Relational Data Base

A relational database is a collection of organized data that is usually saved on a server. The information that is needed is entered into tables produced by the program or application then the input data is stored in a centralized location. The Graphical User Interface or GUI organizes the information into tables that make it easy to read and input.   In the case of using a relational data base the GUI format allows point and click procedures that are located in common menu selection such as race, hair color, eye color, driver license state and so on. This type of database makes entering information easier than regular mainframe databases because of the ease of the interface.  The user s ability to click on tabs that bring down menus make entering data a systematic process and cuts down on possible mistakes.

The basic police headquarters computer stores such information on the network as, complete records, photographs, names, side and front mug shoot views, social security numbers, height , weight, ethnic back ground, eye color, date of arrest, date of birth and address. The information located on the local police server, state, FBI and CIA all provide a brief description of the crime they committed with details such as charges, court date, and complete description of the crime with previous criminal history including convictions. Updated products programmed to query, find, and display large amounts of information in a report format exceedingly advance these police databases. 

The scalability of the police reporting/tracking systems is very large. Some of the benefits of having a computerize reporting /tracking system are the capabilities of being portable using a laptop for patrol cars, remote access from places other than the office, and serviceability you can update records at any time. The modules located on most police reporting/tracking systems include arrest & booking, biographical information, arrest information, supplemental information, inmate medical screening, inmate property, inmate visiting tracking, inmate cash accounting, automated line ups, criminal warrants, photographs of subject, automated checks A&B for outstanding warrants, and automatic print outs.

References:

Foster, Raymond E.(2005) Prentice Hall. Pearson Education, Inc, Police Technology

National Crime Justice Reference Service source :www.NCJRS.gov

Altering A Crime Scene Photograph

I can only think of several reasons for changing a photograph one is to create a stitch or panorama of a tire track or a foot prints. Another reason to change photographs is to accurately scale the photograph film to make sure it is scaled properly. In both these instances a crime scene investigator would have to use Adobe Photoshop C3 to make the correct changes.

To maintain a fair and accurate depiction of the crime scene you must not change photographs to delete or add items to the photograph that may be misleading. You also need to be able to take photographs that are in the same lighting as the witness sees them. This means that if a witness depicts a crime scene in midday to take photographs that are near midday to depict the crime scene.  A crime scene investigator must always take photographs that are near the accuracy of the size of the actual photograph that they are trying to depict. Other inconsistencies are to accurately depict the size and depth of rooms and hallways photographed by the camera. If these standards are not meet they may disqualify the photographic evidence and have it thrown out of court.

References:

http://www.theiai.org/guidelines/swgit/swgde/swgde_swgit_proficiency_test_document_v1-1.pdf

Criminalistics (An Introduction To Forensic Science) Ninth Edition Author: Richard Safertein Ph.D.  Editor: Pearson Prentice Hall Copyright 2007

Depth of Field

Depth of field allows you to photograph the whole subject matter while keeping the actual focus on the single object. Many photographs will not allow you to take pictures of a single object with distractions in the way moving people, cars, trees, bushes, other photographers, it helps to find a good angle to take photographs from afar while keeping your objective centered. Some of the best pictures use depth of field for objects that either do not fit within regular lens size or need modification to view the whole subject matter. Magnification of the lens plays a big role in focusing  the camera to have depth  of field, another factor of depth of field are the f /stop setting they allow you to view the photograph in the correctly  lighting. Crime Scene investigators should not leave any object out of focus this technique is only used for photographers that take pictures for leisure or sales purposes. All photographs for Crime Scene Investigator must be in focus and directed to the subject matter. 

References:

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm

http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_dof.html

http://www.photoaxe.com/depth-of-field-photography-tutorial-part-3/

Manipulation of Photographs 

Manipulations are described by adding or deleting details to the photograph. A photograph with the subject centered cannot be edited to delete prudent items from the background. The subject is not to be changed or altered to depict a view of the photograph that was not present when the photograph was first taken. The SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) begins with SWGIT (Scientific Work Group of Imaging Technology) they regulate what changes are acceptable for crime scene investigation photographs that are presented at trial. Manipulations that alter the subject by editing the photograph or deleting items from the photograph that are present in the original copy are not admissible in trail.