An Overview of Forensic Photography

Subhasini Dash^*
*Correspondence: Subhasini Dash, National Forensic Sciences University, University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, Email:

Editorial

Forensic photography can refer to the visual documentation of many components of a crime scene. It may contain crime scene documentation or tangible evidence discovered at a crime scene or already processed in a laboratory. Forensic photography varies from other types of photography in that crime scene photographers frequently capture each image with a specific goal in mind. Crime scenes can be significant sources of physical evidence used to associate or connect suspects to scenes, victims to scenes, and suspects to victims. Locard's exchange principle is a key notion that aids in determining these evidence linkages [1]. It is the fundamental reason why crime scenes should be investigated. Anything uncovered at a crime scene can be utilised as physical evidence as long as it is relevant to the case, which is why documenting a crime scene and physical evidence in its true form is critical for the investigation's interpretation. At a crime scene, any forensic photography must consider three elements: the subject, the scale, and a reference object. Furthermore, the overall forensic pictures must be portrayed in a neutral and factual manner [2]. The results of common photography related to creative and artistic photography are frequently displayed in a unique manner. Photographs that are creative and artistic are absolutely acceptable. However, forensic photography is distinct. They should be used for a variety of applications. For those who were there at the original crime scene, forensic images will help refresh their recollection over time. It allows anyone who could not be present at the original crime scene to see the crime scene and the evidence within the crime scene. Furthermore, the forensic pictures can be used by law enforcement officials who become involved with crime and later used when the crime case goes to trial [3]. Forensic images can be reused and used for authorised evidence or references by a judge, jury, attorney, and witnesses. Forensic photographs are sometimes the only way to acquire legal evidence; thus, two major points must be considered:

1. Documentation of the crime site and the evidence found there.

2. Evidence gathering. These photos can then be used as examinationquality photographs by forensic laboratory experts/analysts.

Evidence from a crime scene

The physical evidence used to associate or link suspects to scenes, victims to scenes, and suspects to victims is gathered at crime scenes. Any item discovered at a crime scene can be considered physical evidence; it might be categorised as criminal activity detritus [4]. Although there is significant overlap across identifications, evidence can be divided into the following general categories based on its origin, composition, or method of creation:

1. Biological evidence consists of any evidence produced from a living thing. Includes

2. Plants, physiological fluids, and some biological pathogens

3. Chemical evidence is any evidence that contains recognisable substances.

4. Patterned evidence is defined as any evidence that has a consistent or predictable pattern of appearance.

5. Trace evidence is any evidence that is so small that it is readily overlooked, not easily seen, or not easily recognised.

Responders to emergencies

The crime scene investigator is rarely the first person on the site of a crime. At the scene, most first responders rely on reflex or instinct. Their missions are to save lives or apprehend criminals. Unfortunately, this may imply that physical evidence may be inadvertently altered, changed, or lost as a result of a first responder's efforts. The crime scene investigator must contact with the initial responders to establish if any changes or alterations occurred at the scene prior to the arrival of the scene investigator [5].

Security at a crime scene

Because Locard's exchange principle is the foundation for the use of physical evidence in a criminal investigation, it is critical that the crime scene be made secure and that nonessential people be denied access to the crime scene. Many agencies allow everyone in the agency to have easy access to crime sites. Most reporters are barred from the scene, however alterations to the scene and evidence may occur in an effort to protect victims.

Preliminary scene analysis

The preliminary scene survey, also known as a walk-through, is the crime scene investigator's initial opportunity to see the crime scene in the target area. At this moment, a basic visual search for evident physical evidence is possible. The scene investigator should notice any transient or temporary objects of evidence and protect them promptly during this first inspection of the crime scene. This fleeting evidence includes melting snow footwear impressions.

References

1. Nafte, Myriam; Dalrymple, Brian Crime and Measurement: Methods in Forensic Investigation. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. (2021) 49–70.
2. Robinson, Edward M. Introduction to crime scene photography (Online-Ausg. ed.). Oxford, UK: Elsevier/Academic Press. (2013) 1–77.
3. Gardner, Ross M.; Krouskup, Donna R. Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group. (2019)107–144.

Google Scholar

4. Miller, Marilyn; Peter, Massey. The Crime Scene A Visual Guide. San Diego: Academic Press (2016)37–44.

Google Scholar

5. Reitnauer, Andrew R. Crime Scene Response and Evidence Collection, In Security Supervision and Management (Fourth ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. (2015)443–459.

Google Scholar