Crime Scene Photography Lesson PDF

Forensic Photography Forensic photography documents and preserves the original crime scene for future investigation. Photographs are used in conjunction with notes and sketches and are an important part of the forensic documentation process. Crime scene photographs have tremend...

Forensic Photography Forensic photography documents and preserves the original crime scene for future investigation. Photographs are used in conjunction with notes and sketches and are an important part of the forensic documentation process. Crime scene photographs have tremendous value in their ability to show: layout of the crime scene position of the evidence relation of objects at the scene to one another Forensic Photography The most important prerequisite for photographing a crime scene is for it to be unaltered. Unless someone needs medical attention, objects must not be moved until they have been thoroughly photographed. Forensic Photography In order to be admissible as evidence within the Justice System, photographs must meet the following criteria: They must accurately reflect the true condition of the scene without alteration. Any manipulations must be documented. They must have relevancy (they must either support or undermine the truth of any point at issue). Forensic Photography Currently, digital photography is the preferred method of crime scene photography. A digital photograph is made when a light-sensitive microchip inside a digital camera is exposed to light coming from an object or scene. Forensic Photography Crime scenes should be photographed as completely as possible. Photographs of the following should be made: ✔ area in which the crime took place ✔ adjacent areas to the crime scene ✔ overview photographs ✔ points of entry and exit ✔ body (if applicable) ✔ evidence Forensic Photography Overview photographs: The first images that the photographer takes are overview photos. Overview photos include the entire scene and its surrounding area. Overview photos are generally shot from a natural perspective. (Ariel shots may be fitting in some situations.) Overview photos begin from a distance and gradually zone in on the specific area of a crime. They should be taken from the outside borders of the scene from various angles. examples of overview photographs Forensic Photography Points of Entry/Exit: Points of entry and exit should be shown in such a manner that any marks of force will be shown clearly. Photo attributions: https://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/csp-evidence-photography-at-the-crime-scene.html Forensic Photography Photographing Evidence: Investigators must use proper technique when photographing evidence. ✔ An item of “scale” should be in the picture. (ex. ruler, quarter, etc.) ✔ Each piece of evidence must be photographed at 3 different angles (minimum). ✔ Each angle should be photographed at 3 distances (close, mid range, long range shots) - 9 total photos (minimum) As evidence is discovered, the evidence is photographed to show its position and location relative to the entire scene.  an item of scale must be present in the photograph  examples of photographed evidence Forensic Photography Sometimes, evidence is difficult to see and photograph. Oblique lighting can help investigators make this evidence visible for photography. Oblique lighting uses a light source positioned at a low angle. It is usually used to show detail by creating shadows on the surface of the evidence. Oblique lighting is commonly used when photographing impressions, tool marks and certain types of fingerprints. Forensic Photography Oblique lighting uses a light source positioned at a low angle. A very low oblique angle of lighting can be used to photograph dusty footwear impressions and indented writing. Image Attribution: Steven Staggs from the publication Crime Scene and Evidence Photography, 2nd Edition, ISBN 978-1-933373-07-2 Forensic Photography Photo Attribution: Wikimedia Commons, Author: Zalman992 Forensic Photography We will now watch a short video over the basics of crime scene photography. Video Link: https://youtu.be/ihj4y_EeLRs?si=q882rEF6oOVDQQ9a Forensic Photography Today, you will practice your forensic photography skills. There is evidence set up in and outside of the classroom. Each piece of evidence is marked with numbered evidence markers. Your job is to rotate through each piece of evidence, taking photographs according to the procedures outlined in the lesson today. When finished, showcase your images as a PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva presentation.