Advancing Impression Evidence Documentation through the Kjell Carlsson Forensic Photography Table

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic Photography is fundamental in criminal investigation, particularly for documenting fragile impression evidence such as toolmarks, footwear, and tyre impressions. These traces are often difficult to preserve and may be destroyed during initial interventions or by environmental conditions (Calado & Simas, 2001). Photographic techniques allow for accurate recording and enhancement of such evidence, minimising the risk of loss and complementing more complex recovery methods (Staggs, 2014). Proper photographic documentation ensures the reliability and integrity of forensic evidence, supporting event reconstruction and the identification or exclusion of suspects judicial proceedings (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes, 2018).

Aim: To analyse scientific knowledge, legislation and case law regarding forensic photographic evidence, and to assess how new photographic techniques impact forensic practice, mainly using the Kjell Carlsson forensic photography table.

Materials and Methods: A review of specialised literature, laboratory procedure legislation, and adjudicated cases was conducted. Additionally, an exploratory search was performed using the Police Judiciary Library’s search engine, which archives books, procedural manuals, forensic photography textbooks and scientific articles. The following keywords were employed: “forensic photography” and “impression evidence collection”. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing photographic techniques applied in crime scene investigation, analysing operational procedures, and providing guidelines for the collection and preservation of physical evidence, all available in full text. Exclusion criteria comprised materials not subjected to peer review or lacking recognised scientific validation, editorials, review articles, and studies that did not provide direct references to forensic photography techniques.

Results: The evolution of evidence collection techniques, including forensic photography, has become a key topic of scientific and legal debate, playing a crucial role in validating crime scene evidence. The Kjell Carlsson forensic photography table supports innovative photographic methods by providing precise control over lighting angles and camera-to-evidence distances, ensuring standardised and reproducible conditions. Thus, this equipment allows for accurate documentation of lighting and distance parameters and facilitates the detection of individualising marks on transparent and translucent materials, such as glass and plastics (Saunders, 1988).

Discussion and Conclusions: The review highlights the strong technical potential of forensic photography in evidence collection and analysis. New photographic methods, enhanced through the Kjell Carlsson forensic photography table, enable the application of advanced laboratory techniques to materials that were previously difficult to document, thereby improving image quality, evidential reliability, and scientific validity, and reinforcing the legal admissibility of forensic photography evidence.