registered mail with a return receipt. Keep registered mail receipts and copies of work orders for film processing
in the proper case file.
PHOTOGRAPHING SCENES AND OBJECTS FOR EVIDENCE
The most important rule in crime scene photography is to photograph all evidence or possible evidence before
anything is moved or touched. This rule includes general scenario shots and closeups of specific items of
evidence.
Fingerprints that can be seen without the aid of dusting powder should be photographed closeup before
dusting. There is always the danger of the print being damaged during the dusting process.
Photographs should be taken of impressions of which a cast will be made. Hold the camera directly above
the ground and the flash close to the impression at an angle. Use flash at all times. Oblique light will reveal more
details. Take the closeup with a ruler near the print, so the proper scale can be determined. Make at least four
photographs of each impression. Take a picture from every side, using light from each different direction. This
reduces the chance of details being missed in a photograph because of shadows cast by a light source from only
one direction. Make sure the date, case number (if known), your name, exhibit number (if known), type of film
used, and camera setting shows in the photo. It should be written on paper and placed next to the impression.
Photographs of tool marks must show the marks and enough of the surface on which the marks are located
to identify them positively. Show the mark as it actually appears and in its overall relationship to other objects at
the scene. Include an ordinary ruler, along with data identifying the location, situation, and case, in each picture
to provide the lab examiner a scale of measurement.
When photographing burglary, housebreaking, and larceny scenes, you will want to pay particular attention
to the interior and exterior of the building and to damaged areas. Note particularly any damage around the points
of entry and exit used by the criminal. Take closeups of damaged containers like safes, wall lockers, or jewel
boxes that were the target of the offense. Take both closeup and perspective photos of tool marks. The latter will
allow you to note the position of marks with respect to the general scene. And fingerprints and footprints, of
particular value in these cases, should be photographed before they are lifted or preserved.
When photographing an arson scene, complete coverage of the damage is important. Perhaps of even
greater importance are photos of objects or areas suspected to have been the point where the fire began. Make
closeup photographs of all such objects or areas.
If the fire is in progress, seek out various angles from which to take photographs. But try to keep out of
smoke-filled areas. Your first photographs should be of the entire structure. Use color film to show the color of
the smoke, flames, and vapors. Take a series of photographs at
MP2002
2-8
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