TOPIC: CRIME SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHY
 What is a Crime Scene?
1. Physical features: These include natural characteristics of
A crime scene it refers to the geographical location where crime the land such as mountains, rivers, valleys, forests, and
took place and where physical evidence can be found. deserts

2. Coordinates: Geographical locations can also be pinpointed

• A geographical location refers to a specific point or area on using latitude and longitude coordinates, which are
the Earth's surface identified by its physical features, numerical measurements that indicate a precise position on
coordinates, or its relationship to other landmarks. It could the Earth's surface. These coordinates provide a
be as broad as a continent or as specific as a street address. standardized way to locate places accurately

3. Relationship to other landmarks: Sometimes, locations are

identified by their proximity or relationship to other well-
known landmarks or reference points.
 OBJECTIVES OF TAKING
CRIME SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHY
TO PRODUCE A PICTORIAL RECORD OF EVERYTHING REGARDING THE CRIME.

TO HELP IN SEEKING THE POLICE OFFICERS' MEMORY ACCURATELY AS

POSSIBLE AS TO WHERE HE FINDS THINGS

TO HELP IN SECURING, OBTAINING CONFESSION, DESCRIPTION, AND

INFORMATION TO THE CASE.
 PHOTOGRAPHY PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN CRIME SCENE
INVESTIGATION FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
1. DOCUMENTATION: Photographs provide a detailed visual record of the crime scene, capturing its original
condition before any evidence is disturbed or removed. This documentation is vital for reconstructing the scene later
and presenting evidence in court.
2. PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE: Photographs help preserve the integrity of the evidence by allowing investigators
to capture the scene from multiple angles and distances. This ensures that every relevant detail is recorded before
anything is altered or moved.
3. ANALYSIS AND INVESTIGATION: Photographs allow investigators to analyze the scene more thoroughly. They
can zoom in on specific areas, examine details that may not be immediately apparent, and identify potential evidence
that might have been overlooked.
4. CORROBORATION AND VALIDATION: Photographs serve as a means of corroborating witness statements,
providing visual evidence to support or refute their accounts of what happened. They can also validate the findings of
forensic experts and other investigators involved in the case.
5. PRESENTATION IN COURT: Photographs are often presented as evidence in court proceedings. They help jurors
and judges understand the details of the crime scene and the evidence collected, making it easier for them to evaluate
the case and reach a verdict.
WHAT IS PROGRESSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY?
• Progressive photography refers to the taking of appropriate shots to give a full view
and details of the come scene These shots include general view, medium, close up and
extreme close up
 ANGLE OF VIEWS IN TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE
CRIME SCENE (PROGRESSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY)

• GENERAL VIEW or Long Range View

• MEDIUM VIEW or Mid-Range View

• CLOSE-UP SHOT

• EXTREME CLOSE-UP SHOT

 GENERAL VIEW (LONG RANGE VIEW):
• This angle provides an overall perspective of the crime scene, capturing its entire
layout and surrounding context. It's useful for establishing the scene's location and
boundaries, as well as documenting any potential evidence or points of interest within
the broader context.
A general view photograph of a crime scene would typically
capture the entire area where the incident occurred. This could
include the surrounding environment, such as buildings, streets,
or natural features, as well as any relevant objects or structures
within the scene itself. The purpose of this photograph is to
provide an overall context and layout of the scene, allowing
investigators to understand the spatial relationships between
different elements and to identify potential areas of interest for
closer examination.

Imagine a photograph taken from a distance that encompasses

the entire crime scene, showing the location of any relevant
evidence, landmarks, or points of entry or exit. This type of
photograph helps investigators to reconstruct the sequence of
events and to develop hypotheses about what might have
occurred based on the spatial arrangement of objects and other
physical evidence.
 MEDIUM VIEW OR MID-RANGE VIEW
• This angle narrows the focus slightly, capturing specific areas or objects within the
crime scene in more detail. It's often used to document evidence or elements that
require closer examination while still maintaining some degree of surrounding context.
• crime scene documentation would typically
capture a more focused area within the broader
context of the scene. It would zoom in on specific
elements or objects of interest while still
maintaining some degree of surrounding context.

• For example, imagine a photograph that focuses

on a particular section of the crime scene where a
significant piece of evidence is located, such as a
bloodstain on the floor or a broken window. The
photograph would frame the evidence
prominently within the shot while still showing
enough of the surrounding area to provide context
for its placement within the scene.

• This type of photograph helps investigators to

document and analyze individual pieces of
evidence in detail while still understanding how
they fit into the overall context of the crime
scene. It allows for a more detailed examination
of specific elements without losing sight of the
broader picture.
 CLOSE-UP SHOT:
• his angle zooms in further, focusing on specific pieces of evidence or details within the
crime scene. Close-up shots are crucial for capturing fine details such as fingerprints,
bloodstains, or tool marks, providing investigators with a clear and detailed record of
important evidence.
• Close-up shots capture fine details that may not be visible
in broader views. This includes things like fingerprints, tool
marks, blood spatter patterns, or small pieces of evidence.
These details can be critical for forensic analysis and
reconstruction of events.
• Close-up shots aid forensic experts in their analysis of
evidence. For example, a close-up of a footprint might
reveal specific features that can help identify the shoe or the
individual who left it. Similarly, a close-up of a tool mark
might assist in matching it to a particular tool or weapon.
• Close-up shots serve as visual evidence in court
proceedings. They help judges and juries understand the
nature and significance of the evidence being presented,
reinforcing the credibility of forensic analysis and expert
testimony.
• Overall, close-up shots play a critical role in crime scene
documentation by capturing essential details that contribute
to the investigation, analysis, and presentation of evidence
in criminal cases.
 EXTREME CLOSE-UP SHOT:

• his angle offers an even more detailed view, zooming in on extremely small or
intricate elements within the crime scene. It's particularly useful for capturing
microscopic evidence or subtle clues that might be overlooked in broader shots.
1. Detail Enhancement: Extreme close-up shots magnify the tiniest features of evidence, such as individual
fibers, hairs, or minute traces of substances. This level of detail can reveal characteristics that are
essential for identification or analysis, enhancing the overall understanding of the crime scene.

2. Forensic Analysis: These shots provide forensic experts with highly detailed images for analysis. For
example, an extreme close-up shot of a fabric fiber might reveal unique characteristics that can help
match it to a specific garment or manufacturer. Similarly, a close-up of a tool mark might show
microscopic details that aid in identifying the tool used.

3. Documentation Integrity: By capturing evidence at an extreme level of detail, these shots ensure the
integrity of the documentation process. They provide a thorough and unambiguous record of the crime
scene, helping to preserve the chain of custody and ensuring that no vital details are overlooked during
analysis or presentation in court.

4. Presentation in Court: Extreme close-up shots serve as compelling visual evidence in court proceedings.
They help convey the significance and relevance of microscopic evidence to judges and juries,
reinforcing the credibility of forensic analysis and expert testimony.

5. In summary, extreme close-up shots are essential in crime scene photography for their ability to capture
minute details of evidence, support forensic analysis, maintain documentation integrity, and enhance the
presentation of evidence in court.
REMEMBER!

If the body is taken to the morgue, it should be photographed

there as directed by the pathologist

The body should be photographed with any clothing that is on

the body when it is found

To unidentified cadavers, including marks on the victim's body

especially tattoo or scars for identification
BEFORE TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS, THE PHOTOGRAPHER
SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Evaluate or assess the crime scene and establish a plan on how to "CAPTURE AND
PRESERVE" it before actually taking pictures
2 Photograph the crime scene environment (the scene in general) before focusing on the
focal point.
3. Take as many photographs as you can. Maximize the use of available film supplies.
4. Observe the correct setting of the four (4) controls of the camera, including the proper
technique of focusing, exposure, film development, and printing.
5. In photographing the direct victim of a death related case, make sure that the victim is
dead before taking photographic evidence
6. Take a minimum of 4 photographs at different angles concerning the exterior of the
scene, and the position of the victims and physical shreds of evidence.
7. Take photographs of the subject at different angles following a clockwise or counter- clockwise direction.

8. The sequence of pictures taken should be logical and consistent to help the investigators in reconstructing the crime
scene.
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9 Do not move or transfer anything at the crime scene unless the scene has been properly measured, marked,
sketched, and

10. Unnecessary or unauthorized touching, moving and transferring the properties, weapons, and bodies found at the
scene may cause misleading investigation.

11. Take note of any unusual conditions or circumstances existing at the crime scene or its adjacent environment.

12. Take note of the existence of traffic lights, signals, and precautions.

13. Mark or chalk the perimeter of the involved body, weapon, property, or vehicle before moving them.
 ITEMS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE TO BE
PHOTOGRAPHED:
1. Objects that serve to establish the fact that a crime has been committed.
2. Evidence relating to how the crime was committed.
3. Objects that might provide a clue to the identity of the perpetrator.
4. Clues that would connect a suspect to the crime.
5. Anything that has any bearing on the crime such as blood splashes, signs of struggle, or any
indication of drinking or drugs.
6 Fingerprints found at the crime scene.
NOTE:
Shoe print or tire impressions should be photographed before the addition of a scale or label