BRAZORIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

Time is an essential factor. Photography frequently will preempt, or come before, other aspects of the investigation. Objects cannot be moved or examined with thoroughness until they have been photographed from all necessary angles. Because there are situations in which the object of interest undergoes significant change with the passage of time, it is very important that photographic equipment be in a constant state of readiness.

All camera positions should be recorded on the crime scene sketch. This can be done by measuring the distance from immovable objects to a vertical line extending downward from the camera lens. Photographs of the interior scenes, intended to depict the area as a whole, should be taken as overlapping segments in one direction around the room area. In making such photographs, it is best to keep the camera at about eye level, unless a tripod is used.

The most important element in police photography is maintaining perspective. Proper photographic perspective produces the same impression of relative position and size of visible objects as the actual objects do when viewed from a particular point. Any significant distortion in the perspective will reduce, or destroy altogether, its evidentiary value.

As a second rule, natural perspective can best be maintained by shooting pictures with the camera aimed so that a 90-degree angle is formed with opposite walls, or if outdoors, with fixed objects such as trees or the landscape.

Different Crime Scene Photography Ranges

As a general rule there are three main ranges of crime scene photography. The first is long range. Long range photos consist of your overall photo shots of your scene to your overall room shots inside. For example, at a burglary scene long range photo shots answer several questions needed to complete or help with the investigation. You would want to include the address of the residence connected to the residence itself. Is the residence secluded or in a residential area? Are there any fences or gates on the property where the crime occurred? Long-range photos also show the approximate time of day it is during the investigation, and the condition of the weather at the time of the investigation. Remember to take long range photos from all angles or directions of the crime scene, this is very important in order to show what is surrounding the residence.

The second type of photo range is medium range photography. Medium range photography consist of any range of photos that show more detail than long range, but not enough detail to accurately describe any items in the scene. Remember to take these photos from a distance that they are not too close to the items in the scene, but not too far either. The key concept to this range of photos is to tie together all evidence in the crime scene. Use this range of photos to show tools used in the burglary in relation to the item(s) it was used on. To show the widow that was broken and the pattern of broken glass that was left by the suspect(s). Or show the items that are missing from the scene that the suspect(s) took (i.e. VCR, T.V.)

The final range of crime scene photography are the close-up photos. Close-up photography allows you to establish the magnification rate and size of the subject(s) in the crime scene. Close-up photos also show the specific details of the evidence in the scene in order to write a more accurate report, and to help, you the officer, remember the case two years down the road when the case finally reaches the courtroom. One important thing to remember with this range is to always take one picture without a scale or ruler, and take another picture of the same item from the same place with a scale or ruler, this will help if the picture ever needs any enlargements made or computer enhancements. Use this range of photos to show the detailed pry marks left on the back door of the residence. Any finger and/or palm prints at the scene. Any items that are going to be collected for processing back at the office. Finally, this range of photos are real useful in taking pictures of tire and shoe impressions left by the suspect(s).