Crime Scene Investigation and Photography

Crime Scene Photography

• Take mid-range and close-up photographs of all pieces of evidence found at the crime scene with a measuring tool of scale, if necessary, including the case number, date, and initial of the photographer.
• Photograph the area showing the appropriate distance of fire by making a straight line on the direction of the bullet hole, if applicable.

Crime Scene Sketching

• Sketch the crime scene in the presence of the investigator or other authorized person.
• The investigator should sign in the rough sketch to attest to the authenticity of the crime scene sketch.

Photographic Log Book

• Record the weather condition, type of lens, film, and camera used in the photographic log book.

Issuance/Release of Photographic Evidence

• A written request addressed to the Director; Crime Laboratory is required from the investigating units prior to the release/issuance of photographic evidence.
• Photographs and other photographic evidence should be released within a minimum period of one day.

Note Taking

• The objective of note taking at a crime scene is to make detailed notes that will remain fully meaningful even months after the event.
• Types of photographs include:
  • General view or long-range photographs of the overall scene
  • Medium view or mid-range photographs
  • Close-up view/range photographs

Methods of Photographing the Crime Scene

• There are two general methods of photographing the crime scene:
  • Overlapping Method: taking a series of photographs in a circular or clockwise direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the entire crime scene
  • Progressive Method: taking crime scene photographs starting from a fixed point, photographing each piece of evidence from general to specific as the photographer moves toward it

Sequential Photographs of the Crime Scene

• Each crime has individual features that should be photographed, including:
  • 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(s) of the crime scene
  • Area from which valuable articles were removed
  • Articles left at the scene
  • Trace evidence, such as hairs, fibers, and cigarette butts
  • Tool marks and impressions of shoes or tire tracks
  • Fingerprints and footprints, as well as articles on which these prints may be found

Standard Operating Procedures in Photographing the Crime Scene

• PNP's forensic photographers follow these basic rules for Scene of Crime Operation (SOCO) and Field Laboratory Work (FLW):
  • Photograph the entire scene or the general view to include nearby surroundings pertinent to the case, indicating the case number, time, date, and initial of the photographer.
  • Take an overlapping shot of the immediate scene from four different angles.
  • Photograph the entrance and exit of the crime scene.
  • Photograph the body (victim/s or suspect/s) showing the exact location, direction where it tends.
  • Take close-up photographs of the body showing the face for proper identification.