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Crime Scene Photography in an Instant

NCJ Number
158683
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 22 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1995) Pages: 86-88
Author(s)
R Morrison
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Crime scene photographs are often made with instant cameras and often establish the best available evidence in criminal investigations, because they can be stored indefinitely and are readily available when needed.
Abstract
Proper technique is crucial for being able to testify in court that the photographs depict as nearly as possible exactly what the photographer saw at the scene. Photographs also aid in the control of graffiti by enabling graffiti to be removed rapidly. Photography is also useful for documenting injuries to victims of domestic assault. Those taking the photographs should remember the nature of the offense and try to depict the elements of the crime through the photograph. Polaroid Corporation has developed a law enforcement training program that provides seminars at the customer's location on many topics, including domestic violence injury documentation, low-light flash photography, basic theories and principles of law enforcement photography, accident and crime scene documentation, and photography for specific situations such as booking and surveillance. In addition, the recently developed Graffiti Documentation Gangs and Taggers Seminar provides 4-6 hours of training covering nine topics relating to graffiti and photo techniques. Photographs