, whole body
 Front view, Half body

Left side view, Half body Right side view, Half body
Photographs of the wound of the Victim
(With scale)
 Strangulation by hanging

NOTE: do not untie the knot, just cut it.

Points to remember
1. Always take preliminary photographs before the scene is

altered in any way.

2. Take a complete set of photographs (Overall, Mid Range
and Close-up). Shoot from different angles and distances.
Film is cheaper than lost cases.
3. Use fresh film and keep away from heat.
4. Keep your photographs sharp. Focus carefully. Be sure
your lens is clean.
5. Avoid back lighting. It creates silhouettes and may cause
flare. If you must shoot toward a light, shade the lens as

best as you can.

6. Use side lighting to bring out texture, accident damage.

 CRIME SCENE SKETCHING

-can be defined as the location at which an

offense was committed and where the
potential evidence of that crime may exist.
METHODS OF SKETCHING

1. COORDINATE METHOD measures the distance of

an object from two fixed points.

2.TRIANGULATION METHOD is useful in an outdoor

situation where there are no easily identifiable
edges of roads or fields to use as reference points.

3. CROSS-PROJECTION METHOD is useful when

the items or locations of interest are on or in the
wall surfaces as well as elsewhere in an enclosed
space.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CRIME LABORATORY
Camp Crame, Quezon City
13 June 2009
Date
SOCO FORM # 6
SOCO Case Nr: SOCO-052-09
SCENE OF CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET N
SKETCH DETAILS AND MEASUREMENT

NOTE: Not to scale

TITLE BLOCK LEGEND:

Nature of case:
Requesting Party:
Victim/s:
Officer on Case :
Date and time sketched :
Place of incident:
Weather condition:
Sketched by:
Witness/es:
Remarks:
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Interior and Local Government
National Police Commission
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
CRIME LABORATORY
Camp Crame, Quezon City
13 June 2009
Date
SOCO FORM # 6
SOCO Case Nr. SOCO-052-09

SCENE OF CRIME EXAMINATION WORKSHEET N

SKETCH DETAILS AND MEASUREMENT
 NOTE: Not to scale

TITLE BLOCK LEGEND:

Nature of case: Vehicular Accident
Requesting Party: BPO-HSS Camp Crame, QC
Victim/s:
Officer on Case : PO3 Agsino Palcongan
Date and time sketched : 13 2145H June 2009
Place of incident: Barracks beside Star Officers Lounge
NHQ Bldg, Camp Crame, Quezon City
Weather condition: Fair
Sketched by: PO3 Ma. Elena P Magadia
Witness/es:
Remarks:
Methods of Sketching
 Coordinate Method

In certain types of crime, particularly those

involving physical violence, the crime scene and
the location of all relevant objects within it are of
vital importance in establishing points of proof.

The coordinate method measures the distance of

an object from two fixed points. One form of this
method uses a baseline which is drawn between
two known points. The baseline could be a wall,
or drawn as a mathematical center of a room, the
exact dimensions of which are known.
 Coordinate Method
(cont.)

The measurements of a given object are

then taken from left to right along the
baseline, to a point at right angles to the
object which is to be plotted. The
distance will be indicated in the legend
with a number in parentheses following
the name of the object.
 COORDINATE METHOD

In this method, one searcher is assigned to each quadrant.

 16’00

6 6

4 13’5”

1 3 3 6
8’9”
1
2
2’4” 3’0” 4’5” 7’3”

COORDINATE METHOD
 Cross-Projection Method

The cross-projection method is useful

when the items or locations of interest
are on or in the wall surfaces as well as
elsewhere in an enclosed space. The
walls, windows, and doors in a cross-
projection sketch are drawn as though
the walls had been folded flat on the
floor. Then a sketch is drawn of the
measurements from a given point on the
floor to the wall.
 EXPLODED VIEW
CROSS PROJECTION
EXPLODED VIEW
 Triangulation Method

The triangulation method is useful in an

outdoor situation where there are no
easily identifiable edges of roads or
fields to use as reference points. Two or
more reference points are located and
should be widely separated if possible.
The item of interest is located by
measuring along a straight line from the
reference points.
 TRIANGULATION METHOD
16’00

6 6

4 13’5”

1 3 3 6

1
8’9”
2
2’4” 3’0” 4’5” 7’3”

LEGEND: 2nd Floor .

A- Cadaver 1 – Blood 2 – Cigarette Butt 3 – Empty Shells Not to Scale

4 – Bed 5 – Chairs 6 – Round Tables
 We should not conclude
in responding such cases.
It needs thorough
examination and
investigation.