Crime Scene Photography Procedures: Illustrated Through Two Detailed Examples

Crime Scene Photography Procedures

Here are two specific examples of crime scene photography procedures:

Example 1: Homicide Investigation

1. Preparation and Equipment Check:

• Ensure that all cameras and equipment are fully charged and functioning properly.
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  Verify that the camera's settings, such as date and time, are accurate.

2. Secure the Scene:

• Set up barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
• Document all personnel entering and exiting the crime scene.

3. Initial Overview:

• Capture wide shots of the entire crime scene, including the victim's position and any potential points of entry/exit.

4. Establish a Photography Plan:

• Determine the sequence of shots, starting with overall shots and progressing to close-ups of evidence.
• Decide to use a combination of natural and artificial lighting to highlight key areas.

5. Photographing Evidence:

• Begin by photographing the victim's body from different angles, including any visible injuries or wounds.
• Capture images of potential weapon(s), bloodstains, and other physical evidence, using scale markers for reference.

6. Photographing the Surroundings:

• Document the layout of the room or outdoor area, capturing any signs of struggle or disturbance.
• Take contextual shots that show the relationship between evidence and the environment.

7. Photographing Injury or Damage:

• If there are injuries, photograph them in a sensitive and respectful manner, highlighting key details while maintaining the victim's dignity.

8. Special Techniques:

• Use UV and IR photography to identify trace evidence or bodily fluids that might not be visible under normal light.

9. Chain of Custody Documentation:

• Record the names of the photographers, the date and time of each photograph, and any relevant case numbers.

10. Post-Processing:

• Review and organize the images, making minimal adjustments to enhance clarity without altering the evidence.

11. Submission and Reporting:

• Provide the processed images along with a detailed photography log to the lead investigator for analysis and inclusion in the case file.

12. Training and Quality Control:

• Regularly train photographers in techniques for capturing sensitive scenes while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.

Example 2: Burglary Scene Documentation

1. Preparation and Equipment Check:

• Ensure that cameras, lenses, and batteries are fully functional and ready for use.
• Confirm that the camera settings, such as date and time, are accurate.

2. Secure the Scene:

• Restrict access to the crime scene area to authorized personnel only.
• Keep a log of individuals entering and leaving the scene.

3. Initial Overview:

• Capture wide shots of the entire area, including entry points and areas of potential interest.

4. Establish a Photography Plan:

• Plan a series of shots to cover entry points, areas of forced entry, and any areas where the perpetrator might have left evidence.

5. Photographing Evidence:

• Document signs of forced entry, such as broken windows or damaged locks, using scale markers for accurate measurement.

6. Photographing the Surroundings:

• Capture images of the overall layout, showing the position of valuables and the path the perpetrator may have taken.

7. Special Techniques:

• Use flash and lighting techniques to capture clear images of areas with low light conditions.

8. Chain of Custody Documentation:

• Maintain a record of photographers, dates, times, and any equipment used for each photograph.

9. Post-Processing:

• Review and organize the images, ensuring that important details are clearly visible.

10. Submission and Reporting:

• Provide the processed images along with a description of each photograph to the investigating officer for analysis and case documentation.

11. Training and Quality Control:

• Train photography personnel to focus on capturing details relevant to burglary investigations, including points of entry and exit.

Conclusion:

These examples provide a more detailed insight into the specific procedures and considerations for crime scene photography in different scenarios. It's important to adapt these procedures to the unique circumstances of each case while following the overarching principles of thorough documentation and evidence integrity.