PHOTOGRAPHY AS A MEDIUM OF INVESTIGATION

Forensic photography often referred to forensic imaging or crime scene photography art is a process of producing reproductive forms of the crime scene or accident scene accurately to the interests of the investigation to the court. Forensic photography is also included in part of evidence gathering efforts such as the human body, places, and everything related to a crime in the form of images that can be used by the investigator or the investigator during an investigation or inquiry. Included in the activities of forensic photography is the selection of the correct lighting, the right angle of the lens, and capture pictures from various points of view. Scale is often used in the pictures taken so that the real dimension of the object image can be recorded. Usually use a ruler or a centimeter-scale white adhesive is placed adjacent to the lesion or injury as a size reference. In part that is not exposed or less provides a significant, can be used probe (probe wound) or a finger as a pointer to the proper position.

Pictures taken usually in the form of images or can be colored in black and white depending on their needs. Color images are preferred when collecting evidence in the form of paint or stain found at the scene (the scene). In contrast, the tire tracks and patterns will be more assertive with the surrounding color difference when taken in the form of black and white photographs.

The method used in forensic photography depends on the policies of each country relating to the use of 35 mm camera with film or digitally. Each has advantages and disadvantages. It used to be said, or the use of conventional photographic films considered more have a good image resolution and high magnification making it possible to do in order to obtain the required image detail. Digital photograph has the advantage of the date and time are automatically marked on the image to show the validity of the pictures taken and it is not owned by a conventional photograph in which, the validity of the image must be evidenced solely by the photographer by way of example the participation of witnesses in the picture. Along with technological development, the difference between a film camera (analog) and digital camera is no longer so obvious. Each tool can be used in forensic photography, according to his needs.

The significance of the photographic evidence from photography forensics has been accepted as important evidence (Bullfinch 2001). Photography provides new evidence of its value as a powerful weapon in the war against crime. This photographic evidence is very important that people are coming to realize that even in routine incidents; simple pictures taken with a simple camera can make an impressive difference in Court.

Criminal investigation is one of the most challenging fields in the police work. This work conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) can be considered as a core to the police work compared to the other type of investigations (DSP Adnan, 2010). However, CID is not alone in their investigation, as they are helped by another Unit known as Forensic Laboratory. This unit helps to simplify the investigation work with the help of sophisticated equipment known as forensics science. Forensic science is very wide and it is divided into several fractions such as Forensic Genetics, Serology forensic toxicology, and many more. Forensics Photography is also listed as an important tool in helping Royal Malaysia Police Department in case investigation.

PDRM started by using conventional cameras in their investigations. Since 1950, the introduction of the black and white images has been applied in the photographic evidence in criminal investigation. By the early 90s, color photographic images were beginning to replace the black and white images in the criminal investigation. It plays very important role in helping PDRM in recording a crime scene. Such images are accepted by the court and have proven to help PDRM in solving cases.

In a report by the Special Committee to Improve Police Task (Tun Dzaiddin 2006), they had put forward certain guidelines on how important it is for PDRM to be equipped with complete and sophisticated logistic to ensure that they can function effectively. To fulfill the government’s aspiration in ensuring law enforcers are equipped with the complete facilities and latest technology, PDRM had planned to implement digital technology in enhancing their investigation. This scenario can be seen as a positive development in PDRM. The increasing crime rates required PDRM to act fast and adopt new method and technology to bring criminal to justice. The rapid development of technology which is constantly changing had given PDRM an initiative to consider in using the digital technology (ACP DEV Kumar, 2010). This research seems as an important images for investigation, even though the development of digital technology has been exploited everywhere, yet PDRM is still using the conventional method in their investigations.

This is emphasized by ACP Dev Kumar. He stated that the digital camera or Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera (DSLR) is yet to be used by the Royal Malaysian Police Department (ACP Dev Kumar, 2010). The DSLR which is believed to be an important tool to ensure that the image captured is useable and the photographer’s task is easier, thus enhancing their investigation. This has been proven with the establishment of the Photography Unit by PDRM at almost every Police station nationwide for the purpose of recording a crime scene. Theses recorded images play an important role in helping PDRM investigators to solve cases. 

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