FOID1006- Chapter 6 Questions PDF

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textbook questions answered that appear on the biweekly tests...

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Chapter 6 Questions- Crime Scene Photography 1. ● ● ● ●

What are the four key elements of crime scene documentation? Notes Photographs/ video Sketches Reports

2. Describe how a photograph might create an identification problem? ● It is difficult for the viewer to tell where the photograph was taken, and what they are looking at, or why it was taken. ● No supporting photograph to help the viewer see the picture better. 3. Describe how a photograph might create a confusion problem? ● Multiple pictures of similar items are taken, and some of them are altered without a proper photo log. 4. What are the three basic photographs associated with crime scene photography? ● Overall photographs- usually the first photographs taken, captures the general condition and layout of the scene. Captures where major visible landmarks are, as well as the scene prior to significant alterations. Usually the photograph is taken from the corner of the room or scene, across the area to the opposite corner in order to provide overlapping coverage of the entire area. ● Evidence establishing photographs- these photographs help to frame the item in conjunction with some obvious landmark evident in the overall photograph. ● Evidence close-up/ forensic quality photograph- close-up photographs with an appropriate scale. Picture should be taken on the evidence filling the frame. The photograph should cover as much detail as possible while maintaining its identity. 5. What is the purpose of an overall photograph? ● Depict general condition and layout of the scene. It should capture how the scene is oriented, where major visible landmarks are located, and the scene prior to any alterations. One round is taken without placards, then the second round is taken with placards. This allows the viewer to know that nothing is being hidden underneath a placard. 6. What is the purpose of an evidence establishing/ relationship photograph? ● these photographs help to frame the item in conjunction with some obvious landmark evident in the overall photograph, so that the viewer can know where the evidence is located. 7. How does the f-stop affect the resulting photograph? ● Affects depth of field, the smaller the aperture (high number) the greater the depth of field. The larger the aperture (smaller number) the shorter the depth of field.

8. How can a crime scene technician prevent overexposure or bleaching out of close-up photographs when using fill-flash techniques? ● If the camera is too close to the subject, then the flash can bleach out the view. By using fill-flash (lighting the area with a flashlight), one can avoid overexposure. ● The higher the f-stop number, the smaller the aperture, resulting in the introduction of less light. 9. Describe at least three critical mistakes that occur when using video cameras in the crime scene? ● Camera does not see or focus as well as the human eye. A video camera operator must take video deliberately, making efforts to move smoothly and if an item of interest comes into view the video should remain on the item for at least 10 seconds. ● Lighting can be a problem so the video operator may need to employ fill lighting. Flashlights are not sufficient to illuminate the scenery. ● Audio should be turned off to avoid background noise and/or unprofessional commentary. If audio is necessary, the video operator should plan ahead in order to speak deliberately rather than off the cuff and non-essential personnel should be removed from the scene. Additional Notes ● Always add photo log explaining what the photograph is showing to accompany the photographs. ● Photographs taken on scene should be referenced in the examiner’s notebook. ● Do not, in any way, modify pictures taken at the crime scene. ● If you edit the contrast of the photograph, the original should always be kept. ● No photograph is ever taken without at least one label in the photograph. The labels should be bold and able to be seen from a good distance since the scene are often big and require the photograph to be taken from a distance away. ● There is no use in the crime scene investigator spending money on placards and adhesives, therefore it is okay to make a placard using a thick black marker and a sticky note. ● Basic photography methodology should include: ➔ Documenting the entire scene in situ. ➔ Photographing all fragile items of evidence (footwear, bloodstain patterns etc.) ➔ Place photo placards in the scene on all items of interest and reshoot a second series of overall photographs ➔ Document all known items of evidence with evidence-establishing shots and evidence close-up shots. Use evidence placards whenever possible to clearly differentiate various items of evidence. ➔ Ensure proper photographs are taken for evidence that is later discovered at the scene of the crime. ➔ Use the road mapping technique to create photographs that clearly demonstrate the result of examination such as bloodstain pattern analysis. ➔ Always use a photo reference card and consider an abbreviated photo log. ➔ Know how to use the camera

➔ Do not introduce abnormal angles unless there is absolutely no other way to take the photograph ➔ Do not overuse the wide-angle lens as it introduces distortion ➔ Choose the right lens for the right reason ➔ Do not take additional photographs for sexual matters or that could be interpreted in that sense. ● In order to produce quality photographs, the CSI must control three basic aspects: ➔ Physical control- starts with a stable camera, and using a two-handed grip. If a tripod is necessary to take a stable up close picture then the CSI should feel free to use one. ➔ Light- the use of ring lights, and fill-slash may be necessary to produce the same amount of light in all pictures. Some cameras now come with an adjustable slash knob, or in some cases, the CSI might need to tape a white cloth over the flash to decrease the amount of light being exposed. ➔ Focus and depth of field...