Digital Crime Scene Photography Pt. 2

Revolvers

Item 100: Individual Evidence Items

  • It is critical to document the state of the revolver at the time of examination, particularly whether the cylinder was loaded or unloaded. This documentation provides important information regarding potential use and safety.

  • Observing whether the primers of the bullets were struck aids in determining if the weapon was discharged and can provide insights into the sequence of events surrounding the incident.

Item 101: Ejecting Bullets

  • To properly extract bullets, press backward on the ejection rod, allowing the bullets to be ejected cleanly from the cylinder. Careful handling is essential to prevent any damage to the evidence.

  • Take photographs to document whether the bullets ejected from the cylinder are live rounds, spent casings, or both. This information is crucial for forensic analysis and understanding the circumstances of the incident.

Item 102: Additional Evidence

  • In addition to the bullets, revolvers often contain different types of evidence affixed to them, such as fingerprints or blood. These can be critical in crime scene investigations.

  • Photograph all details of the item, making sure to capture the unique characteristics or markings that could aid in forensic analysis or identification.

General Photography Guidelines

  • Item 103: Mid-Range Photos

    • Take mid-range photographs without evidence markers first, then repeat the process with evidence markers in place. This helps to contextualize the evidence within the crime scene.

  • Item 104: Close-Up Photos

    • For close-up photography, ensure full-frame shots are taken at a 90° angle using an evidence marker. This increases clarity and detail, which are essential for forensic examination.

  • Item 105: Item Label

    • Clearly labeling items assists in tracking and documenting every piece of evidence collected. This is a crucial step in maintaining an organized chain of custody.

Knives & Stabbing Instruments

  • Item 106, 107, & 108:

    • When photographing knives or stabbing instruments, place a scale at the point or tip of the instrument. This not only provides context for size but also ensures measurements can be accurately assessed later on.

Currency

  • Item 111:

    • Close-up photographs should be taken in full-frame at a 90° angle with a scale and evidence marker to accurately document the currency’s condition and any distinguishing features, such as serial numbers.

  • Item 112: Item Label

  • Item 113: Item Label

  • Item 114:

    • A mid-range photo of the displayed currency should be taken with an evidence marker, ensuring that the context of the currency in relation to other evidence is clear.

  • Item 115: Item Label

  • Item 116: Item Label

  • Item 117:

    • Close-up photos of each bill's front and back should be captured to highlight serial numbers and the general conditions of the bills, as these factors can aid in legal proceedings.

Illegal Narcotics and Pharmaceuticals

  • Item 118:

    • Capture any identifying information in photographs to support the chain of custody and evidence integrity.

  • Items 120-125:

    • Document narcotics and pharmaceuticals in the manner they were found, whether in prescription pill bottles, blister packs, or baggies. Record the type of pharmaceutical, quantity, and associated provider, including important dates for future reference.

  • Item 126:

    • Ensure that any pharmaceutical markings are clearly visible in the close-up photograph, as this can determine the legitimacy and provenance of the substances.

  • Item 127: Packaging

  • Suspected drugs packaged in a felonious way (non-descript plastic baggie, hypodermic needles, syringes, plastic wrap, etc.) should be captured in the same manner.

  • Item 128: Syringes

  • When photographing a syringe, place a scale at the point of the needle.

  • Ensure close-ups are taken showing the volume of substance loaded in the syringe.

  • Item 129: Item Label

  • Item 130: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 131: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 132: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 133: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 134: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 135: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 136: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 137: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 138: Item Label

  • Item 139: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 140: Narcotics/Pharmaceuticals Item Label

  • Item 141: Item Label

Blood Evidence

  • Item 142:

    • Photography guidelines require mid-range photos to be taken without and then with evidence markers, maintaining a focus on the blood evidence.

  • Item 143:

    • Limit the use of electronic camera flash when photographing blood evidence close-up. The flash can cause unwanted glare and reflections, obscuring critical details. Employ very low oblique light angles to minimize reflection and enhance detail visibility.

Fingerprints

  • Item 148:

    • It is crucial to photograph fingerprints before they are collected to ensure that evidence is preserved in case the print is destroyed during the lifting process. Mid-range photos should also be taken after placement of the evidence marker, indicating the print’s specific location.

  • Item 149:

    • An alternate light source (like a flashlight) should be utilized to amplify ridge detail in the print when being photographed, improving chances for successful identification during analysis.