Content uploaded by Swikar Lama
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Swikar Lama on Mar 27, 2023
Content may be subject to copyright.
International Journal of Forensic Sciences
ISSN: 2573-1734
MEDWIN PUBLISHERS
Commied to Create Value for Researchers
An Evaluative Study on Resources, Training and Level of Knowledge in Handling Crime Scene
Int J Forens Sci
An Evaluative Study on Resources, Training and Level of
Knowledge in Handling Crime Scene Photography amongst Police
Department of Criminology and Police Studies, Sardar Patel University of Police Security and
Criminal Justice, India
Deepak Dhukia, Department of Criminology and Police Studies,
Sardar Patel University of Police Security and Criminal Justice, Jodhpur, India, Tel: 6378401323;
Email: dkd1837@gmail.com
Research Article
Volume 7 Issue 2
March 02, 2022
April 11, 2022
DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000256
Abstract
management. The present study focuses on the resources, training and level of knowledge about crime scene photography
Police; Crime; Crime scene photography; Justice; Technology
Introduction
Crime scene management is one of the most important
and crucial tasks performed by police. Crime scene is the
place where potential evidences are found or have some link
with the crime committed. The crime scene management is a
task divided in different small steps that should be performed
step of that task and is very important because it helps in
developing a visual demonstration of the crime scene in court
rooms. Crime scene photography helps the jury or judge and
the lawyers to make a visual scene of the actual crime scene
to know the situation and the circumstances of the crime
scene. Crime scene photography also helps the investigating
reconstruction is required photographs help in recreating
the actual same scene. Crime scene photography works as an
supportive evidence to the actual evidence as it proves the
positions and dimensions with visual presentation. Crime
scene photography should be done by an expert as it requires
professional skills and knowledge about the digital camera
features of the camera according to the conditions and the
circumstances. Digital camera is recommended for good
resolution pictures which get printed on the paper.
Review of Literature
From crime scene to court room the crime scene
photography plays an important role. The investigator
needs the photographs to reconstruct the crime scene and
to represent the crime scene in court room with visual
representation. The photographs are recorded for long
time and even helps lawyer and judges to understand the
circumstances on crime scene as they rarely visits the crime
scene [1].
International Journal of Forensic Sciences
2
Dhukia D and Lama S. An Evaluative Study on Resources, Training and Level of Knowledge in
Forens Sci 2022, 7(2): 000256.
Copyright© Dhukia D and Lama S.
Without disturbing the crime scene photographs should
be taken. To record all the aspects of crime scene numerous
photographs should be taken in an order because photographs
are not just records but they can be used to reproduce the
events. The crime scene must be photographed with long,
mid and close range so can make a relation between size
and distance in the photographs. A log should be prepared
with information of the photographer, date, time, camera
used, location, weather conditions, lightning and other basic
details [2].
Flash, Hot-shoe, and Compact Flash Card/Secure Digital Card
is most recommended photography equipment. The camera
Research Methodology
This research was designed in a manner that stressed
on the information related to working of investigating team
on crime scene photography. 120 samples were collected
interviewed. Convenient sampling was used to sample the
Head-constables depending on their availability in the police
with a structured interview schedule. Anonymity and
Results
• Although cell phones and other personal electronic
devices with integrated cameras are not recommended
for crime scene photography unless their use is an
operational necessity (National Forensic Science
Technology Center) [4], 80% of the respondents use
mobile camera on crime scene photography only 20%
use digital camera. When asked why they use mobile
camera, most of them stated that they are not aware of
cameras at their police stations.
• 34% of respondents prefer to take photography for
every crime scene while remaining 66% never prefer to
take photography at the crime scene. Thus, crime scene
photography which is such an important component
of documentation of crime scene management and has
evidentiary value in the court is often ignored by the
police personnel.
• Only 1% of respondents use scale during crime scene
photography remaining 99% never used any scale
during crime scene photography.
• Crime scene photography must encompass different
types of photography including long-range, mid-range
and close range photography. Only 1% of the respondents
have knowledge about different types of photographs
while remaining 99% have poor knowledge about
different types of photographs.
• 100% respondents agreed that they do not have any
expert in their police station for crime scene photography.
• 100% respondents never attended any training program
on crime scene photography.
Observations
made by the researcher, the following points were noted:
• The ongoing photography on crime scene at ground level
is much different from ideal conditions of crime scene
photography which should be followed.
• There is great need to look in the matter of crime scene
photography because it is not so effective and accurate
as the quality is being compromised using the mobile
phones.
• There is no such expert in police to handle modern
technologies.
• Most of the police personnel have very less knowledge
about crime scene photography as they have not
undergone any training program or workshop on crime
scene photography, different types of photographs and
their uses.
• The captured photographs from crime scene are in poor
quality with raw frame without any scale measurement.
Conclusion
On crime scene the working of police is totally different
from the ideal scenario. This is all due to lack of training,
knowledge and lack of resources.
Photography is affected because of lack of experts and
knowledge about the photography. They are not aware about
the methods of sketch and basic requirements of sketching.
They have never had training on photography and sketching
[5-8].
Suggestions
The major focus of this paper is on how the police perform
in crime scene photography. Some of the suggestions are:
1. It may be useful to train police personnel on crime scene
photography.
2. The government should include forensic science and
criminology in recruitment and in advanced training
programs.
3. Training programs should have proper evaluation to
check the performance of trainees.
4.
International Journal of Forensic Sciences
3
Dhukia D and Lama S. An Evaluative Study on Resources, Training and Level of Knowledge in
Forens Sci 2022, 7(2): 000256.
Copyright© Dhukia D and Lama S.
on crime scene photography.
5. Field experts should be recruited for technical
management on crime scene like photography and
sketching.
6.
other equipments should be provided at the earliest.
7. Taking crime scene photographs should be made
mandatory for crime scene management.
References
1.
Academic Press.
2. Moreau DM (2013) Fundamental Principles and Theory
of Crime Scene Photography. Forensic Science Training
Unit, FBI Laboratory.
3. Gouse S, Karnam S, Girish H, Murgod S (2018) Forensic
photography: Prospect through the lens. Journal of
Forensic Dental Sciences 10(1): 2-4.
4. National Forensic Science Technology Center (2009)
Project under a cooperative agreement from the Bureau
of Justice Assistance (BJA).
5.
time: Critical Issues at the Crime Scene. Current Issues in
Criminal Justice 24(1): 25-37.
6. National Judicial Data Grid (2021).
7.
management: A forensic approach. New Delhi: Selective
8.
investigation & trials. Universal Law Publishing.
