APPLICATION OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN

POLICE WORK
IMPORTANCE OF PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Identification purpose
a. Prisoners, person subject of investigation
b. Unidentified cadavers (victims of crimes, traffic accident, airline crash,
collapse of big buildings, shipwrecks, stampede, explosions, natural
calamities like earthquake, landslides, cave-in of mines, tidal waves,
massive flood, etc.
c. Missing person (for publications and alert warnings)
d. Lost or stolen properties (work of art like paintings, sculpture, icons,
antiques, expensive jewelries, rare coins or book, etc.
e. Civilian (police clearance for employment, travel abroad, other
purposes).
2. Recording and preserving of evidences
a. Crime scenes ( homicide or murder, theft or robbery, arson, other crime
listed in the revised penal code as well as other special laws (organized or
syndicated, crimes cyber-space or computer crimes).
b. Traffic accidents.
c. Object of evidence (guns, bullet or shell, knife, clothing, shoes, other
personal belongings, etc. ).
d. Evidential traces (fingerprints, shoe or tire prints, bloodstains and other
body fluids, tool marks bomb or explosive residues, etc.
Discovering and proving of evidences not readily seen by the naked eye
a) Contrast control by lighting, use of filters, use of different films and
papers.
b) Magnification or enlargements of tiny objects by the application of
photomicrography or photomacrography.
 Photomicrography- is the taking of photograph through a microscope. The
camera is attached o the eyepiece and it is the lens of the microscope that
used in photographing.
 Photomacrography or Macrophotography- is the taking of
photograph with a short focus lens. It is an extreme close-up of
small objects to photographed to 1:1 or an actual size or slightly
bigger.
 Microphotography- is the taking of a photograph of an object in a
very reduced size or tiny images of large objects for example, a
microfilm.
c. Use of invisible radiation like x-rays, ultraviolet rays, and infrared
rays
Recording action of offenders
a) Surveillance
b) Entrapment
c) Extra-judicial confession
d) Re-enactment of a crime
For court exhibits
a) Individual photographs
b) Slide projections
c) Comparison charts
d) Motion picture or video coverage/ presentation.

For crime prevention

visual presentation for lectures on traffic education, modus operandi
of “con game artist”, snatchers or hold-uppers, civil defense,
informational services shared with other local or foreign police
organization, business, establishments(banks, hotels) and
industrial complex security.
 Public Information
 Photographs for press releases, posters of wanted criminals, crime alerts,
etc.
 Every police administrator must endeavor to build a good republic image
of his organization and its personnel. Media coverage on sensational or
high profile crime is alright but he must not lose sight on the often
ignored day-to-day activities on the enforcement of laws. On
humanitarian services rendered like search and rescue mission during
disasters and calamities,
Police training
examples are pictures of a traffic policeman giving aid to an elderly or a
child crossing a busy intersection or a beat policeman doing his rounds
on foul weather or in an empty desolate street at night, can portray an
image that indeed the police is a public servant, a protector and a friend.
 Prepared training films or video presentations of personnel
indoctrination, police tactics, investigative techniques, traffic
control , civil disturbances (demonstration) control, riot or prison
disorders, documentaries for pre and post briefings on police
operations, etc.

SPECIFIC APPLICATION
Identification photographs
An identification photograph should be a accurate likeness of
the subject, room which he can be recognized by witnesses or police
officers. These photographs should strive to reproduce every mole,
scar, wrinkles and other marks which help identify the subject.
Generally, a full front lighting will accomplish . The standard
photographs for identification is the head and shoulder shot of the
subject’s front and profile(either full side view or quarter face). The
ear of a person is a very distinctive feature of
 A data board bearing the name of the subject or his alias, the police
department or unit handling the case, case number, the date are some
of information that are usually included in the photograph.

 In photographing objects of evidence or evidential traces to show

their original appearance and condition when received for laboratory
examination, the standard procedure on lighting, camera position,
data board, and a ruler or measuring device placed at the bottom
side of the subject must be observed at all times
From a scene of a crime , bank hold up, kidnaping etc. can be
forwarded to patrol units who will set roadblocks to prevent their
flight or escape.
Crime Scene Photography
a. General consideration
The primary purpose of crime scene photography is to
provide information that will assist the successful investigation and
subsequent prosecution of criminal case. Photography is used as a
permanent visual record of the exact and original location and
condition of the different aspects of the scene and vital evidences of
proof. Hence, the indispensable photographing of the crime scene
should be done, completely and accurately before objects of evidence
are removed altered , or lost. In the initial stages of an investigation ,
there are certain aspects that are not readily evident, but later they may
affect vital issues of the case.
 Generally, crime scene photography serve in the following areas:
1. To provide the investigator and the prosecutor with an accurate
pictorial presentation of the appearance and position of objects at the
scene.
2. To aid in the questioning of suspects and witnesses when their sworn
statements are being taken.
3. To present to the court of an accurate picture of the scene hereby
enabling them to understand the evidences better and evaluate
intelligently
Take note that photography is a means of visual
communication basically with a more universal way of conveying a
message or idea than spoken or written words. The aim or goal is to
record maximum information in a series of photographs which will
enable a viewer to understand WHERE and HOW the crime was
committed. The term “crime scene” refers not only to immediate
locality in which the criminal act
was perpetrated but also to adjacent areas where important act took
place immediately before or after the commission of crime..
Remember the forensic photography is the “documentation” of the
scene. It is an accurate and logical “story” as told by the scene in
visual form.
As a basic guideline, the approach to complete representation
of subject matters is the progression of “general to specific”.
a) The long range or general view
b) The medium range or medium view
c) The close up
d) The extreme close up
GENERAL VIEW MID-RANGE

CLOSE-UP EXTREME CLOSE-UP

MARKERS N THE FIELD OF VIEW

Ruler or measuring device- rulers, yardsticks or tape measures

can show relative sizes and distances between objects. It can
also show the degree of magnification or reduction of the final
print. These rulers must be placed beside the subject. In the case
of fingerprints or handwritings. They are usually placed at the
base to maintain uniformity of location in photographs that will
be used for comparison charts.
 Identification data- a small sign is usually placed at the scene
but its data should be limited to the date, time, location, and
case or job number.
Location and markers- these can be sticks or numbered signs to show
specific locations of small objects not readily seen in an over all
photograph. In selecting a marker, avoid using an article which
resemble an object that is originally found in the scene.

In placing these markers mentioned above, care must be

exercised that they will not obscure conceal, or interfere with any
significant part of the subject.

The usual practice of some investigation of placing chalk

marks pointing to bullet holes or tiny objects at the scene should be
avoided until all photographs without it is finished.
Try to understand that in the practical applications of the
above aspects.
1. Poor selection and composition of subjects
2. Poor focus adjustments
3. Incorrect exposure
can negate all efforts toward this endeavor of producing the best
photographic exhibits.
To confront the task discussed the photographer should be
aware of the fundamental operational capabilities and limitations in
the areas of:
 Films
 Lighting
 Lighting equipment
 Type of camera available for a specific purpose
 Type of lenses suited for various application
 SPECIFIC CRIMES
 Homicide or murder
 Robbery
 Parricide
 Theft
 Arson

 Manner of Death
To help explain how the crime took place , show from several angles the whole scene
and all possible elements of the crime.
: How the cause of death came about.
a. Suicide d. Natural
b. Homicide e. Undetermined
c. Accident
 CAUSE OF DEATH
Crimes involving firearms
In cases where firearms was used in the commission of a crime,
the work of the photographer is more difficult and complex.
Taking of photographs must be in consultation and advice of forensic
ballisticians and a medico-legal officer.

Cause of Death: Disease or injury that results in the individual

dying.
- COD: Cardiopulmonary arrest. X
Cardiac Arrest. X
Cause, Manner, Mechanism

Manner of Death: Examples

- homicide: sepsis due to GSW
- poisoning?
- rabies?
- boxing?
- therapeutic misadventures?
- electric chair?
- traffic accident?
Cause, Manner, Mechanism

Manner of Death: Examples

- Death by fear?
- Post-traumatic seizure disorder?
- Failure to prescribe meds?
- HIV?
HANGING
In death apparently due to hanging,
doubt sometimes exist whether the
occurrence is homicide, suicide, or
accidental. The original position of the body
is of prime importance Naturally, the
necessity of administering first aid measure
offers results in complete change in the
original position. If the body was found
undisturbed, the photograph that will help
determine the manner of death is an over-all
views of the body and the rope taken at torso
and foot level. Show the length of the body
to the ground.
DROWNING
In drowning case, the body is usually the object of
interest since the crime scene itself is uncertain except the
location of where the body was found floating or snagged.
Photograph the whole body both from the standing
observer position and from ground level position. Close-
ups shots should show any foam in the mouth or nostrils
ELECTROCUTION
In case of death by electrocution, the usual
photographs are taken in the area of scene
particularly the cause of the current flow, or from the
electrical connection where the shock could have
originated like exposed wires, cracked insulations,
presence of water near or surrounding the body, the
accessibility of metal fixtures to the deceased original
position at the time of shock, etc.

EXPLOSION
In cases of explosion, take photographs that
will help determine whether the explosion is directed
against property, against persons, or both.
 To be considered in selecting objects that should be
photographed are he following:
 Nature of the explosives device- homemade, dynamite, liquid
chemical, bomb or other military hardware or stuff. Strewn
about the scene are parts and pieces, fragments of its
container, fuse, tapes, wire, cloths, papers, metal parts that are
imbedded on walls or other objects at the scene.
 Undetonated parts of the explosive- they may be found at
distances from the point of explosion.
 Traces of liquid explosives- stains on clothing, curtains, or
walls, particles of wax o paraffin, or spillage at the approaches
of the scene.
Point of origin- the exact spot where the thing is placed and
probably open windows or doors where it was thrown.
ROBBERY CASE
 General view of the exterior of the building.
 Point of break or entry. Mark of force should be shown clearly
with both medium views and close-ups.
 Point of exit
 Condition of room. Be aware of characteristics patterns which
will indicate modus-operandi.
 Places where valuable materials were removed.
 Articles left behind like burglary tools ( crowbars, metal saw,
metal file, screw drivers, etc.)
 Trace evidences like fibers adhering on window frames,
soil ,cigarette butts, burned matches, powders, tool marks ,
shoe or foot prints, fingerprints which includes the places
where they are found or developed.
SEX OFFENSES
In the crime of rape, the photographs to be taken are the
place of incidence, signs of struggle or resistance on the part of
the victim an objects of evidence.
The photograph of the general view should probably show the
remoteness of the area to normal traffic or its distance to the
nearest dwelling place or that the place is not a normal meeting
place for social purpose.
 Medium shots should show broken branches or pressed
grasses if outdoor and crumpled beddings or pillows strewn about if indoor.
Close-up should show buttons removed from cloths, torn clothing or
garments, hairs or fibers, presence of biological stains like blood or semen.
On the body of the victim are signs like contusions, bruises or wounds.
ARSON
The photographs to be taken during the progress of the fire are the following:
 Area of origin
 Rapidity, direction, and manner of spread of the fire.
 The nature of the burning substance as indicating by the color of the smoke,
and color and size of the flame.
 The progressive stages of the burning as shown from various angles and
significant changes taking place.
 Unusual arrangements of doors and windows.
 Identity of spectators. The arsonist usually returns to the scene o witness the
burning
 Traffic Vehicular Accidents

Death or serious injuries being investigated by the

police involving motor vehicles should be photographed with
primary purpose to help to determine whether there was
negligence in the operation of the vehicle, inadequate control
due to excessive speed, or loss of control due to defective
mechanism or sudden physical disability of the driver.
Distances, position , speeds and fragments left behind
the scene of the usual photographic subjects. Since injured
persons are removed from the vehicle to the hospital or
morgue; and vehicles involved are moved to the sides to give
way to traffic; the taking of photographs should be done with
speed and precision
The number and nature of photographs to be taken will vary widely with the
seriousness of the accident and the difficulty involved in fixing
responsibility. Be sure to include reference points and details of the cause
and responsibility of the accident. These lists had been found to be applicable
in any case.
General View
 Exact location or area of collision. This should include debris lying on the
roadway, skid mark and other evidences.
 Position of vehicles as they are found
 Surrounding areas. Take one or several photographs from a distance, if
possible from a high point - from a window or roof of a building to show
an intersection or the street as a whole for possible road hazards like blind
corners, potholes, tree branches or shrubs that may obscure vision traffic
control mechanism or lights (operational or not) road signs and notices etc.
 Vehicles must be photographed individually for damaged areas. One
picture should show it in whole with its license plate for identification
purposes. Take a close up photograph of the damage area to show the force
of the collision speed at which the vehicle were travelling at the moment
of impact. The location of the damage may also help show how the
accident took place.
 Skid marks which are the result of the friction between the tires and the
pavement when the brakes are fully applied, must be photographed and
also the tire marks. Photographed the skid marks from two directions;
 ARTICLES OR OBJECTS OF EVIDENCE

Important items of evidence are usually photographed individually at the scene of a

crime as they are found upon receipt at a crime laboratory. These photographs serve
the following purpose:
1. a permanent record of the original appearance of the object.
2. Lessen unnecessary handling that can cause alteration.
Typical of these evidences are tools, weapons, bullets cartridges or shells,
contrabands, illegal drugs, cellphones, etc. It can also be a marks on a body of a
person, and others which might deteriorate or change in the passing of time.
SURVEILANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
The purpose of surveillance photography is to gather pertinent facts or
information, or evidence or illegal acts of person or if a place is used for
illegal activities. While still photographs can be used to identify a person or a
place; motion picture or videography should be used to record an act or
activity.