Photographers and equipment

Consider the photographers and equipment.  Examiners or law enforcement representatives typically take these photographs, according to jurisdictional policy. In many jurisdictions, examiners are responsible for forensic photography during the exam because patients are often more comfortable and less traumatized when they take photographs. If patients have not decided to report, they may not want law enforcement involved.[1] 
 
Photographers should be familiar with equipment operation and be educated on forensic photography in sexual assault cases. Consult with local criminal justice agencies regarding the types of equipment that should be used (e.g., prosecutors can assess which types of equipment produce results acceptable by the court). In general, any good-quality camera may be used as long as it can be focused for undistorted, closeup photographs and provides an accurate color rendition.[2] If digital photography is used, the reliability of photographic images must be considered because of technological advances in computer alteration. Also consult with local examiners, because they are often knowledgeable regarding photographic and video equipment used in these cases and their effectiveness in capturing images during the exam.

[1] Avoid requiring that patients go to another site (e.g., the law enforcement agency) to have initial photographs taken.
[2] The California Medical Protocol for Examination of Sexual Assault and Child Sexual Abuse Victims, 2001, p. 56.


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