Lecture 6: CSI: Photography, Videography, and Searching

Purpose of photography in CSI

Provides visual record of the scene; helps jury understand; shows spatial relationships

Rules of crime scene photography

Document everything, ensure accuracy, avoid distractions, never delete photos

Basics of good photography

Fill frame, sensor parallel to subject, photos tell a story (approach → entrance → crime → exit)

Photographing the scene

Capture “as found” before movement, entrances/exits, fragile evidence, overall and close-ups

Types of photos

• Location (scene context)

• Witness (what could/couldn’t be seen)

• Close-up (detail)

• Evidence photos (long-, medium-, close-range)

• Comparison photos (for lab analysis)

Photographing victims

Four sides, overhead, close-ups of face, hands, feet, injuries

Photographing vehicles

VIN, license plates, exterior/interior, trunk, tires

Concerns in photography

Avoid glare/shadows, manage hot/cold conditions, use long exposures if needed

Videography basics

Supplements photos; continuous shots, establishing shots, walk-throughs

Searching the scene

Purpose: locate all evidence; best done in daylight, carefully and methodically

Common search patterns

Line/strip, grid, spiral, quadrant/zone, wheel/ray

Packaging evidence

Must be secure, prevent damage, tamper-evident seal with initials/date

Labeling evidence

Include case identifiers, collector, description, time/date, location

Evidence-specific packaging examples

• Drugs: per type

• Biological fluids: swabs (wet + dry), always stored in paper

• Firearms: preserve marks

• Digital devices: use airplane mode or Faraday bag

Evidence log

Structured record of all collected items; ensures completeness, supports chain of custody, and aids testimony