COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A picture is worth a thousand words, and forensic nurses from Branch County Sexual Assault Services know how true this statement is. That’s according to a news release from ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, where BCSAS is located.
Forensic nurses Laura Kopacz, Alicia Hemker-Rose, Lynda Hooley and Cassie Tong recently attended an advanced forensic photography and camera training session taught by Coldwater Police Department Lt Patrick Beeman. He is an expert in forensic photography and topics covered in the class were basic digital camera operation, settings and the use of a MACRO lens for close up forensic photos.
The training also included taking injury photographs such as bruises, cuts, and pattern injuries while also stressing that sexual assault injury photographs must maintain the dignity of victims while fully documenting the injuries. Beeman, who explained that good photographs help a jury understand a case, also reviewed the importance of proper chain of custody of photographs and court presentations.
As an additional service, BCSAS is also available for photo documentation of child abuse, elder abuse and domestic violence when the victims are seen in the Emergency Department.
