Forensic Pocket Guide

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Photography

OVERALL PHOTOGRAPHY

Overall photographs are intended to capture the crime scene in its entirety.  They should show exactly where the scene was and include all scene boundaries.  These photographs are typically taken from the exterior moving in and images are taken in an overlapping fashion.  Although evidence may be captured in these photographs, the primary purpose is to document the scene in general, not its specific contents.

Choose the appropriate lens and camera settings for your scene.

Starting at the perimeter of the crime scene, photograph the crime scene in manner that allows for a slight overlap between photographs.  Walk the perimeter of the scene, documenting the scene in its entirety with overlapping photographs.  It is important to include in your overall documentation, images that indicate the location of the scene.

Once the perimeter photographs are complete, enter the scene and begin the process again of taking overlapping photographs of the interior of the scene.  Stand in each of the corners of an area/room, and pan the opposite side, taking photographs that will overlap as you pan.  Photograph from floor to ceiling, and don’t forget overall photographs of the floor and ceiling as well.

Follow overall photographs with mid-range and close-up photographs.

Add photo markers to items of evidence within the crime scene.

Retake the overall photographs of the scene with the photo markers in place.

REFERENCES

Dutelle, Aric (2020). An Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation.  Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Fish, Jacqueline et al (2014).  Crime Scene Investigation.  Routledge.

Fisher, Barry & Fisher, David (2012). Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation.  CRC Press.

Gardner, Ross & Krouskup, Donna (2018).  Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation, Third Edition.  CRC Press.

Maloney, Michael & Housman, Donald (2014).  Crime Scene Investigation Procedural Guide.  CRC Press.

Ramirez, Christine & Parish-Fisher, Casie (2011). Crime Scene Processing and Investigation. CRC Press.

Standard Guide for Crime Scene Photography. OSAC Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis Subcommittee (2020, June). Retrieved August 15, 2021 from OSAC Site.