Photography


Photographic log records all photographs
Photographic log to include description and location of evidence (from a fixed point)
Take overall, medium, and close-up views of the crime scene.
Photograph most fragile areas of the crime scene first
Photograph condition of evidence before collecting evidence
Photographs must include a scale, photographer’s name, and date
Photographs intended for examination purposes need a scale
Photograph entrances and exits
Photograph important evidence twice
A medium distance photograph shows the evidence and its position to other evidence.
A close up photograph includes a scale and fills the frame.










Crime Scene Sketch

Sketch –number designations should match the numbers in the evidence log.
Sketch should have measurements and details for a drawn-to-scale diagram

Sketch needs:

1. Case Identifier
2. Date, time, and location.
3. Weather and lighting conditions.
4. Identity and assignments of personnel.
5. Dimensions of room, furniture, doors, and windows.
6. Distances between objects, persons, bodies, entrances, and exits.
7. Measurements showing the location of evidence. Each object should be located by two measurements from fixed points (non-movable items).
8. Key, legend
9. Compass orientation
10. Scale





Fingerprints

Ridge Dots
An isolated ridge unit whose length approximates its width in size

Bifurcations
The point at which one friction ridge divides into two friction ridges


Double Bifurcation Opposed Bifurcation
Trifurcations
The point at which one friction ridge divides into three friction ridges
Ending Ridge
A single friction ridge that terminates within the friction ridge structure

Ridge Crossing
A point where two ridge units intersect


Enclosures (Lakes)
A single friction ridge that bifurcates and rejoins after
a short course and continues as a single friction ridge
Short Ridges (Islands)
Friction ridges of varying lengths

Spurs (Hooks)
A bifurcation with one short ridge branching off a longer ridge
Bridges
A connecting friction ridge between parallel running ridges, generally right angles