Photography Notes

Initial Photography

Subject Photography

1. Placard Photo: Begin with a correctly exposed 18% gray placard as the first photograph to ensure proper exposure settings for subsequent images. The placard should be prominently displayed within the frame.

2. Subject Positioning: Position the person in front of a suitable background, such as a plain white or light-colored wall or door, to minimize distractions and improve focus on the subject.

3. Full-Frontal Photos: Take comprehensive full-frontal photographs of the individual’s face and then the body. Ensure that the subject’s shoes are included in the frame to provide context regarding height and attire.

   • Consider taking multiple shots from slightly different angles to capture any distinct features that may aid in identification.

4. 90° Rotation: Rotate the person 90 degrees to the side and take another complete head-to-toe photo, including the shoes, ensuring that the background remains consistent. This provides a comprehensive view of the subject from different angles.

5. Multiple Layers of Clothing: If the individual is wearing multiple layers, document the removal process by taking continuous photographs after each layer is discarded until the base layer is reached. This can help in establishing any injuries or concealed items.

6. Arms Extended: After completing the head-to-toe photographs:- Have the person face the camera, extend their arms straight out to the side with palms facing down, and capture this position.

   • For further documentation, instruct the person to turn their palms up and photograph again, as this may reveal further details of the subject’s condition, such as any visible markings or injuries associated with their clothing.

Injury Photography

1. When Required: Whenever injuries are visible or suspected, additional photos are paramount to document the injuries comprehensively.

2. Mid-Range Photo: Capture a mid-range photograph that clearly shows where the injury is located, providing identifying characteristics and context of the surroundings. This can assist in establishing the nature of the injury pertinent to the scene.

3. Close-Ups:

   • Take focused close-up photographs of each injury, ensuring to include a scale reference beside the injury. This facilitates accurate measurement and identification of the injuries.

   • Close-ups must be taken at a 90° angle to avoid distortion, and the scale should not obstruct the view of the injury. All images must be sharply focused to maintain clarity.

4. Re-Photography: Re-photograph the injuries at the same locations 72 hours later and then again seven days later. This practice allows for the documentation of changes in bruising over time, which can be critical in legal contexts.

Deceased Individuals

1. Timing: Photographs of a crime scene with a deceased individual must be taken immediately. The postmortem condition of the body can change significantly over time, making prompt documentation essential for accuracy in investigation.

2. Photography Types: Different photography styles are utilized in documenting deceased individuals:

   • Black & White: This style provides higher contrast and can highlight certain details better than color images. It may also evoke a more clinical perspective.

   • Full-Color: Full-color images tend to elicit a stronger emotional response, which can impact jury perceptions and reactions when presented in court. These images capture details, such as blood and bruising, that are crucial for case understanding.

3. Key Indicators: Document significant indicators including the presence or absence of:

   • Injury/trauma: Document clearly visible trauma or injuries.

   • Petechiae: These small, pinpoint hemorrhages can indicate asphyxiation or other forms of trauma.

   • Lividity: Postmortem changes related to blood pooling due to gravity can indicate position and timing.

   • Blood/body fluids: Note the presence and pattern of any fluids from the body, including frothy fluids or substances from orifices.

   • Treatment attempts: Photograph any signs of medical intervention, as this may be significant in determining circumstances of death.

   • Marks, scars, and tattoos: Document these features for identification purposes.

   • Relevant items/objects: Capture any objects in proximity to the body that may play a role in the investigation.

   • Clothing & personal effects: Note the clothing worn and any items that could provide insight into the personal history or circumstances of the deceased.

4. Area Documentation: It is equally vital to document the area surrounding the body once it has been removed from the crime scene to establish the context of the death and any relevant evidence that may be present.

5. Pre-Manipulation Photos: Prior to any physical manipulation of the decedent, capture comprehensive images from various angles to depict the body’s position in relation to the scene, which may be critical in understanding the events leading to death.

Post-Placard Vehicle Photo

• After taking your initial placard photo, carefully consider the appropriate sequencing for the next photograph, which should typically involve capturing the vehicle. Ensure the vehicle is fully visible and framed correctly to avoid distractions from the main focus of the image.

EPO : #4 FBI Crime Scene Photo Log

• Discuss the importance of documenting crime scene photographs in a structured FBI crime scene photo log, ensuring that all images can be easily referenced and tracked throughout the investigation.
  What do I need to do to create an FBI crime scene photo log?

Photo Logs

• A photo log serves as an organized collection of photographs that can be easily referenced for future use or legal proceedings.

• All photos, even those deemed to be of poor quality, should be systematically documented in the photo log to maintain a comprehensive record of the investigation.

• An orderly photo log prevents images from being lost and provides an unbroken narrative of the photo documentation process.

• Photo #, description, date/time, Lens type, camera settings

CD/DVD Evidence Burners for Evidence Preservation

• Discuss the utility of using CD/DVD evidence burners to preserve visual evidence and ensure its integrity for future examination.
  What is an evidence burner?

Evidence Burner Functionality

• Evidence burners enable direct transfer of images from the SD card to a CD/DVD for archival storage, which also allows for subsequent retrieval and analysis of metadata.

• The evidence burner transfers files directly to the disc without retaining a copy on the device itself, maintaining the integrity of the evidence.

• The evidence-grade CD/DVD, containing the crime scene photographs, must then be entered into evidence, along with additional copies for defense and prosecution use, ensuring a transparent chain of custody.

FMC-6275 Device

• The FMC-6275 is a specialized stand-alone USB/memory card copying device that functions without edit capabilities or connectivity to external computers, ensuring the purity of the evidence transferred.

Operating Procedures

1. Confirm the power source is properly connected to the device.

2. Turn on the power switch and select the appropriate settings.

3. Insert a blank DVD or CD into the burner appropriately.

4. Insert a USB storage device or compatible memory card into the device’s slot.

5. From the menu options, use the navigation keys to select and highlight the “Copy” option for execution.

   • Note: Only two options will appear at a time; use the arrows to access additional choices.

6. The FMC-6275 will automatically identify the source type and display it.

7. Select the “copy” command and choose from the sub-options, such as “Copy All,” “Copy Photo,” “Copy Video,” or “Copy Selected Folder/Files.”

8. For typical use, choose “Copy All” to ensure all data is transferred to the disc.

9. Monitor the disc burning progress displayed as a percentage of completion until finalization.

10. Once the process concludes, the device will indicate the status. If the “Auto Tray Out” setting is enabled, the disc will eject automatically; otherwise, the user must press eject manually to retrieve the disc.

11. Following completion, if configured, you will be prompted to format the source device. Choose to format by pressing the designated key or opt not to format by selecting the appropriate key accordingly.

Evidence CD/DVD Disposition

1. Once the CD/DVD is ejected from the Evidence Burner, immediately label it with essential information such as the case number, date, time, and what the disc contains.
   *This information should be clearly documented on either a pre-printed evidence label or handwritten using a permanent marker on the top of the CD/DVD itself.

2. Place the labeled CD inside a suitable envelope or disc case that is appropriately sized for the disc.

3. Seal the envelope securely with evidence tape to prevent tampering or loss.

4. Ensure the CD is stored in evidence, following proper chain-of-custody protocols.

Evidence CD Labeling

• An evidence CD should be labeled immediately with the following critical details:

  • Case number

  • Date and time of the evidence collection

  • Description of the contents of the CD

  • Any other pertinent information that assists in identifying and retrieving the evidence for future reference.

Photography Discussions

• Discuss the intricacies involved in taking quality photographs of physical evidence to ensure proper documentation.

• Outline the steps required to take quality crime scene photographs that provide a clear and comprehensive view of the scene.

• Delve into the techniques for documenting crime scene photographs within an FBI crime scene photo log to standardize evidence collection.

• Discuss the operational characteristics and advantages of utilizing the Nikon DSLR camera for capturing detailed images of vehicles, victims, and deceased individuals.

• Address the processes related to employing CD/DVD evidence burners effectively for preservation of photographic evidence, ensuring adherence to established protocols for evidence integrity and reliability.