This article published by the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) summarizes the Guidance Document on Considerations for Photographic Documentation in Sexual Assault Cases.
This article discusses key topics within the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) report Guidance Document on Considerations for Photographic Documentation in Sexual Assault Cases (August 2022), which presents photographic documentation practices and techniques for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to consider during a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination (SAMFE) and provides an overview of photography techniques and digital camera technologies that can be used to document injuries and evidence associated with sexual assault cases. The report discusses the importance of photographic documentation in SAMFEs, trauma-informed and victim-centered sexual assault response approaches, and the roles of various professionals involved in a sexual assault response team. Additionally, the FTCOE report provides—through a systems approach—considerations for adjacent criminal justice professionals who support sexual assault survivors before, during, and after a SAMFE. These adjacent criminal justice professionals include victim advocates, law enforcement investigators, forensic science service providers, and prosecutors. (Published Abstract Provided)