Module 17

The following photographs will be taken.

• Overview photographs of the entire scene, including external and internal accesses to the scene.
• Photographs of sites of particular relevance, e.g. blood splatter patterns, large pools of blood, removed clothing (including that removed by emergency personnel).
• Photographs of the deceased in situ.
• Photographs of any fingerprint evidence in situ.
• Photographs taken during any subsequent post mortem examination.
• If the situation allows, video or still photography of bystanders shall be taken.
• If available (i.e. in custody) photographs of any suspects, their clothing, and any injuries.

Photographs shall be treated as exhibits, and continuation of the chain of evidence will be properly recorded and maintained. This includes making records about the times they are taken, the circumstances, and so on. Evidential statements shall be provided when the films are submitted. The photographs should be made available to the investigators as soon as possible.

Crime Scene Search

Once the scene has been secured and preserved, consideration may be given to carrying out a search of the locality outside of that scene. This may be undertaken with a view to finding a suspect, further forensic evidence, or even witnesses.

This cannot and should not be undertaken until the exact scope of the immediate scene has been established and confirmed, but urgency may be a consideration when making a decision as to when to initiate the search.

The points to consider once a decision has been made to start a search are:

• The parameters and search methodology are considered prior to any action being taken at all. Where and how the search is to take place must be fully recorded, just as any investigatory decision has to be recorded. Main considerations include the approach and escape routes of a suspect. If these have been ascertained, and they are such that immediate examination is straightforward (i.e. not in the countryside or busy urban areas), a crime scene investigator should undertake the search for evidence. In open areas, trained search personnel should be used.
• Contamination. No one who has attended the immediate scene should be used for the extended search, as material from that scene will be transferred to anything found, and the evidential value subsequently lost.
• Briefing. All personnel will be fully briefed regarding the extent of the search, but also about the action to be taken upon discovery of potential evidence.
• Discovery. Items found should be photographed in situ before being removed.
• A crime scene investigator should be consulted about the immediate scene around the location of the discovery.
• Material found, once the above actions have been taken, shall be properly preserved (under advice, if needed), and the continuity chain started correctly.

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