Appendix V lists several books about crime scene photography. Although one does not need to be an expert photographer to take crime scene photos to be admitted in a court of law, a skillful photographer is more likely to take high-quality, useful photographs. • Always take a camera (digital or 35 mm) and a video camcorder (if possible) when investigating an animal cruelty complaint. Ideally, the camera should have a flash and be capable of generating a date/time stamp. Use the list included with this guide to assemble a basic evidence kit (see Appendix IV). • Always have a fresh and sufficient supply of batteries and memory cards or film. • Photograph and/or videotape the crime scene as soon as possible (check with your prosecutor for photographic/ videographic preferences). • Use a systematic approach when photographing a crime scene. • Photograph/videotape the most fragile areas of the scene first (i.e. areas susceptible to disturbances from loose animals or inclement weather). • Make sure your photographs illustrate both overall views of the scene and items of evidence, including the animals themselves and any injuries or other remarkable features. Establish a progression of overall, medium and close-up views: − Photograph the overall exterior, establishing the location of the scene by a series of photographs that include a landmark. Video should include a slow, deliberate sweep of the complete exterior. Photographs should have 360 degrees of coverage. If necessary, consider using aerial photography. Remember that videography often records sound, so be mindful of your statements and the statements of fellow officers within earshot of the camera. − Photograph the overall interior crime scene in an overlapping series using a normal lens, if possible. Overall 6 The Humane Society of the United States photographs may be taken using a wide-angle lens. Video should include a slow, deliberate sweep of the complete interior. Photograph/ videotape entrances and exits from the inside and the outside. − Photograph/videotape the evidence in detail. Include a scale (when needed), the animal’s number (if applicable), the case number and the date. Use an index card or white board. − Photographs of wounds or injuries taken during the veterinary examination or those depicting physical evidence where size is relevant should include a scale. When a scale is used, first take a photograph without the scale. − Photograph important evidence twice: Take a medium-distance photograph that shows the evidence and its position to other evidence and a close-up photograph that includes a scale and fills the frame. − If possible, photograph the animal’s immediate surroundings first, followed by photographs of the How to use this field guide
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