NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

14.1.2 Photography and Video Recording
A. The photographing and/or video recording of crime scenes, serious traffic crashes, and
other incidents are the responsibility of the investigating officer, detective, and/or
supervisor. All photographs will be taken using a digital camera(s). In cases of serious
crimes, more than one means of photography will be utilized. The following situations
require photographs to supplement the investigation.
Homicides and suicides (two sets of digital photographs will be taken at a
homicide scene)
Rapes, abductions, and kidnappings
Investigations of excessive use of force
Injuries to a police officer or citizen during an arrest
Traffic crashes, damage, or injury involving City property
Fatal or serious injury traffic crashes
Burglaries with extensive loss or property damage
Arson or suspected arson
Investigations involving discharge of a firearm by an officer
Aggravated or felonious assaults
Any serious injury to an on duty Police Department employee
Any crime scene, upon request of the reporting/investigating officer with approval
of his/her immediate supervisor.
B. When digital photographs are taken of a crime scene or incident, the photographer will
download the digital photos to the server.
C. When the exact size of an item being photographed is required, a scale (ruler) will be
placed next to the item to add dimension and aid in the development of “life-size” prints.
A second photograph of the item will be taken without the scale, using the same camera
settings, position, and lighting in the event the court desires photographs of evidence in
which nothing has been introduced into the field of view.
D. If the evidence to be photographed is a fixed object, the dimension of the object should
be taken to provide a scale of reference.
E. Requests from complainants, legal firms, insurance companies, or outside agencies for
copies of photographs shall be directed to the Chief of Police who, in consultation with
the City Manager and/or Prosecuting Attorney, shall determine what is public record and
decide which photographs (if any) may be disseminated.
F. Video recording of a crime scene is desirable in certain circumstances such as serious
crime scenes (see Directive 14.1.2). When it is deemed necessary for a crime scene to
be video recorded, the same investigating officer or detective who performed the
photography will be responsible for video recording. If audio is necessary, all personnel
on the scene will be informed that the audio portion is active prior to video recording.
Once the video record is complete, it should be marked with the incident number, date,
identification of the video recording officer and the location of the crime scene. The video
record shall be placed on the appropriate digital media and a Property Record form as
soon as practical.
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