Videography in forensic science

how to take a video at crime scene.

1. Video Presents scene differently than either sketching or photography Gives better “feel” for scene than sketching or photography Is the more intuitive way we “see” things in this world.

2. Equipment Needed Personal protective equipment Video camera Video kit with battery Memory card for digital camera Camera cleaning supplies Flashlight Tripod

3. Reasons for Video Video should be the first step in archiving a crime scene Provides walk-though feel Provides important “feel” for the scene. Closer to how we view the world, which makes it a natural viewing medium Versus staccato and static nature of photographs Detached overview in a sketch. Gives and immediate understanding of how evidence relates to the crime. Sketch and photographs reinforce what video presents.

4. Documentary of the Scene Role of the forensic videographer Same as any forensic archivist; Capture the scene in as an original state as possible Not to consider scene as work of art but as a response to what the scene is saying. Scene dictates the process and the resulting video . Making a documentary of the scene. Scene video informs its viewers about a topic or an issue, which in this instance is the crime scene. Like any endeavor that is worthwhile and done correctly, making a crime scene documentary is difficult and tedious.

5. Why Video? Isn’t Photography Sufficient? Objective Reasons Unbiased documentation It is running narrative of the sequential “walk through” of the crime scene. As such, it present objective facts , conditions and sequence that can followed as though walking through the scene personally. Photography does not provide this “feel.” Visual proof of the crime Of the fire or other crime (also photography provide this). Video provide the same information but in a “live” format. Such as seeing the flame moves in a fire. Testimony Use the video as demonstrative evidence for the jury which presents the scene in a better-to-view format that is almost “live.” Refresh memory Long delays between the crime and courtroom can change or dull scene details.

6. Forensic V ideo E ssentials Establishing/Close-up/Zoom Establishing video shows the backdrop of the scene. After each establishing video, the evidence in the video is shot using the macro function on camera Close-up detail. During establishing video, videographer Uses zoom and macro characteristics of camera lens The zoom speed is critical because it allows viewer to observe items in video that videographer might not consider important . Shoots the evidence using both Can also show archivist’s bias about what is important Slow zoom is essential because it allows for a more detailed study of the surrounding area captured by the video.

7. Two G eneral Categories of Forensic Video The S cene Video The Topic V ideo

8. Camera Speed and Position Initial Video of Evidence at a Scene The secret to competent video: is to slow down and obey the speed limit. Consider the speed limit to be 8-10 seconds/quarter turn or slower. Face an object - bloody knife lying in one corner of the room. Mission: Show its relationship to a body lying on the opposite side of the room, Position yourself so that the camera forms a triangle midway between the knife and the body . Body is most visible object at scene: Capture its location Count off seconds in your head & slowly pan from body to knife. The angle is less than 180o Panning from the body to the knife should take no fewer than 10-15 seconds

9. The Scene Video The scene video is a video equivalent of the walk-through taken by the team leader and the first officer. It is a continuous process, ideally without interruption from beginning to end. Along the way, each area of the scene is captured on video. As videoing continues, the videographer slowly walks through the scene capturing as much as possible Preparing for the Scene Video As with all documentary filming, research is the key to producing a quality product. From a crime scene perspective, the essential research means becoming familiar with the scene Checklist Before Starting Walk through the scene with team leader to learn scene geometry. Map the scene layout and determine video sequence, e.g., where to begin and where to end . In second walk-through assess video and camera-specific challenges, e.g., lighting, scene obstacles, weather issues, white balance, ISO settings, etc . Discuss with team leader what video should include: Include entrance/egress points, important potential evidence, indoor/outdoor considerations, video perspectives, etc.

10. The Topic Video A Mid-Range Video A new paradigm for forensic video/documentary Scene videoed twice Done after the Scene Video Secondarily during the photographic archiving process using digital capability of SLR cameras (Topic Video) . Captures individual & specific parts of scene Visible evidence & immediate evidentiary relationships Records the area individually from perspective of photographer taking establishing video using the same SLR camera. Captures evidential relationships in midrange format

11. Topic Video The Process Indoor homicide scene: Use multi-archiving processes as follows. Photography Establishing photography of area of interest Mid-rang photography of a specific area of the scene Close-up photography follows as evidence is discovered Video Scene Video Topic Video the area from different establishing perspectives. Zoom in and out on important items of potential evidence using macro function of video camera. Take Midrange photos of these items of potential evidence using photo function of camera Take close-up photography of evidence when appropriate.

12. Audio in a video Don’t Neglect Audio. Audio is as important as the picture Always use earphones. Ambient Sound (room noise). Be aware of wind noise or background music If your video is heavily dependent on dialogue or you are doing interviews, use an external mic I rrelevant audio in a video is removed or filtered in forensic laboratory by using different software

13. Pre-Scene Fundamentals The equipment necessary to properly capture the scene is rapidly becoming more affordable. Digital cameras have HD video capability and Camcorders have digital photographic capabilities .  Before leaving to work a scene, review checklist. Batteries fully charged . Sufficient memory to record several hours of video either on the HDD and/or flash drives. Might mean having a portable hard drive and/or additional memory cards available for downloading Lighting equipment , e.g., light stands, etc., are working and that spare bulbs are available . Title generator and "shake free" operations are available. If title generator not available - save approximately 15 seconds at the beginning of the tape to add title card with pertinent information to beginning of scene video. Alternatively , the title could be generated at scene using a prepared title card .

14. On Scene Fundamentals Once the camera begins recording, do not stop until taping is complete. If the camera has a pause feature, it is OK to use that. Normally , videoing is not ideal for viewing detail because videographers tend to pan past objects too quickly. Slow panning is critical and each area should be panned twice in order to prevent unnecessary rewinding of the video for viewers . Begin videoing with a general overview of scene and surrounding area. Use wide angle and close-ups to demonstrate layout of evidence and its relationship and relevance to the scene. For indoor scenes, the video shows how various areas, e.g., rooms, are laid out in relation to each other and how they can be accessed . Complements sketches … video shows the real-life obstacles, etc. … sketch does not. After videoing complete, leave about 15 seconds of blank video to prevent video from running into anything previously recorded. Transfer the video to high quality and secure master memory storage Backup original video and maintain video secure The original video is official record of the videoed scene. As such it is evidence. And should not be tampered with Copies of original video are not original evidence and might not be admissible in court.

15. Advantages of Videography Video can be utilized to illustrate how something works Video provide information in detail that text and graphics cannot Location of evidence, victim and witness Cannot be edited in any way Show entries and exists Video can appeal to learning styles of visual learners Video is useful in reconstruction of a crime scene Increasingly popular due to affordable cost Long-shots and close-ups are taken off scene