Which option is NOT consistent with proper crime scene photography practices?

• A. Preserve the scene, capture unaltered, labeled photos from multiple angles, and avoid altering evidence.
• B. Label photos with identifiers and maintain a chain of custody log.
• C. Take photos only of the main object and ignore surrounding context.
• D. Edit or alter photos after capture to improve visibility.

Answer: (D)

Photographs at a crime scene must document exactly what is there, without altering what the evidence shows. The proper approach is to preserve the scene, capture unaltered images from multiple angles, and avoid changing or enhancing the evidence itself. Labeling photos with identifiers and keeping a chain of custody log are essential to show who handled the images and when, preserving the integrity and reliability of the documentation.

Editing or altering photos after capture to improve visibility undermines that integrity because it can change details or create a misleading impression of what actually occurred. That disruption to the original data is why this option does not align with proper crime scene photography practices. The other described steps—preserving the scene, capturing unaltered images, and maintaining labeling and chain of custody—are all standard, appropriate practices.