PHOTOGRAPHING
THE CRIME SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE
Recording everything as it was found
is the first task in a crime scene, and this
is undertaken by the forensic
photographer. He should be careful about
comprehensively documenting the details
of the crime without disturbing or
contaminating evidence types.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE
Each crime scene will be different but it
recommends that the following should be
considered when photographing the crime
scene.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME
SCENE
The photographic record should be comprehensive
and should include the general layout of premises or
features of an area. This will depend on the seriousness
and circumstances of the crime.
Things that need to be Photograph in a
Close up range/close up view
•Object attacked
•The weapon or tools used
•Significant clues
Photographing the bodies and the wounds
Defense wounds- resistance of the victim – arm of the
victim
Bruises/ scratches- evidence of physical struggle -
suspect
Prints that can be found at the
crime scene
[Link] Print/ invisible Print
[Link] Visible print
[Link] Print
LATENT PRINT- invisible
POWDERING METHOD OR
CHEMICAL METHOD
SEMI VISIBLE PRINT-
WITH A GOOD SOURCE OF
LIGHT
VISIBLE PRINT
SMUDGE PRINTS –sliding motion AND
FRAGMENTARY PRINTS- only a portion
Powdering/ Dusting Method
Chemical Method
Example of fingerprint comparison and
examination
BULLET RECOVERY BOX
PARRAFIN TEST
COMPARATOR MICROSCOPE
photomicrography
Microscope
Enlargement = 10x magnification
Subject= minute object; examples fingerprint, striation marks and
scratches present on the fired bullet/ fired cartridge case
Microphotography- reduction of photographic size of small
objects
Aka microfilming
Macrophotography/ photomacrography
Macro lens
Subject- small object
1:1 ratio or magnification up to
9x
BALLISTICS EXAMINATION
BALLISTICS EXAMINATION
Two positions in comparing test and evidence
Fired bullet/ fired cartridge case
INTERMARRIAGE
JUXTAPOSITION
INTERMARRIAGE
JUXTAPOSITION
GUNSHOT ENTRANCE WOUND
• CIRCULAR IN SHAPE
• PRESENCE OF TATTOOING OR BURNT/CHARRING
(Tattooing – entrance wound =gun powder residue more than 6inches-2ft
charring/burnt + tattooing= less than 6 inches)
• POSITIVE- PARAFFIN TEST
• SMALLER IN SIZE THAN EXIT GUNSHOT WOUND
GUNSHOT EXIT WOUND
•IRREGULAR IN SHAPE
•LARGER THAN THE ENTRANCE WOUND
•NO TATTOOING OR BURNT/CHARRING
•NEGATIVE IN PARAFFIN TEST
ODD AND EVEN RULE IN GUNSHOT
WOUND
- this only presumptive
ENTRANCE = EXIT
ENTRANCE NOT EQUAL TO EXIT
Lodged bullet
Types wound
Incised wound- sharp edge
Stab wound- pointed/ sharp edge
Puncture Wound- pointed( ice pick)
Lacerated wound- blunt object- irregular
shape of wound
suicidal
Suicidal wound- accessible parts of the victim –
wrist part
Hesitation cuts- old/ fresh cuts
Casting tire impression
Casting of foot/shoe impression
Requirements for the admissibility of
Photograph as EVIDENCE
[Link] Representation
[Link] of distortion
[Link] and relevant to the case
[Link]
[Link] Inflammatory content
Defense wound
Scratches and bruises – located at the arm of the victim
Suspect- bruises/ scratches= evidence of physical struggle –
arms, neck, back chest part
ACCIDENT PHOTOGRAPHY
The following are the basic rules in photographing
road/traffic accidents for SOCO and Field Laboratory Work
(FLW)
• Avoid unnecessary surrounding/objects that are not
pertinent to the case.
• Photographs should be taken from the eye level of the
driver. If there are witnesses, photographs should be taken
at their level from the spot where they have seen the
incident.
• Shots should be taken from the four points of the
compass and 25 feet from the point of impact to show
the approach and terrain.
• Take close-up shots of the damaged area in two angles
from a distance of eight to ten feet.
• Take shots in order and properly note at the photograph
notes in order to guide the investigator on how the
accident occurred.
• Special care should be taken when photographing a hit
and run case.
• What to photograph
What to Photograph:
• All victims
• Debris that indicate where the first impact occurred
• License plate of vehicles (at least one photograph of
each vehicle)
• All skid and tire marks, patches of oil or water
• If the vehicle has gone off the road and has made marksin
soil, these should be photographed. They may
giveindication of the speed of the vehicle.
• A close mark made in asphalt roadway should be taken
• The vicinity of the accident that does not include the
accident itself (for reference point)
Mugshots
For taking the mug-shots, photograph the subject in
the front of the height scale without footwear to
determine his/her exact height. Let the subject hold the
case verifier. Mugshots should be done in the following
angles with the case number displayed at each shots.
1. Front view, whole body
2. Front view, (half body, head to elbow
3. Left side view, (half body, head to elbow
4. Right side view, (half body to elbow
Front view, Front view, (half
whole body body, head to elbow
Left side view , half Right side view, half
body, head to elbow body, head to elbow
The PNP also has a compilation of facial
features called the Composite Criminal
Illustration, which is taken from photographs
with descriptive detail provided. This serve as an
aid in an investigation where evidence is
limitedand the suspect is unknown. It has been
found useful in obtaining description of unknown
suspects. Its also get the public involved in
identification of the suspects.
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