Lesson Title: Principles of Photography and its importance

to
Criminal Investigation
Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Explain the importance of Forensic photography.

2. Discuss the significance of Photography in Police work
and in criminal investigation.
 PHOTOGRAPHY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Forensic science holds the branch of Forensic photography which

encompasses documenting both suspected and convicted criminals, and also
the crime scenes, victims, and other evidence needed to make a
conviction.

Although photography was widely acknowledged as the most accurate

way to depict and document people and objects, it was not until key
developments in the late 19th century that it came to be widely accepted
as a forensic means of identification. Forensic photography resulted from the
modernization of criminal justice systems and the power of photographic
realism.
 A. SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Forensic Photography also known as forensic imaging or crime scene

photography relates to photography undertaken within a legal context. It
combines both science and art for the purpose of recording and preserving
the initial appearance of the crime scene and physical evidence, in order to
provide a permanent record for the courts. Forensic photography and police
photography are used interchangeably :

1. A picture is worth a thousand words and it is especially true in crime

scene photography

2. Photography is the basis of all crime scenes and is carried out on priority.
3. Forensic Photography is an integral part of trial and the judgement often is
based upon crime scene photographs to prove prima facie evidence.

 Prima facie is a Latin expression meaning at first sight or based on first impression.

4. It is considered as an indispensable instrument( absolutely essential) in criminal

investigation.

5. It always played a vital part in criminal investigation.

6. It acts as a tool in crime solution in bringing offender to justice.

7. Modern policing considers photography as more than just a way to record

evidence or identify a known criminal, it plays an important part in all aspect of
forensic science.
 B. BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PHOTOGRAPHY

1. A photograph is the mechanical and chemical result of photography.

( using of Camera and Chemicals)

2. To produce a photograph, light is needed aside from sensitized

materials( photopaper and Film ).

3. Lights reflected or radiated by a subject must reach the sensitized materials

while all other lights must be excluded.

4. The exclusion of all unwanted and unnecessary lights is achieved by placing

the sensitized material inside a camera. ( Film and Photopaper )
5. The amount of light on the sensitized material after exposure is not immediately
visible to the eyes.

6. To make the formed image visible, it must undergo the development process.

7. The visual effect that results from the chemical processing is dependent on the
quantity and quality of the exposing light.

8. More light will yield an opaque or black shade on the sensitized material after
development.

9. Too little light will produce a transparent or white shade.

10. The varying shade of gray will finally from the complete image.
opaque or black shade transparent or white shade
 C. IMPORTANCE/SIGNIFICANCE OF FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Small objects but of great importance in a crime committed may escape

in the first phase of examination by the investigator but maybe seen and
recorded on the photograph.

2. A good photograph of the scene is a permanent record which is always

available especially in court presentation, in court proceedings; fiscals and
defense lawyers have generally never visited the scene of the crime. As a
general rule, take many photographs of the crime scene and select the best.
3. Used as an aid by investigator to describe in court some of the
details of the crime scene they have investigated several months ago,
the small details and exact locations of objects.

4. To assist the investigators in using photographic equipment and

techniques in their effort to solve crimes.
 D. OBJECTIVES OF POLICE PHOTOGRAPHY

1. To produce a pictorial record of everything pertaining to

the crime.( small or big details )

2. To help in keeping the police officer’s memory accurately as

possible as to where the find things.

3. To help on securing and obtaining confession, disposition

and information relating to the case.
 E. BASIC IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE
PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Refresh memory
2. Preserve time and event
3. Save money
 F. SPECIFIC APPLICATION

1. Identification photographs
2. Crime scene photography
3. Court presentation
 PHOTOGRAPHER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Photography, in the law enforcement field, is a

diversified subject (wide-ranging). Perhaps the best way to
describe what is needed is to break the field into three
groups (lab technicians, crime scene specialists, and
forensic photographer).
 Who is a Photographer?

Photographer is a person who is logical,

analytical and realistic thinker, and pay full
attention to every detail of the image and for them
authority matters. He or she focus on sharp photos,
white balance, shadows, and highlights. His or her photography is
well-organized, and he or she is concerned about the precision and
sharpness in creating an image of an object.

Moreover, the “photographer” is individual person who focus his

or her efforts on, and enjoy the general aspects of photography.
 The “photographer” can discuss to other people about camera
equipment, and believe in order, pay attention to details, and like having
control over all aspects of the work.

Realistic images and the control offered by studio photography are

attractive to them, as well as the practical challenges and outcomes of event
photography.

The photographer is not particularly interested in and maybe even look

down on “artistic photography.” Their photo is with a comprehensive set of
keywords and precisely defined file names.
 3 types of photographers in Law enforcement
field

1. Lab Technician
2. Crime Scene Specialist (CSS)
3. Forensic Photographer
1. Lab Technician - is the darkroom expert.
They are responsible for all film development, both black & white
and color. They also produce black & white and color
enlargements, as well as 1:1.

In addition, they are responsible for all copy work and the
logging and filing of all negatives.
2. Crime Scene Specialist (CSS)

is trained in a variety of subjects,

including photography. Their mission
is to cover all crime scenes by photographing it, gathering and packaging
evidence, dusting and lifting of fingerprints, making measurements, and
drawing the crime scene to scale.

A CSS is also required to photograph bodies at the scene and at

autopsies. They are non-sworn and are not required to carry a firearm.
3. Forensic Photographer

is an expert in the photo sciences field. He has knowledge beyond the

basics of exposure and film development. He is rarely called to a crime scene
unless special photography is required, such as ultraviolet or Luminol
photography.
General Application of Photography in Police Work

Identification purposes
Recording and preserving evidences
Discovering and proving of evidences not readily seen by the naked eye
Recording action of offender
For court exhibits
For crime prevention
Public information
Police training
General Application of Photography in Police Work

1. Identification purposes

Prisoners, person subject of investigation

Unidentified cadavers (victims of crimes, traffic accident,

explosions, calamities etc.)

Missing persons

Loss of stolen properties

Identification of civilian (clearance for employment like PNP, NBI,

VISA, Passport)
2. Recording and preserving evidences

Crime scene

Traffic accident

Object of evidences

Evidential traces (fingerprint, footprint,

and toolmarks)
3. Discovering and proving of evidences not readily seen by the naked eye

 Contrast control by lighting, use of filters, use of different films and

papers.

Magnification or enlargement of tiny objects by the application of

photomicrography and photomacrography.

 Use of invisible radiation like x-rays, ultraviolet rays and infra-red rays
4. Recording action of offender

 Surveillance
 Entrapment
Extra-judicial confession
Re-enactment of a crime
5. For court exhibits

 Individual photographs
 Slide projections
Comparison charts
Motion picture or video coverage/presentation
6. For crime prevention

Visual presentation for lectures on traffic education, drug prevention

seminars, informational services, and others.

7. Public information
Photograph for press release, posters of wanted criminals, crime alerts,
etc.
8. Police training

 Prepared training films or video presentation of personnel indoctrination,

police tactics, investigative techniques, traffic control, civil disturbances
controls, riots or prison disorders, documentaries for pre-and post-briefings
on police operations, etc.