Investigative Photography and Crime Scene Sketches Thanks to Steve Gilbert, MFS Criminal Investigations Program SUNY at Canton

Crime Scene Photography One of the FIRST investigative tasks!!! Types of cameras used: 35mm SLR Video Digital Polaroid

Crime Scene Photography Advantages of photographs Can be taken immediately Can accurately depict crime scene Creates interest Supports testimony Disadvantages of photographs Do not show actual distances Can be distorted Digital images can be altered

Advantages of Video Taping Increases Intoxication convictions - DUI Enhances officer integrity Provides officer safety Documents traffic violations Reduces court time for officers Lowers liability for misconduct claims Documents probable cause and evidence

Disadvantages of Video Taping Records unwanted sound Documents errors made by officers and technicians Officers not always trained Discrepancies with Time/Date stamp

Types of Photographs Establishing photographs depict an overall view of the scene, buildings, approach and escape routes, witnesses, etc. Medium-range photographs depict the relationship between objects, concentrates more on the immediate scene. Close-up photographs depict individual items of evidence.

This establishing photograph depicts the overall crime scene.

This medium-range photograph depicts the actual scene and relationship of evidence.

This close-up photograph depicts a single item of evidence.

Flash photography is often needed during the day. As seen in the photograph, the camera’s eye is fooled by the bright brickwork, while the evidence is in darkness.

Same photograph, but with a flash. Now the evidence can be seen.

Photographs should contain rulers or objects to help establish the size of the evidence. In this instance, the known length of the bill can be used as a scale to determine the length of the knife.

Macroscopic photographs depict details of objects, and are taken at extreme close range.

The General Uses of Photography Crime scene documentation Surveillance of people and locations Mug shots Line-ups Laboratory examination of evidence

Crime Scene Sketches Sketches are important supplements to photographs and crime scene reports. Sketches…. Accurately portray physical facts Relate to the sequence of events Establish locations and relationships Provide an overall picture of the scene Are a permanent record of the scene

The rough sketch is drawn at the crime scene. It is not a finish product, although it does contain measurements and other data. Crime Scene Sketches The finished sketch is often drawn by a draftsman to show proper relationships and scales. The finished sketch is more presentable for court presentations.

Steps in Sketching the Crime Scene 1. Observe the scene and plan the sketch 2. Measure distances 3. Outline the area (area dimensions) 4. Locate and draw objects and evidence within the sketch 5. Record all details 6. Depict legend, title, scale and direction of North

A 10’ 8’ Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Item A is 10’ from the SE corner of the room, and 8’ from the SW corner of the room. These measurements will ALWAYS intersect at item A’s location.

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Evidence must be triangulated to two fixed points. Not using the corners of the room, how would object A be triangulated? desk

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence First, the desk is not fixed, as it is not touching the wall and its location has not been determined. To fix the desk, do this: desk

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Now that the desk has been fixed, object A can be fixed from two fixed points from the desk, as such: desk 3’ 1”

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Now that the desk has been fixed, object A can be fixed from two fixed points from the desk, as such: desk 3’ 1” 6’ 5’

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence In this scenario, the desk is flush against the wall. How would object A be triangulated? desk

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence The flush side of the desk is already fixed. One measurement is required to place the desk along the wall. Object A is then triangulated as usual. desk 3’ 5’ 6’

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence This desk is flush in the corner against both walls. How would object A be triangulated? desk

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Since two sides of the desk are already fixed, object A is triangulated as usual. desk 6’ 5’

A Triangulation Method of Locating Evidence Once evidence is triangulated, it can become a fixed point to triangulate other items of evidence. In this case, object B. desk 6’ 5’ B 2’

Rectangular-Coordinate Method A B 15’ 10’ 6’

N E S W Body Tree Shed Compass 40° 340° Azimuth Method of Triangulation Reverse azimuth: 340°-180°=160° 160° Reverse azimuth: 40°+180°=220° 220°

Administrative Data LEGEND A. Victim B. Revolver C. Shell Casing D. Blood Stain TITLE Case: Location: Payson Hall, Room 111 Victim: State of New York Occurred: Oct 31, 2001, 2300 Drawn by: Detective Gilbert Verified by: Detective Marlowe Not to Scale North Or ¼” = 1 foot

Rules for Drawing Sketches Never measure through space “Rotating” items require measurements at opposite ends Oddly shaped items, such as puddles of liquids, are triangulated from center of mass Do not cross measurement lines Always have the sketch verified

10” 13” Since the blood droplets are of no particular defined shape, they are triangulated to the “center of mass”

Projection Sketch