6.4: CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

The following is a list of objectives of crime scene photography:

• To record the condition of the scene before alterations occur
• To record the location and position of evidence items before being collected
• To document the point of view of the responding officers, investigators, suspects and witnesses
• To document the spatial relationships of pertinent items.

Photographs provide visual images and have the distinct advantage of showing physical objects in a way similar to what the human eye sees if they are properly composed and focused. Photographs of the crime scene capture the visual aspects of the scene, which are needed to convey the look of the scene, and the items of evidence it contained, to investigators, analysts, attorneys, judges and jurors. It is important to understand that photography is not a substitute for notes and sketches prepared by the trained crime scene investigator because photographs are two-dimensional. Scene sketches, although also are generally two-dimensional, the measurements recorded on the sketches can provide the necessary information to create a three-dimensional understanding of the scene.

Photographs are also a crucial visual record of the conditions at the scene for investigators, during follow-up investigations and for investigators and analysts who are reconstructing various aspects of the crime. When combined with notes and sketches, the photographs will assist the crime scene specialist in painting an accurate picture of the crime scene during courtroom testimony. This contributes to the credibility, memory and testimony of the person giving testimony.

There is no set number of photographs that must be taken at any crime scene. Every scene will present itself differently and additional information will need to be documented as the investigation progresses. The best policy is to always take too many photographs rather than too few as the opportunity to take photographs is usually limited to the time and conditions at the scene. The position of items of evidence can never be reproduced to exactly how they were found in the scene; therefore photographs must be taken before anything is moved or disturbed.

The crime scene may be as small as the interior of a vehicle or cover an area as large as a prison exercise yard. The photographic conditions at the scene vary considerably depending on the weather, time of day and lighting. These conditions will determine what photography technique to use, whether it is painting with light, bulb exposure, flash photography or using ambient or artificial light. Always ask yourself the following questions before determining which technique to use. These questions will help obtain the best photo-documentation of the crime scene:

• What is the purpose of photographing this scene?
• Does the item have any relationship to the overall scene?
• Does the item have any relationship to the other items in the scene?
• Will the item be properly exposed, focused and composed?
• Will there be any reflections off windows or mirrors that will wash the photograph, or will reflect the image of personnel, or create a hot spot from a flash or artificial light?
• Is there sufficient lighting to take the photograph?
• Can the camera be placed in a position that will make it possible to take the photograph?
• Can the photograph be explained to a jury?
• Is the correct equipment being used for the scene?

Crime Scene Photography Methodology

Crime scene photography must be an accurate representation of the crime scene and the items of evidence it contains. The photographs must be considered an accurate representation of what the photographer, responding officers, and crime scene investigators observed and documented. These photographs must be correctly exposed and have maximum depth of field. The photographs must be composed, free of distortion, and in focus.

Overview or Scene Establishing Photography

The purpose of overview photographs is to establish the location of crime scene and enable others to be able to visualize the scene as it was found. Overview photographs must not be taken from a distance that is too far to accurately visualize the area but should be from a distance that will include avenues of ingress and egress. Remember that all photographs are considered official record of how the scene was at the time of the investigation. Do not allow anyone to move anything prior to or during the photographic process. Do not allow anyone to introduce items to these areas either. Never photograph crime scene processing equipment inside of the scene, unless it is necessary to accurately reflect a technique used to enhance, visualize or collect the item of evidence. Prior to taking the photographs, make a mental plan of the photographs you are going to take, the method in which you are going to take them and the possible problems you might encounter while taking the photographs. Be sure to use a methodical approach to taking the photographs that will include all aspects of the scene. Take overall photographs without evidence markers being placed in the crime scene first. Then take the same photographs again after the markers have been placed. This will prevent the allegation that the markers are covering vital pieces of evidence in subsequent courtroom proceedings.

When it comes down to it, there are only two stages of crime scene photography: that which is outside of the perimeter, or overview photography, and that which is inside of the perimeter of the crime scene, or mid-range and close-up photography.

Outside and Inside Perimeter

In the next chapter, you will learn about crime scene perimeters. For now, just think of the primary perimeter of the crime scene is that area immediately surrounding the area where the crime occurred. Later you will learn about the secondary crime scene and the staging area.

First, take photographs to establish the location of the scene. This could include a street sign, a building name or some type of identifying landmark or all the above. It is important when taking a photograph of a street sign, especially at an intersection, to take the photograph with the street name where the crime scene is located being the represented image. When photographing an outdoor scene, it is important to take photographs towards the scene using the four compass directions. It may be necessary also to take photographs away from the scene itself to record avenues of ingress and egress

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Photographing the four compass points and in between

Photographing the four corners of the compass, and the points in between, provide for a complete representation of the crime scene, and quite often captrure aspects of the crime scene that might not be noticed if only captured from one or two directions. The same technique applies to photographing vehicles.

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Photographing the compass points and in between of a vehicle - Vehicle created with ScenePD 6

Indoor Overview Photography

Indoor overview photography is done much the same way as outdoor overview photography; except instead of photographing the points of the compass, photograph the corners and the flats. The same thing applies when photographing the exterior of a building. When photographing the corners, it is best to turn your camera on its side with the shutter release button on the top, and your support hand holding camera and operating the focus of the lens. For large rooms or buildings, it may be necessary to stand in the middle of the room and take photographs outwards towards the walls in a circle.

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Photographing the interior and exterior of a building – Building interior created with ScenePD 6

Compose your photographs in a manner that they would overlap each other if laid out on a table. In other words, be certain to capture at least one-third of the ceiling and floor in each photograph, and to capture four to six feet of the previous image taken. As always, be extra careful not to disturb any items of evidence, bloodstains, or impression evidence during the photography process. The best way to avoid destroying evidence is to first use a clean white light flashlight held at an oblique angle to the floor to visualize evidence that is difficult to see. The light will create small shadows that will make the evidence appear larger.

Medium-view or Evidence Establishing Photography

When the overall photographs are completed, photographs should be taken from closer range to show the layout of the smaller areas of the scene. These photographs also allow for the relationship between items of evidence to be established. Therefore, it is very important to capture an image containing as many items of evidence within each frame while still being able to clearly identify the items of evidence being captured.

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Medium-view photographs of items of evidence - Furniture and evidence created with ScenePD 6

Again, aside from placing clean evidence markers to identify the items of evidence, nothing should be disturbed or added to the scene at this time.

Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Medium-view photograph of two fired cartridge casings with markers - Author's collection

Close-Up or Evidentiary Photographs

Close-up photographs of items of evidence taken at the crime scene depict the item as it looked at the time it was discovered, documented, and recovered. However, evidentiary quality or comparison quality photographs should be taken in the laboratory under ideal conditions. In both instances, the item should be photographed first without a scale or marker and then with a scale or marker in place. The scale or marker should never touch the item of evidence. When using a scale, it should be placed on the same plane as the item of evidence whenever possible. In the field, the camera must be mounted to a tripod for close-up photography. It is best to use a copy stand in the laboratory.

The camera must then be adjusted so that it is parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the item being photographed. Make sure a ruler or scale is included in the photograph. Remember to photograph the scale on the same plane as the item of evidence. You may have to raise the scale to be at the same level as the item of evidence or furrow a depression if photographing impression evidence. Also place a photograph identifier label in the photograph if possible. This contains information such as the incident number, date, victim or suspect names and evidence item number. It is best to fill the frame with the object, scale and photograph identifier.

Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): Comparison quality photograph of bloodstained footwear impression - Author's collection

Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\): Evidentiary quality photograph of the headstamp of a fired cartridge casing. - Author's collection.

Comparison quality photographs are photographs taken where an item of impression evidence is in the center of the frame, is in focus, has good depth of field, and lack distortion. These photographs are used by comparison analysts to compare the item in the image with an object suspected of having contributed the impression. Evidentiary quality photographs are high resolution close-up images that are often on a 1:1 scale. It should be noted that a measurement scale is necessary to accurately determine the size of the object being photographed.

Scales and Markers

Using a scale in the photograph eliminates any speculation as to the size of the object. However, it is imperative that the item is photographed with the camera parallel and perpendicular to the object as any deviation may alter the perception of the object’s size through distortion. Only scales, rulers and markers that are appropriate for the purpose of photography should be used. Never use a ruler that is broken, bent or has writing upon its surface that is not relative to the item being photographed. It is best to use an American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO) L-scale for the documentation of injuries or small items of evidence.

Larger photographic L-scales should be used for footwear or tire tread impressions, or other impressions in snow, dust, dirt or mud. These scales include the appropriate markings to facilitate enlargement and comparison. They also include photographic circles that indicate whether or not the camera is parallel and perpendicular to the item being photographed. Metal scales and rulers may not be suitable when using a camera mounted flash as they may reflect the flash back towards the camera. Adhesive scales are useful when photographing fingerprints or items being swabbed for DNA. Not only are they on the same plane as the object, they remain in the scene following collection and therefore are a reference for measuring, sketching or mapping.

Perspective Photographs

Often times the photographer will be required to take a series of photographs that are to represent the perspective of eyewitnesses, victims, first responders or investigators. This form of forensic photography is called perspective photography. When doing this, you should always use a tripod or monopod set to the height of the eyes of the observer to be documented. The photographer should use a good depth of field and set the focal length between 38mm to 50mm, depending on the brand of camera being used, which is closest to what the normal eye sees. You may have to use a tripod that allows you to position the camera at the proper level of a car door window frame or steering wheel, to replicate the position of the witness’ eyes. Natural perspective photography, however, requires the photographer to stand at full height with the same focal setting.