ABSTRACT
Crime scene photographs are permanent and comprehensive pieces of evidence that may be presented in a court of law to prove or disprove a fact in question. Although an investigator can verbally describe the homicide crime scene, photographs are able to present the same facts in a more accurate and easily understood manner. The homicide investigator should have an understanding of the techniques and legal requirements necessary to ensure that the crime scene photos will be admissible in court. The basic premise involved in crime scene photography is that the photographs are a true representation of the homicide crime scene as it was at the time the police arrived. In addition, an entry should be made on an official photo log. Some agencies maintain logs or preprinted forms for use at crime scenes in order to ensure the proper documentation of crime scene photographs.
