What do exterior overall photographs of a crime scene typically show?

Exterior overall photographs of a crime scene serve a critical role in documenting not only the crime scene itself but also its context within the surrounding environment. This comprehensive view allows investigators to capture the entire scene, including the building's exterior, the layout of the area, access points, and relevant surroundings that may contribute to the investigation. Such photographs help in understanding how the crime may have occurred and provide crucial information about potential witnesses or other evidence outside the immediate area of the incident.

These images are fundamental in reconstructing the events leading up to, during, and following the crime, as they provide a visual record that may be used in court or for further investigative analysis. By showing the entire exterior and its relation to the surroundings, these photographs establish a scene's spatial dynamics that are essential for case assessments.