Crime Scene Flashcards
why does there need to be a photo identifier?
enables every image to be associated back to the photographer and the specific crime scene
when is the photo identifier picture taken?
first photo
fill the frame
what does the photo identifier contain?
case number
date (when first photo is taken)
location
photographer name
roll/memory card
photo id is the 1st type of documentation. new identifier if any ?
of the above info changes
gives ? gray scale:
18%
light meter/metering correctly
what is the second type of documentation?
photo log
what does the photo log do?
helps to identify or correct issues with natural handshake of bluriness (1/15th to 1/60th)
why is the photo log important?
court purposes to “refresh memory” of the specifics of the images
can help determine why an image was not properly exposed
when is the best time to log photos?
immediately log each photo as taken
what is the third type of documentation?
labeled scale
when to use labeled scale?
close-up photos of evidence
6 inch gray scale
what are the various color scales?
usually gray- same light reflectance
white (light object), black (darker object), and fluorescent scales (fluorescent (finger powder)
what does the labeled scale contain?
-case number
-photographer name/ initials
-date
-item number (evidence)
rule of thumb: the scale must be on the same plane as the evidence. what about a 1” deep shoe impression?
need to go 1” deep as well
what does taken from a natural perspective mean?
typically, use normal lens
natural eye-level height, no stooping down or on tip toes (50 mm)
what do you photograph/ where do you start?
exterior overalls
-including location reference
-entire exterior, each side/facade
-entrances/exits
why is there a location reference?
showing where the object is located with street signs/building signs
2 options for taking exterior overalls - large scenes
may need FPP overlapping photos or
diagonal views with large areas
which is preferred for exterior overalls?
typically FPP
Why is FPP preferred?
DOF__ is equal on one plane
Flash__ will better light all areas
Shows all possible means of ingress/egress at large size
Fixed features on façade are better seen
what should the exterior overalls show?
shows surrounding areas - 360 degrees
-views toward scene
-views away from scene
-vehicles near area
general rule for exterior overalls; may be completed before search warrant is obtained, no expectation of ?
stand in all four corners and take 360 degree photos
no expectation of privacy since it is on the exterior
where do you start for interior overalls?
start from entrance
may need to include hallways, lobby, stairwells
what type of lens to use for interior overalls?
typically, use normal lens
photograph each room from ? floor to ceiling, 360 degrees
corner to corner
photos should ? the scene
walk you through
many times a wide angle may be used.
Do they accurately portray dimensions of a room?
Is this still “fair and accurate”?
Corner to corner series shows a more fair and accurate
May also need film plane parallel views… which may require overlapping views. what issues arise with this?
“hot spots”, reflections, shadows from direct flash…..
Use bounce flash
__Non-normal scene i.e. white walls__, trying to get 18% reflection (light and dark, floor being darker while ceiling is lighter)
FPP shows more of the white walls (not floor or ceiling), dirty snow effect, underexposed
What rooms/areas do you have to take interior overalls?
4 corner to corner shots of each rooms even if evidence is not located there
what is the purpose of midrange photographs?
Shows relation between individual items (i.e. evidence) and __other items or fixed features___
Shows where the items are __located__ within the scene
Typically, taken from natural perspective
Use proper __viewpoint__ to avoid perspective distortion
how to take a midrange photo?
form isosceles triangle
fixed feature: inside; edges of walls, corners of walls, edges of door frames, corner of window inside; corner of building, roadway possibly
what is a close-up photo?
“as in” “in situ” - without scale
how to take a close-up photo?
Position __directly over the evidence___, film plane parallel to the evidence surface (90 degrees)
Fill the frame… close-up filters / macro lens needed for small items
Use f-11 for comparison photos
One (1) photograph is now taken
second type of close-up photo
photo with a labeled scale
A scale is placed adjacent to the item and another photograph is taken. what is included on the photo id?
_case number__
_item number__
_initials___
_date__
how should the scale be places next to the item?
it should be level
why use a scale?
Shows __size__
May be _enlarged__ to true life size
Labeling information helps in __documentation__
third type of close-up photo
altered
why would you alter an item? how to alter an item?
Rule of Thumb: Should be done in a way that makes it immediately obvious to the viewer that the item has been “altered”
-To get more documentation on other sides of the evidence by flipping it over (ex: change background)
what type of photos are taken of the body?
Include body in overalls (of scene), midrange, and close-ups (of body)
Entire body does not need to be included in midrange shot
Close-ups = body panorama
types of close-up photos that are taken of the body
-All four sides, full-face shot, and _shot directly over body__(NO!)
-one from the head to toes, toes to head (vertical orientation),
-overhead shot: extend tripod, mount camera, then use timer/remote device to press the shutter button
how to take a full-face photo?
Watch shadows… proper flash position
Camera held vertical
Film plane parallel to face not ground
what is the wound sequence?
First, make sure you have permission to gain access to wounds on deceased persons
Overalls of wounds are included in the close-ups of body (completed in body panorama), midrange of wound, and close-ups with and without scale of wound
what do you relate the wound to in a midrange photo?
relate to a fixed feature
frequent problems of the wound sequence photos
White skin and dark skin= non-normal scenes, not 18% …. Must compensate (use +1/-1 to compensate for dark and light)
Bloody = reflects more light…. Must compensate
__Burned/Charred_ = absorbs light… Must compensate
how to take other body/wound photos
Look for identifying features /effects
Scars, tattoos, birth marks, wallet, engraved jewelry, etc.
At this point, the “as found” body/wound photographs are complete
not done yet with body/wound photos?
Now, the body may be rolled to repeat documentation on other side
why take a photo of the body sealed in body bag?
to show that we are maintaining our chain of custody
body panorama with clothing
Midrange and close-ups of defects, blood, patterns, etc i.e. bullet holes in shirt
May use ladder for shot directly over body
body panorama without clothing
Midrange and close-ups of wounds
May use ladder for shot directly over body
other types of photos of the bodies at autopsy
Midrange and close-ups of internal examination and any injuries, signs of illness, etc.
Photograph x-rays
how to take photos of living persons with injuries?
Take body panorama including full-face, midrange of each injury, and close-ups with and without scale of each injury
Check all areas, people may be reluctant to show you everything
Cover up sensitive areas when possible
what’s wrong with this picture?
No scale or fixed reference point, Not including the face, one body part at a time. Whole hospital gown does not need to be lifted up
