NCJ Number
191272
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 30-34
Date Published
July 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the use of digital photography by police agencies, based on the experience of the Boulder (CO) Police Department with implementing digital imaging.
Abstract
Digital imaging offers increased speed and efficiency and eliminates the need to send film to a private laboratory, the weakest link in the chain of custody. The initial cost can be high. However, the memory cards can be reused thousands of times, eliminating the need to purchase film. The new technology requires additional training and means new workflow issues. In addition, technology exists to manipulate both digital and traditional photographic images. Police agencies planning to use digital imaging should contact local prosecutors to confirm that they are prepared to support the new technology if it experiences challenges in court. Every agency using digital imaging technology should have a detailed procedure stating how images are to be handled and covers every area a defense attorney can challenge. Overall, police agencies should implement this technology in a careful manner to ensure that defense attorneys cannot successfully challenge digital photographs in court. Photographs