MCCCD Program Description

Evidence Technology/Photography

Course: AJS214

First Term: 2024 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: The use of photography and other aids in identification and preservation of evidence such as fingerprints, footprints, and impressions. Techniques in crime scene and traffic accident photography.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate the basic techniques of laboratory photography. (I, IV) 2. Explain the types of equipment used in laboratory photography and the appropriate use of each type. (I, IV) 3. Demonstrate the basic techniques used in crime scene photography. (II, IV) 4. Explain the types of equipment used in crime scene photography and the appropriate use of each type. (II, IV) 5. Demonstrate the basic techniques used in vehicle accident scene photography. (III, IV) 6. Explain the types of equipment used in vehicle accident photography and the appropriate use of each type. (III, IV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Laboratory photographic techniques A. Visual light spectrum 1. Footprints 2. Fingerprints 3. Chemical residues 4. Tool marks 5. Cloth impressions 6. Electronic components B. Infrared and near-infrared 1. Fingerprints 2. Chemical residues 3. Document authenticity C. Ultraviolet (short, medium, long-wave) 1. Fingerprints 2. Chemical residues 3. Blood traces D. Digital radiography 1. Body fluids 2. Closed containers 3. Hidden compartments E. Scales/measuring II. Crime scene photographic techniques A. Visual light spectrum 1. Footprints 2. Fingerprints 3. Chemical residues 4. Tool marks 5. Bodies and injuries B. Infrared and near-infrared 1. Fingerprints 2. Footprints 3. Hidden evidence C. Ultraviolet (short, medium, long-wave) 1. Fingerprints 2. Footprints 3. Blood and body fluids D. Drone photography 1. Overhead shots 2. Large crime scenes E. Scales/measuring III. Vehicle accident scene photographic techniques A. Visual light spectrum 1. Vehicles 2. Victims 3. Tire marks 4. Overall scene B. Infrared and near-infrared 1. Engine traces 2. Fluid leaks C. Drone and Go-Pro 1. Wide-area shots 2. Vehicle interiors 3. Point of impact documentation D. Scales/measuring IV. Modern photographic equipment A. Digital single-lens reflex (SLR) and mirrorless cameras 1. Camera types and features 2. Lighting equipment and techniques 3. Light meters and color calibration 4. Digital storage and image formats B. Mobile and compact cameras 1. Advantages and limitations 2. On-the-Go documentation C. Video and 360-degree cameras 1. Camera types and resolutions 2. Stabilization equipment 3. Storage and file formats 4. Other technologies

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 27, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.