Application of Photography in Police Work

Significance of photography in Police Work

In modern scientific crime detection photography is an excellent aid of the investigator.
The investigator could not just rely on his memories and therefore need an artificial
recorder for him to remember all the things all the facts that he has investigated. Aside
from the notes of the investigator, he needs a camera because there are things which
require accurate descriptions of the subject or object being investigated, hence
photographs will serve the purpose.
The first application of photography in law enforcement was confined to the problems of
personal identification. The photographers of the criminal was taken and used to
supplement the classification made under the Bertillon System of personal identification.

Five Legal Methods of Preserving the Crime Scene

1. Photography
2. Sketching
3. Notes taking or description
4. Manikin method
5. Preservation in the Mind of the witness

Importance of Photography in Law Enforcement

1. The utmost used of it is for record purpose. Photography will record the scene of the
crime permanently.
2. Photography can preserve all perishable evidence.
3. Photography can be used in the in the identification of physical evidence.
4. Photography is necessary in the interrogation of the suspects. A series of photographs
will show the actions or reactions of the suspects at the time he made confession.
5. Photography can provide a system or technique in making visible things that cannot
be seen by the naked eye.
6. Photography can be used in determination of the truth respecting a matter of fact.
Evidence that cannot be brought inside the court room can be presented by means of
photographs.

The most important rule is to photograph all evidence at a crime scene before
anything is touched or moved. It is not expected that the scene of a crime will be left
undisturbed for an indefinite period of time. However, a record of the position and the
condition of details of the scene must be made before they are altered in any way. An
investigative photograph is one prepared for the purpose of tending to illustrate a point
relative to a matter under investigation. Care must be taken to make sure that no
distracting object is near the center of the field of view or close to the camera lens, to
detract from the main subject.
A careful study of the image on the ground glass or in the viewfinder will enable the
photographer to reproduce the scene as it appears to the eye of the ordinary viewer.
OBJECTS AND CONDITION THAT ARE NOT RELEVANT TO THE CRIME SCENE
SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED. Unusual camera angles should be avoided when possible.
The photograph may explain how a crime took place and show all the scenes from all
angles and include all EVIDENCE POSSIBLE. The investigator should proceed carefully
without undue haste, so that errors will not be made which may affect the quality of
photographs.

THE BEST EVIDENCE RULE AND PHOTOGRAPH

Photograph is not a legal substitute for the object or article itself, as EVIDENCE.
Nevertheless, all physical evidence should be photographed. A photograph of revolver
will not be accepted as evidence in court. The weapon itself must be brought to court –
this is an essence of The BEST EVIDENCE RULE.
The court recognizes that certain evidence cannot be brought to court. Buildings or
roads are examples. Other evidence change quickly. Vehicles using and passing on it will
quickly destroy skid marks on the highway. Wounds and bruises as evidence of injury will
heal and disappear before the case comes to trial. Such nature or kind of evidence
can be preserved by PHOTOGRAPHY and introduced in court as EVIDENCE.
What type of evidence is photographs?
Circumstantial, testimonial, hearsay, real evidence, documentary, demonstrative?

Demonstrative Evidence
An object or document is considered to be demonstrative evidence when it directly
demonstrates a fact. It's a common and reliable kind of evidence.
Can photographs be used as evidence?
Thus, any printed or displayed image created from these data is a copy. ... All that is
available for use as evidence is a copy of the first, probably temporary, recording in
memory, and this will be admissible as evidence. Its weight as evidence will depend
on proper authentication and other matters.

PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

Each crime has individual features that should be photographed. Keep in mind that
the nature of the offense and the feature that establishes the elements of the offense is
being shown.

Photographic evidence
Photographic evidence consists of the images captured by an investigator or forensic
photographer at a crime scene that indicate critical information about the crime.
Under the “pictorial testimony” theory, photographic evidence is admissible when a
sponsoring witness can testify that it is a fair and accurate representation of the subject
matter.
Under the silent witness theory, photographic evidence is admissible if the process used
to produce the photograph is accurate and reputable.

PREPARATIONS FOR COURT EXHIBIT

1. Know Your Categories of Evidence

There are four general types of evidence:

1. Demonstrative
2. Documentary
3. Testimonial
4. Real
2. Prepare Your Evidence

When you prepare your evidence, you're not just preparing it for trial. You're preparing it
for admissibility into court. As such, you need to address the following areas:

 The relevance of the evidence (and thus the exhibit) in proving the facts of the
case
 Whether the evidence can be authenticated
 Laying a foundation for admissibility
 Any logistical issues involved in introducing the evidence
3. Organize and Copy Exhibits

Think about how you will establish the authenticity of each exhibit. Some evidence is
self-authenticating, like sealed and signed domestic documents, but most evidence is
not. Think about any logistical problems that may arise, including objections from the
other side. Avoid redundant exhibits--a few strong pieces of evidence are more impactful
than a scattered collection of repetitive evidence.

4. Make a List, Check It Twice

You can get a copy of the form from the court website, or the clerk of court can provide it
for you. Regardless, you should have a complete exhibit index, including the author or
source for each exhibit, the date, the type of exhibit, and a short description of each
exhibit for easy identification.
5. File Your Exhibits
Some types of lawsuits require specific exhibits to be filed with specific court documents
or the lawsuit itself could be thrown out.
6. Prepare Cheat Sheets

While you prepare documents and exhibits, take the time to develop a cheat sheet for
your attorneys. List, in order, each of the issues your attorney will address in court, along
with the exhibits and evidence they'll need to support each argument with the
appropriate exhibit number and relevant documents.

GRUESOME PICTURE

GRUESOME- HORRIBLE, AWFUL, DREADFUL PHOTOS

Under what circumstance is a gruesome photograph or videotape likely to be admitted?

Relevant photographs or videos, despite their gruesomeness and potential for prejudice,
will usually be admitted when they tend to prove such things as the existence of a crime,
the cause of death, the number and location of the wounds, the manner in which they
were inflicted, the amount of force used, the willfulness.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER IN COURT

In testifying, his purpose should be to EXPLAIN not to DEFEND his photograph. His replies
to queries should always be directly responsive. If he does not understand the question,
he should request clarification. When the nature of the question requires that he consult
his notes, he should request permission from the judge.

QUALIFICATIONS
Since photographer is giving opinion evidence, the court technically regards him as
an EXPERT WITNESS. Nevertheless, he need not be an expert photographer in the
professional sense and should not represent himself as such. He should be presented as
an experienced photographer, proficient in the TECHNIQUE THAT WERE USED IN
PRODUCING THE EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHS.

FORENSIC PHOTO ANALYSIS

Photo Forensics as a term will apply typically refer either to the profession dedicated to
authenticating digital images to determine authenticity, or, it may refer to the capability
of digital forensics software to find and identify photos.
RELEVANCE AND MATERIALITY

A. TEST FOR DETERMINING THE RELEVANCY

1. Photographs are admissible whenever they assist the court to understand the case.
2. Photographs are admissible when they assisted witness in explaining his testimony.
B. NECESSITY OF PRELIMINARY PROOF OF ACCURACY
A photograph taken in ordinary way usually is an accurate record of image cast by
the lens upon the film, but as distortion is possible through the manner in which the
camera or negative is used, a photograph is admitted as evidence when it is proven and
there must always preliminary proofs that it is a correct representation of the subject.
WHO MAY VERIFY PHOTOGRAPH
1. The better practice is to show the accuracy of the photographs by the photographer
who took them.
2. Any person having sufficient knowledge of the subject is a faithful representation
thereof.

CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crime scene photography should not just focus on the obvious. The purpose of crime
scene photography is to document what is there and where it is in relationship to the
scene, whether it is obviously connected to the crime or not.
The purpose of crime scene photography is to record useful information in a series of
photographs which will enable the viewer to understand where and how the crime was
committed. The term "crime scene" refers to a venue or place from which most physical
evidence associated with crime will be obtained.
RANGES OF PHOTOGRAPHS
1. GENERAL VIEW OR LONG-RANGE

2. MEDIUM VIEW OR MID-RANGE

3. CLOSE-UP VIEW/RANGE

METHODS OF PHOTOGRAPHING THE CRIME SCENE

1. OVERLAPPING METHOD
A photographic method of taking series of photographs in a circular or clockwise
direction, overlapping each other slightly to show the crime scene. If a single photograph
cannot show the entire crime scene, apply this method.
2. PROGRESSIVE METHOD
A photographic method of taking crime scene photographs starting from a fixed
point, photographing each piece of evidence from general to specific as the
photographer moves towards it, and progressively getting closer.

Identification through Marking

a. Letters A, B, C, D, etc. shall be used on dead person.
b. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. shall be used on objects.

Sequential photographs of the crime scene

a. general view of the exterior of the building/vehicle, with relation to other buildings,
vehicles, roads, streets, etc.
b. medium view and close-up views of the subject but not limited to the following:
1. possible point of entry, outside and inside
2. possible point of exit, outside and inside
3. condition of the crime scene
4. articles/objects left at the scene
5. area from which valuable articles were removed
6. trace evidence (hairs, fibers, cigarette butts, etc.)
7. tool marks and impressions of shoes or tire marks, etc.
8. fingerprints and footprints, as well as other articles on which these prints may be
found.

ISSUANCE/RELEASE OF PHOTOGRAPHC EVIDENCE

A written request to the Director; Crime Laboratory is required from the investigating
units having jurisdiction over the case prior to the release/issuance of photographic
evidence.

Upon receipt of the approved request, photographs and other photographic evidence
should be release within minimum period of the day. Likewise, requests for court
presentation should be attended without delay. Forensic Photographer subpoenaed by
the court should personally print the negatives as soon as possible and prepare the
materials, photo log and crime scene sketch for court presentation.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Interior and Local Government
Philippine National Police
REGIONAL CRIME LABORATORY OFFICE
Purok #7 Caggay, Tuguegarao City

SOCO REPORT NR: O1 Date: December 15,

2027
CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS
GENERAL VIEW

PHOTO EVIDENCE #1 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #2 (CAPTION)

 MEDIUM VIEW

PHOTO EVIDENCE #1(CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #3 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #4(CAPTION)

CLOSE-UP VIEW
PHOTO EVIDENCE #5 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #6 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #7 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #8(CAPTION)

 PHOTO EVIDENCE #9 (CAPTION)

PHOTO EVIDENCE #10 (CAPTION)

PHOTOGRAPHERS NOTE

CASE NUMBER: SOCO 038-2013

TYPE OF CASE: Robbery with Homicide
LOCATION’S ADDRESS: # 11 Marallag St. Alimannao, Penablanca,
Cagayan
DATE: March 22, 2028
TIME RCVD THE CALL: 1600H
TIME LEAVE BASE: 1605H
TIME ARRIVED CS: 1700H
INVEST ON CASE: PATROLMAN Juan Dela Cruz, NCR, CIU
VICTIM/WITNESS: Marita Ammu
FIL USED: Kodak Colored 400 ASA, 36 Exposure
NUMBER OF EXP: 24 shots
CAMERA USED: DSLR CAMERA
WEATHER CONDITION: Hazy
CHAIN OF CUSTODY: Turned into(name of person),(date and time)
ITEMS PHOTOGRAPHED: Itemized
TIME LEAVE THE CS:2300H March 28, 2026
TEAM COMPOSITION: Name of Team Members
INVESTIGATOR ON CASE: PSsg Tanggol Dela Cruz
SUMMARY DETAILS:
PHOTO SUBJECT SHUTTE ISO APERTUR LIGHTNIN
NR. R SPEED E G
CONDITIO
N
1 Ex: bag 1/125 100 F8 Hazy
sunlight
2 knife
3
4
5