NCJ Number
149389
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1994) Pages: 45-50
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Image processing represents a way of storing mug shots, fingerprints, and written information in one database and may be cost-effective for police departments to implement.
Abstract
Image processing technology has been employed by various Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. The Drug Enforcement Administration, for example, has implemented an image processing system for arrest and booking. The Port Orange, Florida, Police Department has a mug shot imaging system, and an image processing system to streamline the booking process is the newest component of a recently built jail in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Imaging technology involves digitizing and storing information. Storage can be one of the greatest expenses of an imaging system because pictures and graphics take up huge amounts of space. In addition, some contend that electronic photography has not been tested in the courtroom setting and may not always be admissible as evidence. Available image processing systems are described, steps to guide system implementation are noted, and the future of image processing technology is addressed.