Forensic Photography Flashcards
IMPORTANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
- Permanent Record
- Significance of certain aspects of the crime of scene
- Reconstruction of the crime scene
________ is the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (as film or an optical sensor).
Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
The word photography is derived from two Greek words photos (____) and graphos (______).
Literally, photography means “_______”
light
chart or drawing or writing
to draw with light
deals with the study of notion of photography its application to law enforcement work and the preparation of photographic evidence for court presentation
FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
refers to a venue or place from which most physical evidence associated with crime will be obtained.
Crime Scene
PHOTOGRAPHING CRIME SCENE
Over-all photographs
Mid-range photographs
Close-up photographs
Aerial/overhead photographs, if possible
Over-all photographs
Take extreme close-up, if necessary
Close-up photographs
To show the scene exactly as it was found
- Take overall photographs of the area surrounding the scene.
- Encompass the entire large scene, be overlapping and/or aerial/overhead view.
- Represent a 360-degree perspective and include a landmark.
- Include identifying marks, such as name of the building, house number or license plate of the vehicle. - Overall photos may also encompass smaller “sub-scenes” that exist within the larger scene.
- After the scene is photographed as found, take additional shots with case identifier.
- Take note of the related information while taking photographs of a scene.
- Specify the changes you made to a scene while taking photographs, such as when a light was turned on or object were moved (e.g. drowning).
- Note taking should occur throughout the photography session.
- Finish note taking at the scene.
ovel-all photographs
- Exterior of the building where the crime occurred and in some cases the whole locale.
- Aerial photographs of the scene and the surrounding area can be useful in some types of cases.
- Original series of photographs (overlapping shots) should also show all doors, windows and other means of entrance or exit.
Over-all photographs
Outside the scene
- Take midrange photographs before & after _________
It is important to take photographs that establish the relationships of objects or reference points in the scene. - Take close-up photographs immediately after taking the midrange photograph, when appropriate.
- Take photographs of transient evidence from a position that:
Shows the spatter relative to other objects in the area; and
Is perpendicular to the spatter.
Midrange photograph
placing case identifier or ruler.
- Photograph fingerprint/footprint/shoeprint/tire track evidence.
- When the photograph needs to be accurately scaled:
- The ruler must be on the same plane as the impression.
- The camera lens must be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the subject.
- Use a level and tripod to position the camera accurately. - Take multiple shots with the light or flash at different angles, such as 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 45 degrees, etc. to achieve the best possible photographs.
Close-up photographs
Shoe print or tire impression should be photographed ___ the addition of a scale or label.
before
Adjust lighting when photographing the wounds/bruises to obtain the best contrast and result.
Take multiple shots with the light held or placed at different angles to the subject in order to achieve the best results.
Retake photographs of wounds such as bruises at different intervals to _______, such as in color, over several days.
capture changes
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOMICIDE
- Exterior of the building
- Evidence outside the building
- Entrance into the scene
- Room in which the body was found
- Adjoining rooms, hallways, stairwells
- Body from different angles
- Close-up of the face and body wounds
- Weapons
- Trace evidence
- Signs of activity prior to the homicide
- Evidence of a struggle
- View from positions witnesses had at time of the crime
- Autopsy
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
SUICIDE OR OTHER DEAD BODY CALLS
- Photograph the original position of the body to help determine the manner of death.
- Overall view of the body and rope should be taken at torso and foot level.
- Show the height of the body above ground.
- Photographs should be made to show the relative position of any object.
5, Subjects for close-up shots are:
a. the knot, its size, type and location on the neck;
b. depth and location of the grooves in the neck;
c. black-and-white marks around the edge of the groove;
d. signs of violence around the neck, suggesting prior strangulation;
e. protrusions of the tongue, binding of hands and feet, etc.
strangulation by hanging
do not untie the knot, just cut it
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
drowning
Photograph the whole body, both from the position of standing observer and from the ground level.
- Close-ups should include:
- any foam about the mouth;
- wounds, peculiar markings, bruises, or unusual discoloration’s;
- articles, such as seaweed, grasped in the hand; and
- any rope or wire bindings.
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
BURGLARIES
- Exterior of building
- Point of entry
- Entrance into scene
- Interior views
- Area from which valuable articles were removed
- Damage to locks, safe, doors, toolmarks
- Articles or tools left at the scene by the suspect
- Trace evidence
- Other physical evidence
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
ASSAULT, INJURIES
- Photographing injuries, use case identifier in every shot.
-Face of victim in the photographs
-Bruises
-Bite marks
–Orientation shot
–Close-up at 90 degree angle to
avoid distortion
–Ruler in same plane as bite mark
–Focus carefully
–Bracket exposures - Equipment
- -Use DSLR
- -Use color measuring device
- -Natural light or flash unit with diffused lighting
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
SEXUAL ASSAULT
- Record information on signs of any struggle at the scene where the attack occurred, or indications of the victim’s effort to resist attack;
- such as bruises, black and blue marks, torn clothing, etc. - Scratches should be photographed using oblique lighting, with and without measuring device at the crime scene and also at the morgue.
- In a rape-homicide investigation, UV-IR photography of the body may detect latent bite marks since hemorrhaging can occur in tissue under the skin.
- Location of foreign hairs & fibers, biological fluids & stains should be depicted.
- If alive, permission from the victim to photograph her body should be obtained
- if the victim was a minor, written permission from the parent or guardian.
- It is recommended that the victim’s physician be present when such photographs are made. - Blood spatter on walls should be photographed with the lens parallel to the stain so that directionally (the direction the blood flowed) can be determined.
- In sexual exploitation of children cases, every room in a suspect’s residence should be photographed even if no physical evidence (such as photographs or video tapes) are found during a crime scene search.
- Occasionally, a suspect will place his own camera on a tripod and by using a cable release, will photograph himself with his victim(s).
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
TRAFFIC INCIDENTS, HIT&RUN
- Where the vehicles came to rest and in what position.
- Photographs should show the relationship of each vehicle with each other. - Damage to vehicles
- Technical photographs of damage to a vehicle
- Do not take any oblique or corner photographs to show damage
- Take 6 photographs: 2 from each side in line with the axles, take 1 of each end of the vehicle, straight on. If possible, take 1 more from overhead.
- Use electronic flash to fill in shadows within the damage.
SPECIFIC CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Use multiple flash, paint with light or available light for extra long skid marks or to show two vehicles some distance apart.
- Use multiple flash, paint with light or available light for extra long skid marks or to show two vehicles some distance apart
PHOTOGRAPHING THE DECEASED
- Take photographs from all possible angles.
- Take photographs while moving around the body and from an overhead perspective.
- As though looking at the body from a standing position.
- From the same level as the body is lying, such as at ground level when the body is lying on the ground. - Use oblique lighting to show wounds on the body with and without a scale and case identifier.
consider the range of photographing the damage part clearly; take some close-up shots on the several directions if possible so as to clarify their relation.
- After the deceased has been removed from the scene, photograph the area where the body was.
- Signs of activity can include:
a. TV and room lights turned on
b. A glass holding a cold beverage (ice melting or still frozen) and a plate with fresh food on it
c. Scattered clothing, magazines, or other objects
d. A landline phone that was in use and is making a loud notification sound
e. Misplaced furniture, as with a tipped stool beside a body
f. Cigarettes, lit or remains piled in ashtray
g. Tool marks in unusual location or near entry/exit
Shoeprints and/or fingerprints
Drug paraphernalia - Include the time that photographing was begun and completed in the notes.
- Remove the film or download the digital images and store in a secure location according to departmental regulations
PHOTOGRAPHING EVIDENCE
- Take two photographs of each item of evidence.
- One should be an orientation (midrange) shot to show how the item is related to its surroundings
- The 2nd photograph should be a close-up to bring out the details of the object itself - Measuring and marking devices.
- Take 2 photographs if a marking or measuring device is used.
- One photograph without the device, the other with the device.
IMPRESSION EVIDENCE
IMPRESSION ON GLASS
IMPRESSION ON MIRROR
DUST IMPRESSION
IMPRESSION ON POROUS SURFACE
IMPRESSION ON GLASS
- Protect latent prints.
- Position a colored card or piece of cloth that contrasts with the impression behind the glass.
- Include in notes that this approach was used for contrast purposes to obtain the photograph.
IMPRESSION ON MIRROR
hold the flash to the side (oblique lighting);
use a tripod to avoid being in the photograph.
DUST IMPRESSION
- When photographing a dust impression or an impression in a soft material (e.g., wax or putty)
- Use oblique lighting
- When using oblique lighting, if detail does not appear sufficiently
- -block the ambient light
- -experiment with positioning the light or flash in other locations until the desired result is achieved.
IMPRESSION ON POROUS SURFACE
-When the impression is on a porous surface
–position the light or flash wherever the best results or contrast can be achieved, such as at a 90-degree angle from the impression.
STAINS OF BODILY FLUID
Carefully place the camera plane perpendicular to the plane of the stain and ruler:
- It is extremely important that the ruler be on the same plane as the impression.
- If the stain is on a wall, use an adhesive label with a ruler on it. Or, tape a ruler beside the stain, or have an assistant hold the ruler beside the stain. Indicate upward direction.
- Ensure that the camera lens is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the subject. Adjust lighting when photographing the stain to obtain the best contrast and result.
- When the stain is on glass, position a colored card or piece of cloth that contrasts with the stain behind the glass, making sure to protect latent prints;
include in the notes that this approach was used for contrast purposes to obtain the photograph. - When the stain is on a mirror, hold the flash off to the side (oblique lighting) and use a tripod to avoid being in the photograph.
- The camera will show in the photograph when the mirror is 90 degrees from the lens.
SERIAL NUMBERS ON WEAPONS OR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS ON VEHICLE
- Carefully place the ruler, camera and case identifier relative to the item to obtain accurately scaled photographs.
- Place case identifier and ruler on the same plane as the weapon.
It is extremely important, when the photo needs to be accurately scaled, that the ruler be on the same plane as the subject. The camera lens should be perpendicular (90 degrees) to the subject. - Position the lighting to obtain the best possible contrast and results.
- Take multiple shots with the light held or placed at different angles to the subject - Photograph vehicular damaged areas, the license plate and the registration decal.
- Include the time that photographing was begun and completed in the notes.
- Remove the film or download the digital images and store in a secure location according to departmental regulations.
FINGERPRINT
- Establish the location of the latent
- Close-up to show detail
-A 1:1 camera or device must be used, or
-A scale must be included in the photograph on the same plane as the latent
-Photograph with the film plane parallel to the latent surface
-Get as much depth of field as possible, especially for curved surfaces - Exposure
Available light exposures of latent with normal contrast can be metered using a gray card
Documentation of the process of scene photography which records the overall, medium, and close-up views of the scene;
photographic log
is produced representing the technical and descriptive information concerning the photographic task.
a log
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTER (A.M.) No. 01-7-01-SC.- RE: RULES ON ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE
Took effect on the
first day of August 2001
SECTION 1. Audio, video and similar evidence. – Audio, photographic and video evidence of events, acts or transactions shall be admissible provided it shall be shown, presented or displayed to the court and shall be identified, explained or authenticated by the person who made the recording or by some other person competent to testify on the accuracy thereof.
RULE 11
AUDIO, PHOTOGRAPHIC, VIDEO AND EPHEMERAL EVIDENCE
