Chapter 4 - Crime Scene Photography

Abstract

The third form of recording a crime scene and its evidence is photography. This visual record is true and accurate. Most crime scene cameras are digital with a variety of lenses, lighting capabilities, and image storage abilities. The process of photographing a crime scene proceeds from a general overall perspective to a specific close-up record of each item of evidence. General overall photographs show the surroundings and points of access and can be aerials. Midrange photographs of the crime scene are taken to show the relationship of the scene to the individual items of evidence. Finally, close-up photographs record the items of evidence. In some instances, the photograph becomes the evidence as it records details of the evidence so much so that the forensic laboratory may use the photograph instead of the actual item of evidence. Lighting aids are an asset for recording the scene and the physical evidence. Photography is a documentation technique, but the individual images must also be documented by the use of a photo log.