Fundamentals of Forensic Photography

Chapter 5 Crime Scene Documentation

The primary focus of crime scene investigation is documentation and collection of evidence. It should go without saying that one of the best ways to document a scene is with photography. As essential as photography is for documentation, it still must be supplemented with detailed notes and sketches.

Safety at the Crime Scene

Before entering any crime scene there are some safety guidelines you should follow. These guidelines are for your own personal safety, which should be your number one priority, but are also to protect the scene from contamination:

• Wear latex gloves, facemasks, hairnets, and coverall gowns.
• Change your gloves and wash your hands often.
• Wear a facemask with a filter if there are possible ...