The Role of Forensic Photography

The main goal of forensic photography is to accurately depict and document a crime scene.  This helps eliminate errors made by faulty drawings and/or memory or inadequate hand written notes.  When photographing a crime scene, it should be done prior to disturbing the scene, or moving any items of evidence.  (Young, 2011, p. 18)

            During the processing of a vehicle related to a crime scene, the forensic technician should process it before it is removed from the crime scene.  Overall photographs should be taken in a manner, which accurately depicts the location of the vehicle in relation to the crime scene.  Close-up photos of the vehicle should include the VIN number and the license plate.  In order to process the inside of the vehicle, it is best to have it moved to where it can be done in a lab.  (Young, 2011, pp. 206-209)

            When investigating impression evidence, the photographs should show as much depth as possible.  They should be taken from all angles to compensate for the two-dimensional characteristics of photography.

 

References

Young, T. &. (2011). Crime Scene Investigations: The forensic technician's field manual.

 Boston: Prentice Hall.