Crime Scene Investigation: PHOTOGRAPHY
The photography of the crime scene should begin as soon as possible. The photographic log documents all the photographs taken and a description and location of what’s in the photograph. A progression of establishing (overall or perspective views), medium (within 6 ft), and close-up (within 12 in) views of the crime scene should be collected. Multiple views, such as eye level, top, side, and bottom, help to represent what the scene or a piece of evidence looked like in place. Start with the most fragile areas of the crime scene first; move through the scene as evidence is collected and processing continues. Document the process itself, including stages of the crime scene investigation, discoveries, and procedures. Photographs must at least be taken before the evidence is recovered. Photographs should be taken with and without a scale. Photographs that include a scale should also have the photographer’s initials and the date. This is easily accomplished by using a disposable plastic ruler and writing the pertinent information (case number, item number, etc.) on it with a permanent marker. Scales allow photographs to be reproduced at defined scales (1:1, 1:2, 1:10, etc.). Photo graph the crime scene in an overlapping series using a wide-angle lens, if possible; 50 mm lenses are the standard issue for cameras—use both and lots of film. It’s almost impossible to take too many photographs. All these images can help later with reconstruction questions. When the exterior crime scene is photographed, establish the location of the scene by a series of overall photographs, including one or more landmarks, with 360° of cover age. Photograph entrances and exits. Prior photographs, blueprints, or maps of the scene may be of assistance, and they should be obtained, if available.
FIGURE 2.3 A typical crime scene sketch; measurements would accompany all the arrows and descriptions when the scene is completed.
