ABSTRACT
The old adage “one picture is worth a thousand words” is certainly appropriate when considering the value of crime scene photography. 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. In addition, photography enables the investigator to stop the clock at any given instant and obtain a durable record, which remains long after other, more fragile evidence has dissipated. From an investigative point of view, crime scene photographs are practical and valuable tools which can:
1. Pictorially recreate the original crime scene 2. Refresh the investigator’s memory and recall significant details which may
have been overlooked or forgotten 3. Review particular aspects of the case 4. Provide a new slant on the case 5. Refresh the memory of witnesses 6. Illustrate details of a scene and the relationship of objects to the crime 7. Provide proof of injury or wound 8. Make comparisons
9. Brief newly assigned investigators 10. Convey the crime scene and circumstances of the crime to a jury and serve
as
visible
evidence
Crime Scene Photography and the Investigator
The investigator should have a basic understanding of photography and be able to operate some of the more simple photographic equipment available today. An easyto-use camera should be provided for use by the investigators at the homicide crime scene. Digital cameras as well as Instamatics and many of the Polaroid models are simple to operate and ideal for obtaining a record of the crime scene before any changes occur.
