Crime scene photos are crucial for investigators to record the original scene before evidence is collected. Photos are taken at three levels: general, medium, and close-up. They help detectives remember details and can be used as visual evidence in court cases. Photos must be clear and use scales where appropriate.
One of the most important tools a crime scene investigator has are crime scene photos. Crime scene photographs are used to record the crime scene in its original form, before evidence is collected and anything is moved. Taking crime scene photographs, whether on 35mm film or with a digital camera, is one of the most important steps in processing a crime scene because it allows investigators to view the crime scene weeks, months, or even years later the crime.
Crime scene photographs are important in preserving a record of the original crime scene. Photographs are normally taken at three levels: general, medium and close-up. General shots show the general crime scene. Medium level shots show the distances and relationships between objects. Close-ups show details of evidence or anything else relevant to the crime.
It’s important that these photographs are taken before anyone has a chance to wander into the crime scene, potentially displacing things from their original location. It is done after the nature of the crime has been determined and a general theory about the crime has been put together. This theory, which can include the offender’s entry and exit points, any potential weapons, and how the crime was committed, will help direct the photographer to the shots that need to be taken.
Once crime scene photographs are taken and developed, they become an essential part of the file. While a sketch of the crime scene will also be created, the photographs give detectives the opportunity to go back to the original crime scene to look for anything that might help solve the case. Crime scene photographs can help investigators remember subtle nuances of the crime scene and can be compared to witness and victim testimony, allowing for accuracy checks.
Crime scene photographs are considered visual evidence and can be used in court cases. Images must use scales where appropriate. For example, the size of the blood spatter could be shown by placing a quarter, or other small, easily identifiable object, on a clean surface near the spatter. The camera angles used must also be taken into consideration. Overall views of the crime scene must be taken from different angles. Even images of smaller objects and areas should be shown from different perspectives. For images to be usable, they also need to be clear, without distracting dirt marks on the lens, deep shadows or blurring that would make details difficult to see.
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