described in a manner so it is easily understood how it was found prior to the alteration inherently caused by public safety . To accomplish this , evidence should be clearly described , and its location noted .
Photographs : Since most people are visual learners , crime scene photography is critical for creating a historical record of the crime scene . Two types of photographs should be taken during every crime scene investigation : crime scene photographs and ‘ examination quality ’ photographs . Crime scene photographs depict the scene and items within the scene . Each item of evidence should be portrayed through three perspectives , including an overall shot , medium range shot , and close-up photograph .
The overall or wide-angle photograph establishes where the viewer is located and all the items within the context of that area . For example , in an entering auto case , this would depict the entire vehicle and where it is parked . The second , the medium range photograph , is closer to specific items of interest . Within this angle , the photographer is representing the spatial relationship of certain items of evidence to one another . In the case of the vehicle , the images may depict the front passenger door , with a broken window , glass on the ground , and a developed fingerprint on the door handle . The last photographs are images in which the photographer is as close as possible to clearly depict the details of a specific item of evidence . This is done without and then with a scale in the photograph .
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‘ Examination quality ’ photographs should be taken of any evidence with patterns or other details that can be analyzed from the photograph ( e . g . fingerprints , bloodstain patterns , shoe and tire impressions , tool marks , and bullet defects ). An ‘ examination quality ’ photograph enables an examiner to retrieve critical evidence measurements and data directly from the photograph without having to be present at the crime scene . The ‘ examination quality ’ photograph requires two key components ; a scale must be included within the photograph and the photograph must be taken ‘ straight down ’ / 90-degree angle of the surface . These photography principals should be followed on every scene where evidence is collected .
Diagraming : Another necessary method of representing the scene and the evidence is the task of mapping or diagraming the location . Since most traffic collision reports require a diagram , officers are very familiar with this concept . The same principal applies in non-traffic cases . A crime scene diagram is an effective tool to visually represent the spatial relationships of evidence within the confines of the scene . This includes measurements needed