evidence management 399
17.8 Depict the Scene Photographically
Photography should begin as soon as possible in order to preserve the odon-
tological evidence in as near a pristine state as initially observed by the
forensic dentist. Even though it is highly probable that the forensic dental
evidence will have been handled multiple times (by either first responders,
investigators, the general public, or scavengers) prior to initial examination
by the forensic dentist, the initial photographs document the dental evidence
at first presentation for forensic odontological analysis. Whether in the field
or at a medical examiner’s office, initial photography by the odontologist
upon responding to a request for forensic dental analysis corroborates the
status of dental evidence upon it entering into the forensic dentist’s custody.
Evidence should be photographed prior to being packaged or immediately
upon receipt and the opening of a package (as in the case of remains being
delivered to a medical examiner’s facility).
17.8.1 Photography Basics
- All exposures should be recorded on a photographic log (Table 17.1).
- Exposures should be made from three basic aspects:
Long range—a view depicting dental and physical evidence in the
original environment
Mid range—a view depicting the entire body or skeletal remains
Closeup—a view depicting a specific body part, bitemark, oral cavity,
or tooth- Scene photographs should be taken at eye level as observed from a
“normal” view. - Closeup photographs should be taken with and without scale.
- Digital photography
A. If possible, secure the original media card as evidence.
B. If original media card cannot be secured as evidence, perform a
download of the exposures to a CD or DVD. The initial down-
load should be secured as an evidentiary copy while subsequent
downloads can be utilized as work copies.
17.9 Prepare a Diagram/Sketch
The diagram/sketch supplements photographs that are two-dimensional
and can tend to distort distances and relationships between objects. A