South Puget Sound Community college

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSVALUE:Permanent and comprehensivea . Recreate the original crime sceneb. Refresh memoryc. Review aspectsd. Provide new slant e. Refresh wits’ memory f. Illustrate details/relationship of objectsg. Document injuries/woundsh. Make comparisons i. Brief new investigators j. Convey scene to jury/visible evidence

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSINVESTIGATORS:-working knowledge of photography-possess digital/instamtaic/polaroid-take own photos for investigative aids-utilize CSA photos-subject to subpoena-keep with case file-no personal collections

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSADMISSIBILITY OF PHOTOGRAPHS:-True representation of scene-no markers in overalls-relationship of objects-work inward from perimeter-number of photos dictated by the case-Investigator’s notebook & photo log*date/time*exact location*description *compass direction

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS• *Focus distance• *Type of film/camera• *special equipment• *light/weather• *number of exposures• *ID of photographer-maintain chain of custody of pictures-Comprehensive log 10 points listed above/chain of custody

for admissibility

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSPolice lab needs evidence log:-ID of person delivering film-Date/time film recieved-Results-# of prints requested-Location of original negatives/disks-ID of person receiving developed prints

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSPHOTOGRAPHING THE HOMICIDE SCENE:-major facet -before anything touched/moved/altered-show relationships-general-specific-close up of body/evidenceOUTDOOR LOCATIONS--central scene and surrounding area-eye level-aerial photosINDOOR LOCATIONS--overalls-body in relation to other objects-windows/doors/lights

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSTHE BODY:-five views-before disturbing-close up of injuries-ID photos-morgue photosSUSPECTS:-appearance-MUST BE IN CUSTODY OR AGREE!!!ELIMINATION:-footwear impressions and bottoms of shoes

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSRECOMMENDED SCENE PHOTOS:-no limit on numbera. Front entrance/walkway/external perimeterb. Entrance to building/roomc. Body viewsd. Body relationshipe. Entrance/escape routesf. Forced entryg. Close up views of evidenceh. Aerial photosi. Suspectj. Witnessesk. Covert photos/video of crowds

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSVIDEOTAPING THE SCENE:-ADVANTAGES-

-realistic/graphic portrayal-atmosphere of the scene-record suspect’s/witnesses’ statements-dying declaration-record line-up30 frames of video tape per secondPURPOSES:-preserving entire event for future viewing

-presentation of entire or relevant portions

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHSRECOMMENDED PROCEURE:-closed microphone at normal angle-keep continuity-start at perimeter-long shots/close ups slowly-pan then zoom-scene intactVIDEOTAPING SUSPECTS:-record demeanor-body language