Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide [Spiral-bound]

Steven Staggs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0966197003 | ISBN-13: 978-0966197006

From documenting a homicide scene to recording the detail of a bite mark, photographs can communicate more about crime scenes and the appearance of evidence than the written report. Photography is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining evidence to others.

The Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide is designed to be a field reference for those responsible for photography at the crime scene. It may be used by law enforcement officers, investigators, and crime scene technicians. It contains instructions for photographing a variety of crimes scenes and various types of evidence. It is a valuable reference tool when combined with training and experience. The Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide is also a helpful resource for students and others interested in entering into the field of crime scene investigation.

Designed to be carried in an evidence kit or camera bag, this 66 page, 5 " by 8 " publication contains step-by-step instructions for photographing crime scenes and evidence. It includes 42 example photographs, eight diagrams, and three tables.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Hundreds of these field handbooks are used by investigators in police departments, sheriffs' departments, fire departments, medical examiners' offices and other federal, state and local agencies throughout the United States. Civil evidence photographers and private investigators have purchased this handbook. The Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide is also used as a text book in university and academy classes.

From the Author

Photography of crime scenes and evidence is a critical part of many investigations. Our photographs are frequently used for further investigation (e.g., to make comparisons between a shoe impression at the scene and the suspect's shoe) and to illustrate testimony in court. A great deal is riding on every exposure. So how do we remember every technique and procedure while taking photographs at the scene? We can take classes, practice, and memorize techniques--hoping we will remember everything when the time comes. Or, we can carry a field handbook to assist us at the scene. I wrote this handbook for just that purpose. The Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions for photographing crime scenes and evidence. When combined with training and experience, this handbook will help to insure that your crime scene and evidence photography is complete and accurate.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 66 pages
• Publisher: Staggs Publishing (June 2, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966197003
• ISBN-13: 978-0966197006
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,511,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars "Could Be Better", January 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide (Spiral-bound)

Based on twenty tears of Law Enforcement experience with one of the largest Police Departments in the United States, I found that this publication is more of a brochure introducing one to the subject as opposed to a complete overview of the subject.

While the pictures of various aspects of the subject were excellent, I felt there was not enough written detail about the use of filters, night time photography and other facets of the subject too numerous to mention.

I got the impression from seeing the advertisement pages in the rear of the book about the author's other products that these pages could have been put to better use with more technical information about the subject.

In conclusion, it is my feeling that the book is over priced for the amount of information that is contained on its sixty odd pages.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Outdated, January 24, 2006

By 

MCB "mb1620" (NC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide (Spiral-bound)

And too expensive! This book is a small (5x7) spiral bound notebook that came out in 1997. Nothing about using a digital camera obviously. The pictures are small, B&W, and grainy. $24.95 is asking way too much for an outdated book that is lean on information to start with. I had hoped to get more info on shooting traffic collisions but there are only 5 pages!

Don't waste your money...

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars To think a tree was cut down for this..., August 28, 2005

By 

B. America "annodomini1969" (East Stroudsburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crime Scene and Evidence Photographer's Guide (Spiral-bound)

64 pages of obvious materials. Take photos from all perspectives. Take close up photos of evidence. Document all photos. I know, amazing isn't it (sarcasm). How someone can find this book "enlightening" that doesn't have an interest in its sale, is questionable to if they are competent as an investigator.

That's the substance of the book with some basic mentioning to photographic technique that any novice with a few months would know or have access to. There is little substance to this book. Look elsewhere for information.