National Institute of Justice Congressionally Directed Awards

There is significant growth in the use of new imaging technology in the criminal justice field. Electronic imaging technology, including the use of video for motion images, digital still cameras for collecting visual evidence, and scanners for the capture of flat images, is increasingly supplanting standard emulsion-based photography. The use of these technologies is expanding rapidly in the field, laboratory, and courtroom.

In order for the new technologies to be effectively employed, three criteria must be met: 1) selection of appropriate equipment, 2) utilization of well developed procedures, and 3) deployment of properly trained technical personnel. The primary goal of this effort is to assist law enforcement in the selection of proper equipment, development of the needed standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training of key evidence collecting personnel-resources which are currently scarce at best.

nca/ncf