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Crime Scene Documentation
E X E R C I S E
H
Crime Scene Documentation: Videography O U T L I N E Laboratory Data Sheet
57
Discussion Questions
58
Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Manual. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-405197-3.00008-3
53
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION LABORATORY MANUAL
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Several activites will be used for this topic, including maps to indicate locations for video to be taken. Introductory placards from videos will be used for examination.
Objective To apply videography in practice as a component of crime scene documentation to mock crime scenes.
“Virtual reality” videography for crime scene documentation as an orientation format has widespread acceptance in the criminal justice community today. The crime scene investigator can use videography as a valuable tool for crime scene documentation, and the use of videography for orientation is essential for any viewer to understand the crime scene and its evidence. Videography at crime scenes should be the first step after the walkthrough (or preliminary scene survey) has been completed and photographs have been taken. The actual process or technique for the videography of crime scenes is summarized below. 1. S tart the videography with a placard for documentation. The placard information should include at a minimum the case number, the date, time, and location, the type of crime scene/investigation, and any other objective information deemed necessary by the videographer (weather conditions, camera used, etc.). 2. The videography of the entire crime scene should be without any subjective audio recording. In some circumstances, the addition of comments by the videographer may be deemed subjective by the courts and can lead to omissions in the taping process. It is important to prevent added subjectivity to the crime scene documentation by making sure that all law enforcement personnel are not videotaped on the scene. The video should only contain the crime scene, the victim(s), and the physical evidence, not investigators or first responders standing around viewing the process. 3. Begin the orientation of the crime scene videography with a general view of the areas surrounding and leading into or away from the crime scene. A generalorientation view of the crime scene should follow the initial recording of the surroundings. The use of the four compass points will ensure that all general viewpoints are taped. 4. Continue videography throughout the crime scene using the wide-angle view format. Close-up views of the items of evidence are not usually part of the videography, as still photography is better suited for that purpose. Videography of the crime scene has the orientation of the crime scene in a graphic nature as its primary purpose and is not intended to allow for detailed, high-quality recording of close-up views of individual items of evidence.
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
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EXERCISE H CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION: VIDEOGRAPHY
FIGURE H.1 Mock crime scene.
5. T he videography of the crime scene should also include a view of the crime scene from the victim’s point of view. Standing near the victim’s location and recording 360 degrees can achieve this viewpoint and is oftentimes useful for further investigation. Do not destroy evidence or alter the victim’s position when attempting this step. 6. While using videography, use slow camera movements, especially when panning. A tripod or monopod will greatly facilitate these movements. Locating the camera by use of compass points and 360-degree panning will produce recordings of excellent orientation purposes. 7. Videography of the crime scene, once completed, should never be edited or altered. The original tape should be kept as evidence and duplicate copies made for viewing.
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
Laboratory Data Sheet
57
Crime Scene Video Placard
FIGURE H.2 Blank video placard.
There is nothing wrong with repeated recording of the crime scene, especially as new evidence is located or found.
One of the most useful advantages of videography for the crime scene investigator is the ability of the videographer to view and evaluate the recording at the crime scene. Recordings made with video cameras in use today can be examined by viewing them through the viewfinder, evaluated immediately, and the entire scene rerecorded if necessary. Videography as a documentation technique can provide a perspective of the crime scene that is more easily comprehended than notes, sketches, or still photographs. Remember, however, that videography is a supplemental technique and not a replacement for the other techniques.
LABORATORY DATA SHEET 1. U sing a spiral arrow, mark where the crime scene video recordings should occur on the crime scene aerial sketch shown in Figure H.1. Hint: There are at least nine spots. 2. Using the blank placard in Figure H.2, complete the information that should be included on the beginning placard for your video. 3. Create your own aerial view of a crime scene out in a field. Indicate where the video recordings should be done. Don’t forget to create a placard!
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
58
EXERCISE H CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION: VIDEOGRAPHY
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. I f video recording of a crime scene is not possible at the crime scene, how would the crime scene investigator document the scene? What steps need to be taken?
2. W hat digital camcorders are available in your area? What are their advantages or disadvantages?
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
H
Crime Scene Documentation: Videography O U T L I N E Laboratory Data Sheet
57
Discussion Questions
58
Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Manual. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-405197-3.00008-3
53
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
This page intentionally left blank
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION LABORATORY MANUAL
55
Several activites will be used for this topic, including maps to indicate locations for video to be taken. Introductory placards from videos will be used for examination.
Objective To apply videography in practice as a component of crime scene documentation to mock crime scenes.
“Virtual reality” videography for crime scene documentation as an orientation format has widespread acceptance in the criminal justice community today. The crime scene investigator can use videography as a valuable tool for crime scene documentation, and the use of videography for orientation is essential for any viewer to understand the crime scene and its evidence. Videography at crime scenes should be the first step after the walkthrough (or preliminary scene survey) has been completed and photographs have been taken. The actual process or technique for the videography of crime scenes is summarized below. 1. S tart the videography with a placard for documentation. The placard information should include at a minimum the case number, the date, time, and location, the type of crime scene/investigation, and any other objective information deemed necessary by the videographer (weather conditions, camera used, etc.). 2. The videography of the entire crime scene should be without any subjective audio recording. In some circumstances, the addition of comments by the videographer may be deemed subjective by the courts and can lead to omissions in the taping process. It is important to prevent added subjectivity to the crime scene documentation by making sure that all law enforcement personnel are not videotaped on the scene. The video should only contain the crime scene, the victim(s), and the physical evidence, not investigators or first responders standing around viewing the process. 3. Begin the orientation of the crime scene videography with a general view of the areas surrounding and leading into or away from the crime scene. A generalorientation view of the crime scene should follow the initial recording of the surroundings. The use of the four compass points will ensure that all general viewpoints are taped. 4. Continue videography throughout the crime scene using the wide-angle view format. Close-up views of the items of evidence are not usually part of the videography, as still photography is better suited for that purpose. Videography of the crime scene has the orientation of the crime scene in a graphic nature as its primary purpose and is not intended to allow for detailed, high-quality recording of close-up views of individual items of evidence.
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
56
EXERCISE H CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION: VIDEOGRAPHY
FIGURE H.1 Mock crime scene.
5. T he videography of the crime scene should also include a view of the crime scene from the victim’s point of view. Standing near the victim’s location and recording 360 degrees can achieve this viewpoint and is oftentimes useful for further investigation. Do not destroy evidence or alter the victim’s position when attempting this step. 6. While using videography, use slow camera movements, especially when panning. A tripod or monopod will greatly facilitate these movements. Locating the camera by use of compass points and 360-degree panning will produce recordings of excellent orientation purposes. 7. Videography of the crime scene, once completed, should never be edited or altered. The original tape should be kept as evidence and duplicate copies made for viewing.
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
Laboratory Data Sheet
57
Crime Scene Video Placard
FIGURE H.2 Blank video placard.
There is nothing wrong with repeated recording of the crime scene, especially as new evidence is located or found.
One of the most useful advantages of videography for the crime scene investigator is the ability of the videographer to view and evaluate the recording at the crime scene. Recordings made with video cameras in use today can be examined by viewing them through the viewfinder, evaluated immediately, and the entire scene rerecorded if necessary. Videography as a documentation technique can provide a perspective of the crime scene that is more easily comprehended than notes, sketches, or still photographs. Remember, however, that videography is a supplemental technique and not a replacement for the other techniques.
LABORATORY DATA SHEET 1. U sing a spiral arrow, mark where the crime scene video recordings should occur on the crime scene aerial sketch shown in Figure H.1. Hint: There are at least nine spots. 2. Using the blank placard in Figure H.2, complete the information that should be included on the beginning placard for your video. 3. Create your own aerial view of a crime scene out in a field. Indicate where the video recordings should be done. Don’t forget to create a placard!
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION
58
EXERCISE H CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION: VIDEOGRAPHY
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. I f video recording of a crime scene is not possible at the crime scene, how would the crime scene investigator document the scene? What steps need to be taken?
2. W hat digital camcorders are available in your area? What are their advantages or disadvantages?
III. CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION