When investigating crimes, police officers have a number of different tools at their disposal. One is the camera. When used properly, the camera can make the apprehension and conviction of criminals more effective. In order to make the best use of the camera, officers should learn the basics of crime scene photography.
Captain Charles E. Counts with the Newberry Police Department is a Crime Scene Photographer. He worked with Crime to Court to development a video outlining basic techniques for the photographically challenged.
First, decide
which type of camera to use. Many officers today have access to Polaroid
cameras, which are frequently used to document physical abuse in criminal
domestic violence cases. Polaroids, however, are not the best choice when
trying to document other types of evidence, such as pry marks or footprints.
A better choice is to use a 35mm camera. This type of camera provides much
more versatility.An officer should be comfortable with the camera he uses. Sophisticated single lens reflex 35mm cameras with digital metering systems give experienced photographers more flexibility and control. However, these require a certain level of skill and training to use properly and are not for everyone.
The photographically challenged officer should use a point and shoot 35mm camera. In reality, the photographically challenged officer should hand the job to someone else, however, circumstances and supervisors do not always allow this option.
 Disposable Reuseable |
The plastic reuseable camera is available with various bells and whistles that might or might not be useful. Before using either type, an officer should make sure to read the directions carefully.
One concern with these cameras is that most have a built in flash and this flash will usually only reach between five to eight feet. Also, if used to close to the subject, a flash will wash out the image. Even so, a 35mm camera is preferred.
However, if the officer only has access to a Polaroid camera, it is better to take pictures with a Polaroid than to have no pictures at all.
Whichever camera is chosen, practice before photographing a crime scene. Take photos of footprints and other objects commonly found at a crime scene and study the prints. Take notes during the experiment, so you can remember what works best.
There are rules that will help an officer take better crime scene photos.
The first basic
rule is: film is cheap, so when in doubt, take another shot, and another,
and another. Also, remember to hold the camera steady when taking the picture.
If the photo is blurred it is likely to be useless.When taking a picture, cup the camera in your hand and wait until after you hear the click of the shutter before moving.
When photographing
a crime scene, an officer should use a three step process. This process
involves taking an overall shot of the crime scene, a medium shot of the
scene and a close-up.For example, if the crime scene is a burglary where a rear window was broken to obtain entry, the officer should first take an overall picture of the back of the house showing the window’s location in relation to the house. Next, the officer would move in to take a picture of the window itself. Third, the officer would take a close-up of the portion of the window that was broken.
Officers often neglect taking an overall or medium shot and focus almost exclusively on a close-up. However, by taking overall and medium shots, the officer can better illustrate for the jury how the crime took place. This also allows the officer to use the photographs as a guide for his testimony, making it easier for the officer to remember and explain details and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication with the jury.
The use of scales is another important area of crime scene photography. Scales are used when taking medium or close-up pictures of an object, for example, pry marks on a window.
Always use a
ruler for a scale. Use of a coin or a pencil as a scale is inappropriate
and should be avoided. It is also critical that the ruler be made of a non-reflective
material.Using a metal ruler and then taking a picture using a flash could ruin the photograph. The best approach is to purchase a non-reflective ruler and keep it with your camera.
Footprints require special care when being photographed. Due to the amount of traffic at a crime scene, it is sometimes difficult to tell whether footprints belong to a suspect or to a member of the crime scene unit. This is where a Polaroid camera can be useful. Taking a Polaroid picture of the footprint and then comparing it against the shoes of the officers working the crime scene can help determine if the footprint is evidence. It is important to note, however, that once it has been established that the footprint may belong to a suspect, a photograph of the footprint must be taken using a 35mm camera.
When taking a
picture of a footprint, do so from a 90-degree angle. In order to ensure
that the print is clear, the use of a tripod is strongly recommended. In
addition, using a flash at a 45-degree can help to illuminate the footprint
and bring out detail. A straight on flash, however, can wash out the detail.
If all you have is a point and shoot, try to have enough light to keep the
flash from engaging. Finally, use a scale when taking a photo of a footprint.When using a camera please remember these rules. First, if possible, use a 35mm camera and not a Polaroid, when taking pictures. Next, when taking pictures, make sure you hold the camera steady until after you hear the shutter click. Remember to take pictures in sequence, starting with an overall shot, then a medium and then a closeup. When taking a closeup of evidence, such as pry marks at a window, be sure to use an appropriate scale, and be sure the scale is made of non-reflective material. When photographing footprints, use a Polaroid to eliminate the officers footprints on scene, but if you believe the print is that of the suspect, take a picture using a 35mm camera. Take the picture at a 90-degree angle, and use a tripod if possible. Finally, remember, when in doubt, take multiple pictures. Film is the cheapest item you are going to buy.
Information provided by: http://www.scetv.org