From: Robert Zinn <pwccsi@...>
Subject: [VFSAAA] Fw: Investigative Photography Group wrong case number or item number?
To: vfsaaa@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2009, 8:35 PM

FYI.......  some discussion from others professionals concerning the discovery of an incorrect case/evidence number on scale in photos.

Provides some interesting view points.

 

Bob Zinn

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Sanders, Robert C." <sandersrc@doj. state.wi. us>
To: "InvestigativePhoto graphy@yahoogrou ps.com" <InvestigativePhotog raphy@yahoogroup s.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 5:18:56 PM
Subject: RE: Investigative Photography Group wrong case number or item number?

Larry,

 

    I have a few suggestions.

 

1 - Add a procedure for how to deal with this in your policy and procedure manual.  Therefore, on the witness stand you can stand that the mistake was corrected in conformance with your agency procedures.

2 - Never use PhotoShop to delete (except routine cropping) or add anything in a photograph.  In addition to affected your credibility, it would most likely render the photograph inadmissible and could be argued to constitute fabrication of evidence.

3 - If your lab is ASCLD-Lab accredited, the correct procedure is to draw 1 line through the error so it is still readable.  Initial the strikeout.  In ink, write in the correct case number, date and initial it.  Document this in your notes.

 

Bob Sanders

Forensic Imaging Unit Leader

Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory - Wausau

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From: InvestigativePhotog raphy@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:Investigati vePhotography@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Robert Young
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 12:45 PM
To: InvestigativePhotog raphy@yahoogroup s.com
Subject: RE: Investigative Photography Group wrong case number or item number?

Sorry, no new suggestions.

Re-photograph if practical and document the error either way.  Why bother going the Photoshop route?  A new photo & a couple of lines in a report is faster, easier, & more ethical.

Rob Young

Mesa, AZ PD

From: InvestigativePhotog raphy@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:Investigati vePhotography@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Larry Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 9:30 AM
To: InvestigativePhotog raphy@yahoogroup s.com
Subject: Investigative Photography Group wrong case number or item number?

Hi everyone, I have looked through the SWGIT guidelines and I can't find any recommendations on photographs of evidence that have the wrong case number or item number on the identification ruler.  Anyone have any suggestions, other than to re-photograph it with the correct numbers? If I photoshop the correct number in, wouldn't that be altering the photo? Thanks in advance! Larry A. Reynolds Forensic Photographer Tarrant County Medical Examiner Fort Worth, Texas 817.920.5700 x180 FAX 817.920.5719