CHAPTER 1.

INTRODUCTION

The Early Times of Image Production

The development of photography cannot be attributed to one individual only. Many

individuals had in fact worked and experimented to make photography as we know it today.

The word photography came from two Greek words: “photo” which means light; and
“graphos” meaning chart or draw. Literally then, photography would come to mean “to draw
with light”. In photography, the light “writes: when it strikes minute crystals of light-sensitive
chemical compounds (i.e. silver halides) in the film emulsion causing a very subtle change in the
crystals. The word “photography” was coined by John F.W Herschel on the 1830’s. But, this does
not mean however that he is the father of photography. In fact, for a very long period of time, the
question as to who would be considered as the father of photography was a usual debate between
scholars.

What is Police Photography?

Police photography refers to the use of a camera and video for law enforcement purposes
such as documenting physical evidence and crime scenes, or recording interrogations, traffic
stops, surveillance,public thoroughfares, traffic accidents and still images of arrested individuals
(Miller, 2007). In short, it is the art or science that deals with the study of principles of
photography and its application to police work.

A police photographer needs knowledge and skill of how a camera records visual and
audio components. He must also know how to record images at invisible ultraviolet (UV) and
infrared (IR) wavelengths.Further, he must be familiar with certain techniques such as close-up
photography (or macrophotography),the effective use of flash, and the specialized use of cameras
in conditions with limited ambient lighting(night-time photography).

Police photography mostly involves the documentation of crime scenes and injuries.
Hence, it is also sometimes referred-as crime scene photography or forensic photography.
Forensic photography more specifically involves the process of recording the crime scene or any
object for court presentation.

Forensic photography refers to the recording of objects and scenes to be used for and
within the legal process. These records result in forensic photographs that can be used for
documentation,analysis,intelligence or court, presentations. These photographs have the potential
to provide information that can be used as evidence (Spring,2007).

Any photograph may be considered “forensic” if it adds information required by the court
and can be admitted as evidence. For example,the investigation on the terrorist attacks in the USA
on September 11, 2001 involved the use photos taken not only by forensic photographers.and
others caught up in the disaster also contributed photographs that served as evidence.

Forensic photographers, however, have specific technical knowledge not only in

photography but also in forensic science and laws pertaining to the use of photographs as
evidence. For example,they understand how images can be used to determine measurements of
distance, dimension or location. Simply taking photographs of an object at a crime scene is not
enough for a thorough analysis. Forensic photographers should document the scene from several
locations and orientations using scales and measurements to cover as much relevant detail and
establish as much objectivity as possible. Zoom lenses are not recommended since their focal
length cannot be determined,thereby confusing measurements and comparisons of objects in
space. Forensic photographers may be able_to disclose forensic detail that is normally invisible
through the use of ultraviolet or infrared wavelengths. Further, they can provide photographs to
be used in court to demonstrate such forensic data. These photographs must demonstrate a fair
and accurate representation of the scene,object,situation or event relative to the crime
(Spring,2007).

Forensic photography is an integral part of forensic science and criminalistics.' Forensic

photographers should document every aspect of creating the photographs, including details of
equipment/materials, processing and printing information as well as noting time, conditions,
distances, scales of size, and the like. They should be guided by strict procedures and protocols.
In her discussion of forensic photography in the Focal Encyclopedia of Photography, Gale Spring
(2007) enumerates the following questions that forensic scientists must consider in defining
forensic photographs (Spring, 2007):
 Do they tell a complete story?
 Are they an unbiased and objective approach to the subject or scene?
 Are they of sufficient quality to be analyzed?
 Have all technical data been recorded?
 Can the photographer explain in court how the photographs were taken and offer
assistance in their interpretation?
 Are post-production methods clearly outlined?

Significance of Photography in Police Work and Law Enforcement People take photographs for
all sorts of reasons. The photos serve a social function:, as reminders of vacations and loved ones
by freezing moments in their own history for recall in years to come. In law enforcement work,
photography serves four primary functions:
1. As a means of identification
2. As a method of discovering, recording, and preserving evidence
3. As a way to present in the court room an impression of the pertinent elements of a crime
4. As a training and public relations medium for police programs

One of the most critical of these functions is presenting photographs in court that can aid in the
determination of the truth respecting a matter of fact. Evidence dolt that cannot be brought inside
the courtroom can be presented by means of photograph. In case of disputes in vehicular
accidents for example, vehicles are too bulky to be brought inside the court. Instead photographs
of the vehicle can be presented in order to demonstrate the extent of damages sustained by the
victim. It is crucial, however, however that photograph to be admitted as evidence in court are
faithful representations of the original. Faithful representation means the same likeness and
accurateness so seen by the naked eye.
Below are further uses of photography in police work.
1. It serves as evidence.
2. It preserves all pieces of evidence.
3. It refreshes the mind of the investigator.
4. It records the illegal activities and identities of criminals.
5. It is useful in personal identification as well as in the identification of missing persons,
wanted persons, and stolen or lost properties.
6. It records all things that an investigator may fail to notice.
7. It assists the court in understanding the case.
8. It helps reconstruct the crime scene.
9. It helps the expert witness in illustrating their findings.
10. It supplements, explains and replaces the descriptive testimony of witnesses.
11. It serves as lecture materials an4 illustrations during police personnel training.
12. It also serves to reproduce and copy documents.

The PNP Forensic Photography Division

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory has its own Forensic Photography
Division whose personnel perform the following functions/capabilities;
1. Photograph suspects and crime victims for personal identification;
2. Photograph evidence submitted to the laboratory before examination;
3. Conduct crime scene photography;
4. Conduct crime scene sketching;
5. Conduct comparative examination and analysis of questioned photographs against
known photographs;
6. Conduct lectures to different police/military training institutions, government agencies
and public/private schools upon request;
7. Reproduce photographs and other printed materials;
8. Sketch facial features of .suspects based on actual description by the witness or victims
for identification; and
9. Attend court duties.

The PNP's crime scene photographers follow the following standard operating procedures:
1. A crime scene photographer must be on duty at the Forensic Photography Division on
call whenever photographic assistance is needed.
2. The crime scene photographer must be knowledgeable of the crime committed/reported
to enable him to determine the equipment and materials to bring along to the crime
scene. These equipment and materials may include digital and film-based cameras with
wide angle and normal lens, tripod, flash unit, flood light, measuring tools, data board,
pencil and rolls of film (colored and monochrome).
3. The crime scene photographer should record in the photography division's record book
all the details of the incident/crime responded before and after Scene of the Crime
Operation (SOCO) and Field Laboratory Work (FLW) responses, including the type of
camera and film used. Right after the operation, he must immediately process the
exposed film and print the negative for filling and presentation in court.
4. The responding crime scene photographer should check and ensure the serviceability of
his equipment and strictly observed the steps and procedures applicable for every scene,
including measurements and identification.