BRAZORIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

The following is a general list of basic photography angles and shots which normally should be taken at any crime scene.   REMEMBER though, every crime is unique to itself. Each scene deals with people, and when dealing with people there are never absolutes!

Approaches to the Scene (Long Range)

The interior and exterior of the building

Surrounding areas (the yard of a house in which the crime occurred, the general area surrounding an outdoor crime scene, and so forth)

Medium Range photographs should be taken of the entrance and exit to the scene, or those most likely to have been used if these are not obvious.

Damaged areas, particularly those around the points of entry and exits used by the criminal.

A general scenario shot showing the location of the evidence and its position in the relation to the room or area in which it was found (Medium Range)

As many close-up and medium range of the evidence should be taken as needed to show pry marks, blood pattern, tools laying on floor, and the immediate surroundings.

After the evidence is collected the area underneath them should be photographed if there is any marks, stains, or other apparent change.

All finger and palm prints, which do not need further development or cannot be lifted, should be photographed. Areas in which fingerprints were discovered are photographed to show the location if this area was not included in other photographs.

Any other photographs you, as the officer, feel is necessary to complete the scene.