NCJ Number
218807
Date Published
January 2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This draft document submitted for general comment provides general guidelines for the preparation of agency-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various situations encountered by law enforcement personnel in field settings.
Abstract
The SOPs address the photographic documentation of events or subjects in the field and include discussions of general scene photography, first responder (FR) photography, surveillance photography, tactical surveys, hazardous materials crime scene photography, aerial photography, accident scenes, arson photography, autopsy photography, bombing photography, mass disaster photography, search warrant photography, graffiti photography, field mug shots and tattoos, victim photography, and administrative evidence and property documentation. The advantages and disadvantages of the major image capture technologies in field applications are considered, including the advantages and disadvantages of silver-based film cameras, digital cameras, video cameras, and hybrid imaging systems. Helpful notes are also presented, such as the fact that high-end digital cameras are designed for the professional market and typically have sensors with at least 1,500 by 1,000 pixels. Next, recommendations for SOPs for the different types of field photography are presented, which cover the purpose of the photographic imaging and acceptable equipment. Agencies are directed to develop and implement step-by-step procedures that fit their needs and resources for each type of field photography. Equipment recommendations are presented as are guidelines for submitting comments on these draft recommendations.