Crime scene imaging techniques

By William C. Sampson

Crime scene photographs provide a permanent visual record of the crime scene as it was found, depicting what was seen and collected by the investigator, and are essential in follow-up investigations and court proceedings. This article addresses:

• Basic crime scene documentation principles and procedures
• General photographic guidelines
• Outdoor scenes
• Indoor scenes

There are three basic types of photographers:

• People who make a living through photography
• People who take photos as a hobby or pleasure
• People who use photos in their occupation for a business purpose. Crime scene photography is an adjunct to the investigator’'s occupation, and the photographer does not have to be a professional.

This document is intended to describe the proper documentary procedures to follow in recording a crime scene through photography. Photographic techniques, camera operation, and equipment selection are mentioned to supplement the documentation procedures described.

General Tips:
Photographs are normally taken from the outside of a scene to the inside (core area) of the scene.

Be consistent when taking photographs. Photograph each aspect of a crime scene from distant, mid-range, and close-up perspectives.

Film is inexpensive. Take numerous photographs. Film cost does not override the value of complete and thorough photographic documentation of a crime scene.

Carry a spare camera and flash, batteries, film, tripods. Back-up equipment and proper training will allow the photographer to produce acceptable results.

Investigators should maintain a photographic log as a reference to where and what photos have been taken, as well as the conditions under which the photographs were obtained. A log also helps the photographer present a professional image when testifying in court.

The log should include:

• Identity of photographer
• Date/time
• Location of crime
• Type of case
• Case number or other identifying number
• Orientation, description of the scene
• Type of camera/lens used
• Type of film used
• Light source, type of strobe (manual or automatic, fill)
• Shutter speed
• Lens aperture - Because photography does have some inherent limitations, always create a crime scene sketch as an addendum to the photographic log.

Remember:

• Photographs are two-dimensional and cannot show distances and measurements accurately between objects.
• Irrelevant details may be present in photographs.
• Photos can fail to show concealed details.
• Inability of single photo to show an entire crime scene. The sketch, used in conjunction with photographs, will present a clear, complete and accurate view of the crime scene. Photographs should be taken first, with the supplemental sketch created later.
• When you arrive on the scene, obtain as much information about the case as you can from the lead investigator or first-responding officer. This will provide a basic plan for taking photographs and help to determine specific photographic requirements. Take exterior photographs before the interior photographs. Obtain photos that illustrate the following:
  
• How the subject(s) approached, left the scene.
• How scene was entered and exited.
• How crime was committed.
• Items handled or moved.

Interior photographs:
• Take a minimum of four photographs from each corner of the room. Options:Take photos from wall-to-wall or points of the compass.
• Use a tripod-mounted camera with a wide-angle lens set at the entry point of the room to obtain overlapping panoramic photographs. Then shoot the scene from the opposite side of the room. Option: Before entering a room, use an instant camera mounted on an extension pole to obtain overhead photographs of the scene. This allows you to locate and identify evidence hidden behind furniture or other objects.
• Take photos from eye-level perspective of the first person on the scene - whether a witness or first-responding officer.
• Eyewitness perspectives should be photographed by line-of-sight to and from the scene core. Photograph obstructions. These photographs are crucial in determining if a witness, subject or officer’'s line-of-sight of an object was clear or obstructed.
• If practical, have two photographers record the crime scene to obtain different perspectives. This also reduces the likelihood of inadvertent destruction or damage to film, lost film, and equipment malfunction. Or, have one photographer shoot 35mm film while the other takes instant photos as back-up documentation.
• If an object or piece of evidence is obstructed, a minimum of two photographs should be taken. One photo with the obstruction in place and the second after its removal.
• When taking instant photos, attach a label to the back of each image identifying the investigator/photographer, date, type of case and case number.
• With 35mm film, write the above information on a piece of gray card or similar device and photograph it at the beginning of each roll. Also, sequentially number each roll of film used, e.g. “roll 1 of 8,” “roll 2 of 8,” etc. Immediately photograph evidence that may be contaminated, inadvertently destroyed or damaged by inclement weather conditions.

As a general rule, photographs should be taken in a progression from general to specific.

• Long-range photographs could include aerial or overhead photographs, exterior, interior or any photographs that encompass a wide portion of the scene. These photographs identify the location of the crime.
• Mid-range photographs are approximately ten to twenty feet from the subject matter. Care should be taken that the photographs can be easily compared with the long-range photos. Mid-range photography provides an orientation of an object within a scene.
• Close-up photographs are taken from distance of approximately five feet or less. The close-up photos should depict items that could not be adequately seen from the two previous ranges. Photographs show the relationship of evidence to the scene, and ultimately illustrate a connection to be made between the scene and defendant, and also help to establish the chain of custody.
• Macro photography with and without scale may be used to record tool marks or fracture patterns. This may be as close as a few inches. Always use a scale when taking photographs to show distance and size relationships. Each item should be photographed with and without a scale in the event the use of a scale in a photo is ruled prejudicial.
• Photograph the scene as it is found. This is a general rule that applies to all scenes. Do not reconstruct the scene by placing objects that may have been inadvertently moved back into the scene. If an item or object has been moved prior to photographing the scene, photograph it in its new location. Next place the object in its original position and photograph it again. This action should be noted in the photo log and/or on the sketch.

Four basic types of crime scenes investigators will document: