COMMANDER 330 Sop Samples

User Manual: COMMANDER 330

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SAMPLE OF

STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURE MANUALS

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SAMPLE
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE MANUALS
Index of Sample SOP’s

ONE

Digital Imaging Program, Standard Operating Procedures of the
Police Department

TWO

County Police Department, Forensic Services Section, Standard
Operating Procedures for Photography and Digital Imaging

THREE

Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division, Standard
Operating Procedures

FOUR

Police Department, Forensic Photography/Imaging

FIVE

Office of Forensic Sciences, Protocol Manual, Digitized Imaging

SIX

Police Department, Forensic Evidence Unit, Digital Photography
Policy and Procedures

SEVEN

Imaging SOP

EIGHT

Standard Operating Procedures “SOP” for Digital Imaging

NINE

Police Department, Technical Investigations, Digital Imaging Lab,
Standard Operating Procedures Manual

TEN

Police Department Standard Operating Procedures

ELEVEN

Digital Imaging SOP Imaging Quality Manual

Twelve

Forensic Laboratory, Field Manual, Criminal Identification Bureau

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Sample SOP – One

Digital Imaging Program
Standard Operating Procedures
of the
Police Department

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205.00

DIGITAL IMAGING

205.01

PURPOSE
A.

205.02

The purpose of the digital imaging standard operating procedures is to
ensure quality assurance, training, qualifications, and proficiency in digital
imaging procedures. Our mission is to produce, preserve, and store the
highest quality images. CSSU personnel shall produce these images in
court when necessary.
EQUIPMENT

CSSU personnel shall utilize the digital camera (Kodak DCS-265) with
detachable flash at crime scenes at all times, unless both digital cameras
are out of commission. Only at that time will personnel use a 35mm
camera.

CSSU personnel shall utilize the digital camera (Kodak DCS 330) for
latent fingerprint work in the CSSC lab.

205.03

PROCEDURES
A.

CSSU personnel shall follow the guidelines for photography (203.03 A-E)
when using the digital camera.

CSSU personnel shall use the proper settings on the camera according to
the user’s manual.
1.
2.
3.

The date and time shall be set when batteries are changed.
The date and time shall never be displayed on images.
If the settings are changed, the proper settings shall be corrected
immediately upon completing the photography.

CSSU personnel shall create an original CD and a working copy CD.

CSSU personnel shall follow the procedures for transferring digital images
from the flashcard to a compact disc (CD).

CSSU personnel shall follow the procedures for copying CD’s.

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F.

CSSU personnel shall follow the procedures for deleting the images from
the flashcard.

The following statistics shall be documented in the digital image log:
!
Report Number
!
Signal Code
!
I.D. number
!
Date
!
Number of images transferred
!
Number of CD’s copied
!
Number of images printed (pages)

The CD and CD sleeve shall contain the appropriate City of Arlington
logo label and the information on the label, including the serial number,
shall be completed.

The original CD, including serial number, shall be listed on an evidence
transmittal. The working copy CD serial number shall be documented.

Both of the CD’s shall be placed in the CSSU file folder. The original CD
shall remain in the file folder and the working copy CD shall be used if
any addititional copies are made for detectives, attorney’s office, records,
etc.

205.04

QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.

Equipment
1.

CSSU personnel shall check the digital equipment, on a daily
basis, for proper performance and settings.

All equipment shall be maintained according to the manufactures
specifications and recommendations as contained in the operating
manuals.

If problems arise, the problem shall be brought to the supervisors
attention, and the problem shall be written on the digital imaging
problem log.

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205.05

When a piece of equipment shall fall outside the specifications and
recommendations, the equipment should be taken out of service
until it has been corrected. Evaluation of equipment and system
checks should be documented inclusive of all corrective actions.

Once corrective actions have been taken, a system check should be
performed prior to putting the system back into operation.

Software
1.

If software errors that significantly affect the results of a
processing step are detected, corrective actions should be taken.

If the manufacturer identifies software errors and provides
corrective remedies, the remedies should be implemented before
the software is used again.

Once corrective actions have been taken, a system check should be
performed prior to putting the system back into operation.

TRAINING, QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFICIENCY
A.

All CSSU personnel shall be trained and tested for competency and
proficiency in this agency’s standard operating procedures and the
operation of the relevant digital imaging technologies. Proficiency testing
should be repeated on a regular basis or when significant changes in
hardware or software are made.

CCSU personnel shall define and implement quality assurance programs
to ensure reliable services, implementation of recognized standards for
good practice, and the use of valid, reliable procedures adequate for the
task.

CSSU personnel should maintain proficiency by pursuing continuing
education courses in digital imaging.

CSSU personnel should be aware of the standard procedures commonly
utilized within the law enforcement community and should strive to
conform to or exceed these standards.

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E.

CSSU personnel should also endeavor to maintain awareness of new legal
developments relating to the use of digital imaging technologies in the
criminal justice system.

CSSU personnel shall testify in court when necessary and should be
responsible for explaining the digital imaging operations to jury, which
may include:
1.
2.
3.

205.06

Image Acquisition and Storage: capture, transfer, and storage.
Image Processing; intermediate storage/working images, image
enhancement processes, and application processes.
Output; printers, other devices and media.

REFERENCE
A.

CSSU personnel shall use the Scientific Working Group on Imaging
Technologies (SWGIT) digital terminology, definitions, and guidelines
when necessary.

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COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
FORENSIC SERVICES SECTION

STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURES
FOR

PHOTOGRAPHY
AND

DIGITAL IMAGING

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7

MISSION STATEMENT
GOAL
OBJECTIVES
COMMUNICATION
CALL BACK REQUESTS
RESPONSE TO CRIME SCENES
QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL

EVIDENCE HANDLING

GENERAL UNIT GUIDELINES

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES

FILM PROCESSING PROCEDURES

DIGITAL IMAGING PROCESS

EQUIPMENT

CHEMISTRY

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

10.

SAFETY

11.

SECURITY

12.

TRAINING

13.

REFERENCES

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COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Forensic Services Section

Standard Operating Procedures
PHOTOGRAPHY
and

DIGITAL IMAGING
1.

INTRODUCTION
1.1

MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide a full range of professional traditional photographic and digital
imaging services to the County Police Department, other County and State
agencies, and citizens of the County.

1.2

GOAL:
To provide timely and quality film/digital image development for criminal
investigations and Department public relations.

1.3

OBJECTIVES:
1.3.1 To provide film and digital processing and the development of
photographs for the County Police Department.
1.3.2 To provide forensic custom copy work to assist departmental
investigations.
1.3.3 To provide forensic imaging at crime scenes.
1.3.4 To provide forensic imaging training to various Department
members.

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1.3.5 To provide forensic imaging of evidence within the Forensic
Services Section.
1.3.6 To order imaging supplies and equipment for the Crime Scene
Unit.
1.3.7 To provide public relations photography for the Department when
required.
1.3.8 To handle approved requests for imaging services from the citizens
and business people of the community.
1.3.9 To provide imaging services for the Attorney General’s Office and
the State’s Attorney’s Office.
1.3.10 To Provide imaging services to other County agencies.
1.3.11 To operate and maintain the imaging equipment.
1.3.12 To maintain the records and files of the Imaging Lab.
1.3.13 To provide the layout and photography of graphic arts materials
for the Print Shop.
1.3.14 To provide the Department with information on new imaging
equipment and techniques.
1.4

COMMUNICATION:
1.4.1 All communication between the Examination Unit’s Supervisor
and the Photography staff shall be clear and concise.
1.4.2 To facilitate open dialog and information dissemination, a unit
meeting shall be held once per month with the Examination Unit’s
Supervisor and Photography staff.

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1.5

CALL BACK REQUESTS:
Call back request by shift commanders for specialized forensic
photography, emergency film development, or digital imaging will be
evaluated by the Examination Unit’s Supervisor or Forensic Services
Director on a case-by-case basis.

1.6

RESPONSE TO CRIME SCENES:
With the approval of the Examination Unit’s Supervisor, a Forensic
Photographer will respond to any crime scene where their expertise is
sought.

1.7

QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL:
1.7.1 The Forensic Services Section QA/QC Manager will oversee the
Quality Assurance/Quality Control of the Photography unit. The
UA/QC Manager can reject any chemical, reagent, supply, or
material, which fails to meet specifications or terminate any
imaging process if a technical problem is identified. Appropriate
notification must be made and the specific problem(s) documented.
1.7.2 It is the responsibility of anyone working in or for the Imaging Lab
to report any quality control problem with any chemical, reagent,
supply, and material to the FSS QA/QC Manager immediately and
suspend using said item until appropriate action is taken by the
QA/QC Manager. The QA/QC Manager, in conjunction with the
Supervisor, is the approving authority for all the QA/QC revisions.
1.7.3

The FSS QA/QC Manager in conjunction with the Forensic
Photographers will have the responsibility for developing and
maintaining the Quality Assurance Program. Any changes will be
made and approved through formal chain of command. Revised
operations manual pages will be issued and dated documents will
be stored in the appropriate archive files. All personnel will be
notified of the changes and given the necessary training.

1.7.4 The Forensic Photographers have the responsibility for
maintaining all Quality Control documents (equipment logs,
reagent records, etc.). The FSS QA/QC Manager and/or the
Commander will handle the updating and reviewing of these
documents.
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2.

EVIDENCE HANDLING
2.1

All evidence handling procedures must comply with the rules and policies
of the County Police Department, the Forensic Services Section Quality
Assurance Program and ASCLD/LAB standards and criteria.

2.2

All exposed film and digital media from units throughout the Department
are sent to the Photography unit for processing.

2.3

All exposed 35mm film and media cards shall be placed in a film envelope
with the following information displayed on the envelope:
2.3.1 Automobile Accident Picture Report:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Date
Criminal Complaint Number
District
Location of Accident
Reporting Officer
Assignment
Film Number
Person(s)
Tag Number(s)
Type(s) Auto

2.3.2 Criminal Investigation (Form # 000):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Criminal Complaint Number
Black and White/Color
Precinct
Location
Date Taken
Time Taken
Type of Crime
Photographed by
Remarks

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2.4

Media Cards
2.4.1 An authentication program has been installed in each camera and
corresponding issued media cards. The issued media cards will
only be compatible with the issued camera. The authentication
program will ensure the integrity of the saved images for court
evidence. Any breach of the authentication program will be
reported to the supervisor who will ensure the commander of
the precinct or specialized unit is notified for appropriate
action.
2.4.2 Film envelopes completed for individual cases but not used to
submit the media card can be discarded.

2.5

Film transported via departmental mail will be deposited in containers
located in the mail room of the Public Safety Building as specified below:
2.5.1 35mm rolls of film in film envelopes shall be placed in the locked
box with a drop slot.

2.6

Digital Media cards will be hand-delivered to the Imaging Lab. Media
cards which have been wiped will be picked up by Departmental mail
couriers and returned to the Precincts.

2.7

Imaging media exposed by Forensic Services Imaging Lab Technicians
shall be placed in the receptacle marked Photo Imaging Lab located in the
Evidence Locker Room in the Forensic Services Section.

2.8

Photo Imaging Lab personnel shall check all film receptacles for incoming
film several times a day.

2.9

Imaging media received by the Photo Imaging Lab shall be recorded on
the Photography login form. The information recorded on this log will
include:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Criminal Complaint Number
Precinct
Number of rolls or media cards received
Date received
Film/media cards type (color roll, or black and white roll)
Initials of Forensic Photographer completing the log information

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3.

GENERAL UNIT GUIDELINES
3.1

The Photo Imaging Lab will develop film and digital media according to
the following list of priorities with exceptions approved or assigned by the
Supervisor:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

3.2

Homicides
Dated requests
Child Abuse Cases
Other criminal photographs
Mug shots
Motor vehicle accidents
Public relations and other miscellaneous photographs
Other agency work

IMAGING PROCESSING:
3.2.1 Film Processing
All film received by the Photo Imaging Lab is processed into negatives.
3.2.1.1 Four (4) by five (5) inch mug shot negatives and negatives
associated with motor vehicle accidents will be hand delivered to
Central Records for their files.
3.2.1.2 When the negatives are processed for color and black & white
film, the date is stamped and the number of useful frames written
on the outside of the film envelope.
3.2.1.3 Unless otherwise indicated, negatives not associated with mug
shots or accidents will be filed in the Photography unit.
3.2.2 Digital Processing
3.2.2.1 Media cards will be delivered to the Photo Imaging Lab by
department mail couriers. After processing, all images will be
wiped from the media cards and the cards returned to the assigned
precinct or special unit by departmental mail couriers.

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3.2.2.2 The Photo Imaging Lab will process all media cards.
Downloading or copying of digital images directly from media
cards or the digital camera to any computer by anyone other than
PDU personnel is prohibited. An authentication program stored in
each digital camera will identify the images as being authentic
when the images are downloaded by the PDU. All images will
contain all information indicated on the film envelope and stored
on DVD in the Photo Imaging Lab.
3.2.2.3 Standard digital print size will be 5" x 7". Two images will be
printed on a page.
3.2.2.4 In case of child abuse, digital prints will be forwarded to the Child
Abuse Unit.
3.2.2.5 In all other cases, department members will submit a completed
Request for Photographic Services Form # 000, to the Photography
and Digital Imaging Unit. Requests for digital prints should be
made ten days prior to the date the prints are needed.
3.2.2.6 No extra sets of digital prints will be made without the approval of
the Forensic Services Supervisor.
3.3

IMAGING PRINTING
3.3.1 Images associated with the following incidents will be printed and
the prints forwarded to the submitting officer:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Homicides
Child Abuse
Police Shooting
Fatal Fire
Fatal Automobile Accident
Line Up
Regional Auto Theft Team
Public Relations Events

3.3.2 In the case of child abuse, print/digital images will be forwarded to
the Child Abuse Unit.

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3.3.3 Three copies of each print will be made in a police shooting with
one set of prints being forwarded to the Homicide Unit, one set to
the involved officer’s commanding officer, and one set to the
Shooting Review Board.
3.3.4 For images involving cases not automatically printed, employees
can submit a form # 000 (Request for Photographic Services) to
request that prints/digital images can be made.
3.3.4.1 The completed form # 000 must be submitted to the Examination
Unit’s Supervisor for review and approval at least ten working
days prior to the date the prints are required.
3.3.4.1.1
a.
b.
c.
d.

The Form # 000 will be reviewed to:
Ensure that it is complete and has been approved by the
submitting officer’s supervisor.
Determine if the nature of the request is clearly understood.
Determine if the service requested can be accommodated
by the Photography unit.
Determine that a copy of the corresponding court summons
has been attached if the prints are requested for trial.

3.3.4.2 Images related to an Internal Affairs Investigations are handdelivered to the Photo Imaging Lab.
3.3.4.3 Central Records/Accident Records will clear requests from private
citizens, attorneys, insurance companies, etc., notifying the Photo
Imaging Lab from which incident images are to be printed. The
request from Central Records/Accident Records shall be
accompanied by the letter from the requestor of the images. The
images shall then be hand-delivered to Central Records/Accident
Records for mailing.
3.3.4.4 When appropriate and authorized by law; citizens may make an
appointment to view negatives on file or digital images in the
Photographic unit. The Photography unit has a video camera that
can capture the images of the negatives and allow the citizen to
view the image as a photographic print on a television monitor.
Digital images can also be viewed through a digital workstation.
The citizen can then order the images they want to be printed. The
Forensic Photographers will then accept a check as payment. Fees
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are based on a fixed fee schedule. When the images have been
printed, a receipt, the check, and the images are then delivered to
Central Records/Accident Records. There the transaction will be
logged and the images mailed to the citizen.
3.3.4.4.1

Negative/digital viewing times are available by
appointment only.

3.3.4.5 The State’s Attorney’s Office may request images related to
prosecutions of domestic assault and spousal abuse cases. These
prints will be placed in departmental mail to the mail room where a
county mail courier will pick them up and deliver them to the
State’s Attorney’s Office.
3.3.4.6 When the self-serve mug shot printer is inoperable, mug shot
printing in the Photography unit can be requested on a request
form # 000 (Request for Mug Shot Photo).
3.3.4.7 All prints prepared by the Photo Imaging Lab will be made to a
size of 5 x 7 inches.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Homicides
8 x 12 inches
Aerial Views
8 x 12 inches
Academy Class Group Photographs
8 x 12 inches
Specific Investigation/prosecutions that require specific
sizes

3.3.4.8 The film envelopes shall be date stamped when the film is
processed.
3.3.4.9 Digital images will be time and date stamped when down loaded to
the digital processing system.
3.3.4.10

With the exception of police shootings, only one set of
color enlargements will be made from each set of images.
It is the responsibility of the investigator that receives the
prints to keep them in a suitable condition for court
presentation.

NO EXTRA SETS OF PRINTS WILL BE MADE WITHOUT THE
APPROVAL OF THE SUPERVISOR.

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3.4

NORMAL PRINT PROCESSING TIMES:
3.4.1 Normal turn-around time for printing of images is as follows:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

Homicides
Child Abuse
Police Shootings
Fatal Fires
Fatal Accidents
Internal Affairs
Line Ups
Public Relations
RATT

1-5 days
1-5 days
1-5 days
1-5 days
1-5 days
5 days
10 days
15 days
10 days

3.4.3 The processing of images based on form requests is normally
completed in ten working days.
3.4.4 Images processed for Citizens, Attorneys, Insurance Companies,
etc. is normally completed in ten working days.
4.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
4.1

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS:
4.1.1 Any officer requesting aerial photography work shall hand-deliver
the completed form # 000 to the Photography Unit. This will
permit the Photography Unit personnel to confirm all of the
requirements and expectations of the assignments, eliminating a
subsequent need to re-shoot the assignment.
4.1.2 A detailed description of the area to be photographed will be
required along with a copy of a street map. The area of coverage
should be highlighted on the copy for easy identification from the
air.
4.1.3 The Photography unit shall make the arrangements with the
Aviation Unit.
4.1.4 The availability of the Aviation Unit along with the weather will
influence the turn around time for delivery of the final prints.

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4.2

PUBLIC RELATION PHOTOGRAPHS:
4.2.1 The Photography unit will photograph Department related public
relations events when requested in advance on a form # 000 and if
personnel are available.
4.2.2 Events will be photographed in color and 5 x 7 inch prints will be
produced.
4.2.3 The negatives will be filed in the Photography unit.

4.3

SPECIALIZED EVIDENCE PHOTOGRAPHY:
4.3.1 Photography unit personnel will be available to assist on any crime
scene that may require their expertise in specialized photography.
4.3.2 The Photography unit will maintain a variety of specialized
equipment for in-house evidence photography

4.4

CUSTOM COPY WORK:
4.4.1 As requested, the Photography unit personnel will be responsible
for:
a.
b.
c.

Making color and black & white negatives.
Preparing images of small to medium size items such as
jewelry, photographs, tools, weapons, etc.
Taking high contrast images of fingerprints or tire and shoe
impressions.

FILM PROCESSING PROCEDURES
5.1

PROCESSING FILM INTO NEGATIVES:
5.1.1 Color Film Processing on the C-41 Processor:
(Developing time 35 minutes)

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5.1.1.1 Start Up
a.
b.
c.
d.

Turn water on.
Top off all chemical tanks with water.
Spray the dry rollers with water.
Turn on the power.

5.1.1.2 Operation
a.
b.
c.
d.

Extract leader from film canister with film extractor.
Apply twin check to leader.
Cut and tape film to leader card.
Feed leader card into C-41 processor.

5.1.1.3 Shut Down
a.
b.
c.
d.
5.2

Turn the power off.
Turn the water off.
Spray the rollers and gears with water to remove the excess
chemicals.
Prop up the lip to allow for evaporation.

PRINTING PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER/MATERIALS:
5.2.1 Color Roll Paper Printer:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Turn the power on.
Select proper printing channels.
Open paper transport compartment door.
Load unexposed roll paper cassette into the left
compartment.
Thread the paper manually over the paper mask and
through the rubber guide rollers.
Insert the empty take-up cassette into the right
compartment.
Wrap paper around the take-up spool and close the cassette.
Close the PTC door.

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5.2.1.2 Operation
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

g.
h.

i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

Turn on the exposure lamp.
Turn on the viewing box lamp.
Turn on the negative viewing lamp.
Place the negatives in the negative carrier and slide it into
the lamp house compartment.
Press the proper density key according to the negatives
exposure.
Advance the negative frames manually by guiding the
negatives through the negative carrier gently by the edge.
The paper will automatically advance after each exposure.
After all the negatives on the roll are printed, press the end
of order key.
After all the rolls are printed, press the final paper advance
key. The paper will advance several frames in order to
allow unloading.
Turn off the exposure lamp.
Press the resume key. This will close the paper mask and
clear the channel.
Pull the paper cutter arm and reset the arm.
Hold in the cassette release switch and remove the take-up
cassette from the right compartment.
Transport and unload the transport cassette in the colorprinting darkroom and feed the spool into the processor.
Follow the color print processor instructions.

5.2.1.3 Shut Down
a.
6.

Turn the power off.

DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING
6.1

Media Card Processing (approximately 10 minutes).
6.1.1 Starting the Computer.
a.
b.
c.

Log media card into log book
Log on to the system
Open “My Computer” twice (two windows)

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6.1.2 Digital Media Card Processing
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Insert media card into “H” drive (CF Cards). Make sure
card inserted firmly.
Double click H drive in 1st window to open, then go to the
directory containing the images.
Create a new temporary folder in the second window, name
the folder and the cc number.
Double click into the new folder.
Go back to the first window (H drive) and select the copy
all images into the newly created folder in window 2.
Note on the envelope the number of images taken and the
file size.
Minimize the first window (H drive).

6.1.3 Authentication Process
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

Double click “Kodak Picture Authentication Picture
Module” icon to open. (Program will load)
Click “load picture”; tab
Locate images in directory
Select and highlight all images
Click open tab (images will load)
Make sure all images have loaded completely
Click authentication picture tab
Note authentication status - pass or fail (total failure needs
to be documented and why)
When authentication passes, click exit tab
If they all pass, go back to H drive (first window) and only
wipe all images
Remove media card from H drive

6.1.4 Processing and Saving Images into Pax-it
a.
b.

c.
d.
e.
f.

Double click “Pax-it icon
Once in Pax-it, click “new” on title bar, which puts you in
the “select storage media” screen, now double click “server
workspace”.
Enter the case # as the title
Click next tab
If case title already exists, select new name
Select the tab in which you wish to place new images into
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g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.

Click “finish” tab
Fill out the ten required slots from the case envelope
When finished, click the “OK” tab
Next click on the file directory at the top of the screen and
highlight the “Import Image” subdirectory
Choose where your images are and select that area
Click the “open” tab, your images should appear on the
screen. Make sure they all appear.
To double check yourself, click the file cabinet icon at the
top of the screen and choose the “server workspace” tab.
Choose the correct file cabinet and locate the folder with
the correct cc#.

EQUIPMENT
7.1

INVENTORY LOG:
An inventory log will be maintained on each piece of equipment in the
Photography unit. This log will include the manufacturer, model number,
serial number, agency inventory number (if applicable), and purchase date
(if known).

7.2

OPERATING MANUALS:
Warranty information and operation manuals will be filed in the
Photography unit and readily available to all operators of equipment.

7.3

CALIBRATION/MAINTENANCE/REPAIR RECORDS:
Anytime a piece of equipment requires calibration, service, or
maintenance, documentation will be made in the appropriate log or the
paperwork will be filed in the file that contains the equipments owner
manual.

7.4

CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:
Any piece of equipment requiring calibration and maintenance will be
serviced on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer.
7.4.1

As needed

7.4.1.1 Empty and clean processor tanks.
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7.4.1.2 Correct malfunctions of the mug shot printer.
7.4.2

Semi-annually

7.4.2.1 Empty chemicals from all processing equipment. Clean and
inspect for damage. This should be done during the routine
quarterly service inspection.
7.4.2.2 Check and clean the mug shot cameras at the precincts.
7.4.3

Quarterly

7.4.3.1 Monitor the silver recovery system levels and test the equipment to
assure compliance with EPA regulations. Remove built up silver
deposits as required.
7.4.3.2 Clean, check, and calibrate all printers and processors. Repair as
needed.
7.4.3.3 Replace chemical and water filters.
7.4.4

Monthly

7.4.4.1 All water filters shall be replaced on the first working day of each
month.
7.4.4.2 All optical systems are checked and cleaned.
7.4.4.3 All air filtration units will be inspected and maintained according
to the manufacturers specifications.
7.4.5

Weekly

7.4.5.1 Mug Shot Printing Processor
a.
b.

Racks and gears checked and cleaned.
All tanks drained, cleaned, and refilled.

7.4.5.2 Clean chemical racks of the processors.
7.4.5.3 Inspect rollers and gears. Replace gears as necessary.

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7.4.6

Daily/Each Use (By Unit Personnel)

7.4.6.1 Spraying processor rollers with water as each matching is started
to avoid dry starts.
7.4.6.2 Spray away excess chemicals with water from processor rollers
and gears at the end of each day.
8.

CHEMISTRY
8.1

All chemicals are to be mixed according to the manufacturers
recommendations.

8.2

A log is maintained to document the use of all the chemicals in the
Photography unit. The date is logged when each chemical is put into use.

8.3

The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) received from the manufacturer
for each chemical used in the unit will be forwarded to the agency Safety
Officer and a copy placed in the MSDS logbook in the Photography unit.

8.4

All chemicals and reagents/solutions much be stored, used, and disposed
of in a manner conforming to established safety requirements. Refer to
the Section 9 “Safety” and the Forensic Services Safety Manual.

8.5

C-41 COLOR FILM PROCESSOR:
a.
b.
c.
d.

8.6

RA-4 COLOR PAPER PROCESSOR:
a.
b.
c.

8.7

Kodak Flexicolor Developer Replenisher
Kodak Flexicolor Fixer and Replenisher
Kodak Flexicolor Bleach III Replenisher
Kodak Flexicolor Stabilizer III Replenisher

Kodak Flexicolor RA Developer Replenisher
Kodak Flexicolor RA Bleach Fix
Kodak Flexicolor RA Developer Starter

PRO BLACK AND WHITE PAPER PROCESSOR/MUG SHOT
PROCESSOR:
a.
b.

Mohrchem Developer Concentrate
Mohrchem Fixer
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9.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
9.1

SOURCE:
A listing of commercial sources for all materials, reagents, chemicals,
software, and hardware supplies will be maintained in the ordering
logbook.

9.2

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES INVENTORY:
9.2.1 Upon receipt of all materials, reagents, chemicals, and supplies, the
packing slip will be checked for agreement with the items
received.
9.2.2 The person verifying the contents of the shipment against the
packing slip will write the date received and their initials on the
packing slip.
9.2.3 The packing slip is then forwarded to the Sections Office
Assistant.
9.2.4 Any supply with a lot number will be recorded in the Chemical Lot
Number Book.
9.2.4.1 The date received, lot number, expiration date, and the initials of
the recorded will be documented in the logbook.
9.2.5 Any reagents and supplies, which have passed their expiration
date, will not be used.

9.3

SUPPLIES:
9.3.1 The Examination Units Supervisor and the Photography unit
personnel will be responsible for preparing and managing the
annual supply budget.
9.3.2 All supplies that are received by the Photography unit are to be
stored in a safe manner according to the manufacturers, OSHA,
and EPA specifications.
9.3.3 Perishable supplies will be monitored for their expiration dates and
the stock will be rotated accordingly.
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9.3.4 A supply disbursement log will be maintained for all supplies that
are dispensed to units outside the Photography units.
9.3.5 The Photography unit will be responsible for acquiring and
dispensing the following photographic supplies for the
Department:
a.
b.

c.
d.
e.

Specialized flash batteries for the Accident Investigation
Unit and Forensic Services.
Mug shot film and film holders. Film holders will be
provided and reloaded on a one for one basis. All film
holders will be marked according to the unit to which they
are assigned. The film holders are inspected by the
Photography units and are recondition or replaced as
necessary.
All Forensic Services Film.
Specialized infrared and/or high-speed film for
investigative surveillance assignments.
All other departmental photographic supplies are the
responsibility of the unit requiring the supplies.

SAFETY
10.1

All safety procedures established by the County Government, the County
Police Department, and Forensic Services, which include state and federal
regulations, will be followed by the Photography staff.

10.2

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS):
10.2.1 A binder containing all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is
available to all unit personnel.
10.2.2 The MSDSs received from the manufacturer for each chemical
used in the unit will be forwarded to the agency Safety Officer and
a copy placed in the MSDS logbook in the Photography unit. The
data sheets are readily available to all unit personnel.
10.2.3 All MSDSs utilized within the Forensic Services Section shall
remain available to the Photography staff at all times.

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10.3

CHEMICAL MIXING ROOM:
10.3.1 All chemicals mixed in the Photography unit are mixed in this
separate room.
10.3.2 The floor is separated from the rest of the Unit by a concrete spill
barrier. In the case of a spill, the floor is rinsed with water to clean
up the spill. The floor is slightly sloped towards a drain to
facilitate water liquid drainage in the case of chemical spills and
for routine washing.
10.3.3 The sink is used to dilute the chemicals.
10.3.4 An exhaust vent is above the sink to facilitate the elimination of
harmful vapors.
10.3.5 An eyewash/face wash station is located next to the sink.

10.4

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT:
10.4.1 A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves are worn by unit
personnel, when mixing chemicals or when performing routine
cleaning and maintenance on the equipment.

10.5

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
10.5.1 A First Aid kit is within easy access to all unit personnel.
10.5.2 Two chemical spill kits are maintanined in the unit for any
chemical spills.

10.6

STORAGE AND HANDLING:
All chemicals and reagents/solutions must be stored, used, and disposed of
in a manner conforming to established safety requirements. Refer to the
Forensic Services Safety Manual.

10.7

DISPOSAL OF CHEMICALS:
10.7.1 All chemicals and reagents/solutions must be stored, used, and
disposed of in a manner conforming to established safety
requirements. Refer to the Forensic Services Safety Manual.
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10.7.2 Two silver recovery units are used to filter out trace amounts of
silver and to neutralize all other chemicals before disposal into
drains.
10.7.3 All processors, which use chemicals, are directly attached to the
silver recovery units.
10.7.4 The silver recovery units have an external lid so that large volumes
of chemicals can be disposed of. This may occur during routine
maintenance or due to chemical contamination caused by tank
overflows.
11

SECURITY
11.1

The doors to the Photography unit are always locked. Keys to the
Photography unit are limited to the following personnel:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

12.

Forensic Services Director
Examination Unit’s Supervisor
Forensic Photographers assigned to the unit
Forensic Services Criminalist
Public Safety Building Security personnel

11.2

The Photography unit is located on the eleventh floor of the Public Safety
Building. Access to this floor is limited to employees with magnetic
security cards, which permit entry from the elevator area to the various
offices on the floor.

11.3

Access to the Public Safety Building is controlled by security guards
stationed at the front entrance. Entry to the building may be obtained by
the use of magnetic security cards or by the security guards. All other
entrances to the building require magnetic security cards.

TRAINING
12.1

Training other members of the Police Department.
12.1.1 The Photography unit personnel will provide training to various
Department members as necessary.

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12.1.2 All film and digital media that is submitted for processing will be
inspected by the Photography unit personnel for indications of
poor or improper photographic techniques and/or possible
equipment malfunction.
12.1.2.1

Individual or particular department units that are identified
as possibly being able to benefit from additional
photographic training shall be brought to the attention of
the Photography Supervisor.

12.1.2.2

The Examination Unit’s Supervisor shall notify the
supervisor of the individual or unit, so identified, and of the
nature of the problem.

12.1.2.3

If appropriate, a recommendation for correction will be
offered at the time of the notification.

12.1.2.4

Should the problem require additional specialized training,
the services of the Photography unit will be offered and
arrangements to provide training shall be completed.

12.1.2.5

In the case of a suspected field equipment problem, the
involved unit will be notified immediately to have the
equipment inspected.

12.1.3 Specialized training will be provided upon request for units
including but not limited to the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Accident Investigation
Intelligence
Vice/Narcotics
Child Abuse
Arson
Other Forensic Services Section units

12.1.4 Photography unit personnel will be responsible to provide
information on any new photographic/digital techniques or
technical data that may be beneficial to the Department members
that are responsible for taking related photographs or digital
images.

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12.2

TRAINING OF FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHERS:
12.2.1 Each Forensic Photographer will receive basic photographic
training in:
12.2.1.1

Photography techniques

12.2.1.2

Flash techniques and other lighting sources

12.2.2

Photo Lab equipment

12.2.2.1

Film processing machines

12.2.2.2

Paper processing machines

12.2.2.3

Photo printing machines

12.2.2.4

4" x 5" mug shot film room outside of Central Records

12.2.3

Normal forensic photo lab operations

12.2.3.1

Receiving 35mm film

12.2.3.2

Receiving 4" x 5" mug shot film holders

12.2.3.3

Negative film filing system

12.2.3.4

Reports
a.
Daily incoming film log
b.
Requests for photographic services, Form # 000
c.
Monthly statistic report
d.
Film disbursements log
e.
Machine maintenance logs
f.
Supply ordering forms and log
g.
Logging prints made onto negative enveloped,
Form # 000
h.
Logging number of useful negatives onto negative
envelopes, Form # 000

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13.

REFERENCES
13.1

County Police Department Values of Integrity, Fairness, and Service

13.2

County Police Department Field Manual

13.3

County Police Department Administrative Manual

13.4

Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies, Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies; Inc.

13.5

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Lab Accreditation
Board (ASCLD/LAB) manual

13.6

Forensic Services Administrative Manual

13.7

Forensic Services Quality Assurance Manual

13.8

Forensic Services Safety Manual

13.9

Forensic Services Evidence Guide

13.10 Forensic Services Photography Standard Operating Procedures

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POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

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POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
SUBJECT:

Digital Imaging

PURPOSE:

To establish a procedure for the processing and handling of digital
images taken by Crime Scene Investigators.

POLICY:

The processing and handling of digital images taken by Crime
Scene Investigators for evidentiary purposes will be according to
standard handling procedures for all evidence to protect the
integrity of the investigation and the police department.

PROCEDURE:

Crime Scene investigators will place the disk/flash card and photo
log into the secured mailbox provided.

Crime Lab Technician:
The assigned crime lab technician will obtain the disk/flash cards and photo logs for the
mailbox every workday. The disk/flash cards and photo logs will be transported directly
to the Crime Lab.
The assigned technician will download the images from the disks into the “More Hits”
software program on the crime lab computer. The technician shall ensure the correct
D.R. number and other relevant notes are placed within the software file. The technician
shall ensure the images are captured, authenticated and stored within the “More Hits”
software program.
The original disk shall be stored for one year in the lab. The authenticated stored image
will be backed up daily to the internal DAT tape drive. All of the images that are stored
will be backed up to CD ROM at least bimonthly on two separate CD ROMs.
One CD Rom will be stored at CID, the other will be stored offsite.

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Requests for copies of images:
When the crime lab receives a request for images reference, a specific case a copy
of the original disk will be made by the assigned crime lab technician and
forwarded to the investigator or prosecuting attorney handling the case.

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Police Department
Forensic Photography/Imaging
Effective:
000-01
000-02
000-03
000-04

Definitions
Image Capture
Image Transfer and Archiving
Image Processing

POLICY
The department recognizes that photographic images are an important component of
criminal investigation and prosecution. Images may be captured and archived using
various imaging technologies including, but not limited to, conventional film and digital
imaging. Image integrity is maintained to ensure images are admissible in a court of law.
PROCEDURES
000-01

Definitions

Archival storage media: Storage media well suited to long-term storage of archive
images.
Archive image: Either the primary or original image stored on media intended for longterm storage.
Capture: The process of recording an image.
Compression: The process of reducing the size of a data file.
Digital image: An image that is stored in numerical form.
Digital image file: A record that includes image data and related data objects.
File format: The structure by which data is organized in a file.

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Hybrid imaging: The method or process of creating a digital image file from an analog
picture, negative, or slide.
Image enhancement: Any process intended to improve the visual appearance of an image.
Image output: The means by which an image is presented for examination or observation.
Image processing: Any activity that transforms an input image into an output image.
Image processing log: A record of the steps used in the processing of an image.
Native file format: The file format of the primary image.
Original image: An accurate and complete replica of the primary image, irrespective of
media.
Primary image: Refers to the first instance in which an image is recorded onto any media
that is a separate, identifiable object.
Processed image: An image output (see Image Processing).
Removable storage media: Storage media that can be removed (and replaced) from a
camera or other digital device.
Storage: The act of preserving an image.
Storage media: Any object on which an image is preserved.
Working image: Any image subjected to processing.
000-02

Image Capture

Photographs are taken when a department member believes that visual documentation
will assist to further the investigation or prosecution of criminal acts, incidents, or traffic
accidents. The photographs should be of high quality and accurately represent the scene
as it appeared at the time it was photographed.
A.

If a digital camera is used to capture images, the file format and compression ratio
is appropriate to ensure high visual quality when viewed or printed.

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After photographs are captured and stored as primary images on the
removable storage media, the images are not opened and/or viewed with a
device that enables editing of digital images. Reviewing the photographs
on the cameras integral viewing screen to ensure proper exposure and
composition is acceptable. Images are not deleted from the removable
storage media until all images are transferred to archival storage.

The removable storage media may only contain images from one
crime/incident. Once the images are captured, the department member
removes the storage media from the camera. The storage media is kept in
the department member’s direct control until such time the storage media
is logged into Property and Evidence.

Existing procedures are used when entering the storage media into
Property and Evidence, including the use of appropriate packaging and
completion of a property report.

If a film-based camera is used to capture images, appropriate film type and speed
are used to ensure high quality images when printed.

000-03
A.

Image Transfer and Archiving
After the removable storage media is logged into Property and Evidence, the
primary images are transferred, in their native file format, onto a recordable
compact disc (CD-R), without the use of image editing software.
1.

This process occurs before the primary images are opened or viewed
(other than on the cameras integral viewing screen).

After the primary images are written onto a CD-R, the original images,
now contained on the CD-R, are opened to ensure successful data transfer
to the archival storage media. After the digital file data transfer is
confirmed, the primary images contained on the removable storage media
can be erased and the storage media reused. The digital image files
contained on the removable storage media have evidentiary value, not the
reusable storage media itself. Thus, once the digital data files are
transferred to archival media, the item number will associate with the
archival media.

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3.

Only CD-Rs with unique serial numbers are used for archiving purposes.
A record is kept of the following information:
a.
b.
c.

The brand and serial number of the CD-R used as the archival
media for a specific case number and item number;
The date and time that the digital image file was transferred; and
The operators name.

A CD-R only contains original images from one crime/incident. Placing
subsequent images from the same case report number on the CD-R is
acceptable.

The original CD-R to which the primary images were transferred is
archived in Property and Evidence, and are not released. Should new
digital image storage technology become available which would increase
the shelf life of the images, they are transferred to the new archival storage
media.

If working images are created, these images are not written onto the CD-R
containing the original images. Working images may be stored on the
computer hard drive, a magnetic storage media, or written onto another
CD-R.

All digital image file transfer from one media type to another, and all image
enhancement and output-for court purposes are done on a computer workstation
dedicated to digital and hybrid imaging.
1.

This workstation is not connected to any type of network device or the
Internet, except in cases involving system diagnostics or upgrading of
firmware and/or software.

The Property and Evidence Unit supervisor determines who is authorized
to use the digital imaging workstation and perform the described
procedures. The workstation access is limited to authorized system users.

Regular system diagnostics are completed to confirm that the computer
workstation is functioning properly. The results of the system diagnostic
are printed and retained.

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C.

Photographing a scene is acceptable for an authorized digital workstation user and
without entering the removable storage media into Property and Evidence,
transfers the images onto a CD-R following the procedure outlined above. The
CD-R, which contains the original images, is entered into Property and Evidence.

000-04

Image Processing

If a department member, or other authorized person, request copies of images, the request
is completed in writing. The written request serves as a record to assist in tracking the
images. Images can be output (processed) as contact sheets or large images as requested.
Additionally, images may be copied onto a CD-R.
A.

A printed image is a true and accurate representation of the scene.
Techniques, such as cropping, contrast adjustments, dodging and/or
burning, un-sharpen/mask, and color balance are acceptable
enhancements, and are synonymous with existing darkroom techniques.
Specific digital techniques, including resizing (with or without
interpolation), may be utilized to improve the image quality and
accommodate the processed images printed size.

Scanning negatives and other analog images is acceptable, thur creating a
digital image file that can be processed and output. The negatives are
retained as the original images.

For introduction in a court of law, each image has documentation
regarding any changes made from the original digital image’s file. The
image processing log is specific enough to allow an independent operator
to produce a similar output if provided a copy of the original digital image
file and the image processing log.

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OFFICE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
PROTOCOL MANUAL
DIGITIZED IMAGING

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Preface Note:
This protocol manual contains the guidelines or procedures used the Office of
Forensic Sciences Fingerprint Specialists when using the Digital Imaging System for the
capture of latent fingerprints. These guidelines, when used in conjunction with the
imaging system manual, are intended to provide for the integrity and security of digitized
evidence. A certain amount of latitude in the actual capture and enhancement of the
images is left to the individual Fingerprint Specialist and/or laboratory management. No
protocol or procedure can replace sound judgement under all situations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A.

References

Purpose

PAGE

APPENDICES
1.

Digital Image Capture

Digital Imaging Processing

Storage and Retrieving of Images

Field use of Digital Camera and Laptop Computer

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A.

REFERENCE:
a.

Laboratory Operations Manual

Laboratory Operations Handbook

Latent Print Protocol Manual

More Hits Forensic Image Tracking System User Manual

PURPOSE:

This document defines the procedures to be used by the Fingerprint Specialists
when using the Digitized Imaging System for recording fingerprints.
1.

DIGITAL IMAGE CAPTURE
1.1

Once a latent print has been developed and is determined to be of
possible value, a digital imaging capture device will be used to
record the image. The image must include a measuring device
(scale).
1.1.1

The Fingerprint Specialist may use traditional silver based
film photography to retain the developed latent print if
desired.

DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING
2.1

The captured digital image will be acquired from the capture
device by the Image Enhancement System.

2.2

Case/Exhibit information will be entered into the computer as
required by the Image Enhancement System.

2.3

The Fingerprint Specialist will verify that both the original image
and the enhanced image have been saved with a backup.

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3.

STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL OF IMAGES
3.1

Archiving (writing of images to a compact disk) should be
performed on a routine basis to ensure the integrity of the image
and to free storage space on the computer hard drive.

3.2

The System Administrator or a designee will perform the archiving
of images.
3.2.1 The Senior Fingerprint Specialist will be designed as the
System Administrator. The Support Group Supervisor
“can” be designated as the backup System Administrator.

3.3

The archived images should be written to two CD-Rs. The System
Administrator should verify that the images were successfully
written to each CD before deleting the images from the computers
hard drive.

3.4

Each of the CD-Rs in 3.3 above must be stored in a separate secure
location with controlled access.

3.5

The System Administrator or a designee will assure that a full
system tape backup of the system is performed at least weekly.

FIELD USE OF DIGITAL CAMERA AND LAPTOP COMPUTER
4.1

Any image captured with the digital camera during a field
investigation/examination will be copied to the hard drive of the
laptop computer as soon as practical.

4.2

Once in the laboratory the image(s) should be transferred from the
laptop to the main imaging computer in accordance with this
protocol.

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Police Department

Forensic Evidence Unit

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY AND PROCEDURES

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Table of Contents
Archive Policy for Digital Patrol Photographs
Calibration Procedure for 1:1 Digital Photography

Page

Capture of Images from Photographic Prints and Negatives

Page

CD-R Specifications for Archival Purposes

Page

Digital Photo Training Policy for Forensic Evidence Unit Personnel

Page

Enhancement of Digital Images – General Policy

Page

Forensic Evidence Unit Responsibility for Patrol Division Digital Photographs

Page

Flatbed Scanner Calibration Procedure

Page

Image Capture Policy

Page

Image Enhancement Worksheet

Page

Latent Print Enhancement

Page

Patrol Digital Image Transfer Procedure

Page

Preservation of Digital Images – Storage

Page

Printing of Digital Images

Page

Purpose of Digital Photography Policy

Page

Scanner Capture

Page

Storage of Digital Images General Procedure

Page

Terminology

Page

Tracing of Latent Prints for AFIS Entry

Page

Verification of Images

Page

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1

Digital Photography Policy

1.1

Purpose
To provide a set of guidelines and an overview of methods and the proper
utilization of digital photography. Digital Photography is new technology for the
Forensic Evidence Unit. As the technology changes, the equipment and
procedures utilized may differ than those currently listed.

1.2

Additional Supporting Documentation
“Definitions and guidelines for the use of Imaging Technologies,” Scientific
Working Group on Imaging Technologies (SWGIT).

1.3

Terminology / Definitions
Image – an imitation or representation of a person or thing, drawn, painted,
photographed, etc. (per Webster’s Dictionary)
Archive Image – Either the primary or original image stored on media suitable for
long-term storage.
CCD (Charge Coupled Device) – a grid of detectors that is capable of detecting a
light and producing a pattern of electrical charges, which are measured, converted
to numbers and stored as a digital image. The quality of light collected by each
sensor is measured by the metering system and recorded as a number. This
number is then stored in the same grid position as the sensor that collected the
sample. Each numeric value in the grid corresponds to a picture element (pixel)
in each digital image.
Color Range – The range of colors that can be detected by a sensor compared to
normal human vision.
Copy Image – A reproduction of the information contained in a primary or
original image.
Digital Image – An image that is stored in numerical form. The detail of the
digital image is dependent upon both the resolution of the optical system used in
the capture device and the density of the sensors on the CCD.
Duplicate Image – An accurate and complete replica of an original image,
irrespective of media.
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Dynamic Range – The difference between the brightest highlight and the darkest
value that a sensor (film or CCD) can detect and record in a single image.
Negative film provides 2-4 f/stops more dynamic range than most digital cameras.
Original Image – An accurate and complete replica of the primary image,
irrespective of media. For film and analog video, the primary image is the
original image.
Primary Image – Refers to the first instance in which an image is recorded onto a
separate, identifiable object or objects. Example include: a digital image recorded
directly to a hard drive, a digital image recorded on a flash card or digital image
downloaded from the internet.
Resolution – Amount of sharpness/detail in the image. Resolution is dependent of
pixels in a digital image or the size of grain in a silver-based film product.
Generally speaking, the quality of the final image is determined by the amount of
grain or the number of pixels contained in the primary image. See the following
resolution technology definitions.

Input Resolution – The amount of information that a scanner can capture
per inch of an original image. Limited by the physical resolution of the
scanner.

Scanning Resolution – The number of pixels per inch (ppi) that a scanner
can acquire using its physical array of sensors.

Interpolated Resolution – The maximum amount of information that a
scanner can simulate with the help of software.

Image Resolution – Refers to the total amount of digital information in an
image expressed in pixels. Tells how many pixels are in any unit of
measurement.

Output Resolution – The number of pixels per inch in a final image to be
sent to a print. It is determined by the type of print and physical resolution
of the device.

Printer Resolution – A measure of the actual dot pattern, both vertically
and horizontally, generated by a specific printer. The greater the number,
the smaller the dots created and the more continuous the tone appears.

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Display Resolution – The number of pixels per horizontal inch of a
monitor or the amount of digital information that a monitor can display at
any given time. Determined by the quality of the computers graphic card.

Device Resolution – The physical limits of any input, output, or
monitoring device. Often expressed in pixels or dot per inch.

DPI (dots per inch) – A unit of measurement describing the resolution of
an output device.

PPI (pixels per inch) – The units which measure the resolution of a scan or
scanned image.

LPI (lines per inch) – A unit used to measure the row of dots in a halftone
screen. Often referred to a screen frequency, it determines the way a final
image looks when printed.

Working Image – Any image subjected to processing.

Policy for Imaging Capture
Whenever possible digital photography will be utilized within the Forensic
Evidence Unit in place of conventional photography methods.
Each individual Analyst is responsible for the capture, archive, enhancement and
documentation od digital photos taken in their assigned cases.
Image capture devices should be capable of rendering an accurate representation
of the item of evidence. Different applications will dictate different standards of
accuracy. Generally, the image should be captured at the highest possible
resolution. It is the responsibility of the examiner to determine the resolution for
an accurate representation of the item of evidence.

2.1

Capture and Storage of Images from Photographic Prints and Negatives
Photographic prints that cannot be retained but have evidentiary value will be
scanned and stored on Archive Disks under the corresponding case number. The
images shall be captured at the highest resolution that is reasonable for future use.
Suggested resolutions are: 400 dpi (minimum) and 800 dpi (maximum). It
will be the responsibility of the examiner conducting the transfer to complete a
report so that the images will be readily available should this case number be
queried for the existence of photographs/digital images.
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2.2

Capture of Latent Prints by Digital Photography
Latent prints will be photographed with a 1:1 macro lens with a scale included as
a reference. A 1:1 digital conversion on the imaging computer will be
accomplished by resizing the file to 3cm wide by 2.3cm height and 1200dpi.
The calibration procedure will be completed and the 1:1 relationship verified
before photographing latent print evidence. See Calibration for 1:1 Digital
Photography.

2.3

Tracing of Latent Prints for AFIS Entry
Tracing of latent prints will be completed by using the PhotoShop software pencil
tool, and converted to a high contrast black and white image by using the
Threshold command. A hard copy of the tracing will be included in the case
notes.

2.4

Scanner Capture
The capture of latent and impression evidence will be done at 1:1. A scale will be
incorporated in the image as a reference for measurement. The suggested
resolution is 1200 dpi. No enhancement work shall be completed on the original
image.
A calibration procedure will be completed prior to scanning the latent or
impression evidence.

2.5

Flatbed Scanner Calibration Procedure
Scan a six-inch ruler at the suggested resolution.
Open the file in PhotoShop.
Print a hard copy of the ruler.
Complete a physical comparison between the hardcopy of the ruler and the ruler
used for the scan. The total length, width and individual divisions of both rulers
should match.

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2.6

Calibration Procedure for 1:1 Digital Photography
Photograph a section of a six-inch ruler with a macro lens set at 1:1.
Open the file in PhotoShop.
Resize the image to 3cm wide by 2.3cm height and 1200 dpi.
Print a hardcopy of the section of ruler.
Complete a physical comparison between the hardcopy of the ruler and the ruler
used for the scan. The total length, width, and individual divisions of both rulers
should match.

Enhancement of Digital Images - General Policy
The principal of image enhancement is to make an image clearer for analysis or
interpretation.
No enhancement work shall be attempted on the original image.
Enhancement shall be conducted only on a copy of the original image. Whether
or not any enhancement performed on an original image is saved is at the
discretion of the examiner performing the enhancement. If enhancement is
achieved and subsequently saved or printed. The steps utilized shall be
documented on the Image Enhancement Worksheet.
A copy of any image enhancement for forensic analysis or interpretation will be
attached to the Image Enhancement Worksheet.

3.1

Enhancement of Latent Print Images
No enhancement work shall be attempted on the original image.
Enhancement shall be conducted only on a copy of the original image. Saving an
enhanced image is at the discretion of the examiner performing the enhancement.
If enhancement is achieved and subsequently saved, the steps that were taken to
create it shall be documented on the Digital Image Enhancement Worksheet.

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4

Storage of Digital Images General Procedure

4.1

Digital images are transferred to the primary digital imaging computers hard drive
“D” or another hard drive specified for that purpose.

4.2

Each case will have a separate folder on the hard drive.

4.3

Additional digital images taken by different personnel under the same case
number will require the creation of sub folders in the case file folder.

4.4

Images are written to a Write-Once Compact Disk Recordable (CDR).

4.5

All ARCHIVE CD-Rs are sealed with evidence tape and stored in the Forensic
Evidence Unit’s archival file under the appropriate case number.

4.6

ARCHIVE CD-Rs are not to be used as a working copy under any circumstances.

4.7

Each ARCHIVE CD is given the appropriate numerical sequence number and
entered into the computer tracking system. Every case number written to CD
will be entered into the computer tracking system with appropriate CD
numerical sequence number.

Preservation of Digital Images - Storage

5.1

Use of CD-R
Files copied to a CD-R disc are permanently recorded on the disc. The space the
files occupy on the disc cannot be used for anything else.
Use CD-R disc to:
<
Share your CD’s with users that have standard CD-ROM drives.
<
Make audio CD’s.
<
Permanently save files.

5.2

A CD-R type disk shall be used for the “Digital Image Archive Disk”.

Verification of Images

6.1

Original Images
The employee who captured the original image is responsible for the verification
of its accuracy.

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6.2

Enhanced Images
The employee creating an enhanced image is responsible for the verification of its
accuracy and documentation of the methodology used to produce it.
Documentation must be completed to the enhancement can be reproduced if
necessary.

Printing of Digital Images
In an effort to reduce the overall photographic costs for the Department. Digital
photographs are to be sent electronically to or written to compact disk for the
Officers, District Attorney and City Prosecutor whenever possible. Hard copy
digital photographs should be completed only in specific and unique
circumstances. It is the responsibility of the examiner to communicate with the
requestor and determine is printing necessary.
If hard copy photographs are requested, a variety of printers and media are
available for use. The printers include:

<
<
<
<

Epson Stylus 3000 (Color Inkjet printer)
HP 1600 C (Color Inkjet printer)
LaserJet 4000T (black and white printer)
Olympus P330-N (Small format dye sublimation printer)

The available media includes:

<
<
<
<
<
<
<

Plain Paper
8.5 x 11", 11 x 17"
Premium Inkjet Paper
8.5 x 11"
Photo Glossy Inkjet Paper
8.5 x 11", 11 x 17", 16 x 20"
4 x 5" Dye Sublimation Paper

It shall be at the examiners discretion to determine which printers and which
media shall be used for each individual printing request. Considerations shall
include the type of request, the quality needed for the final product and the overall
cost of the completed project.

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8

Forensic Evidence Unit Personnel Responsibility for Patrol Division Digital
Photographs
Memory cards will be submitted to the Forensic Evidence Unit in film/latent
envelopes noted with the case number, date, and submitting Officer’s name and
badge number.
Forensic Evidence Unit personnel will record the receipt of memory card in the
lab database (Patrol Digital Photo Log) under the corresponding case number.
Forensic Evidence Unit personnel will transfer images from data cards to a case
file located on the hard drive (“D”) or another hard drive specified for that
purpose.
Images on the data cards will be deleted and the cards returned to the Watch
Office for use in the field.
Digital photog case files will be archived to compact disk for long term storage.
Digital photos will be stored on the imaging computer hard drive for six months
and then purged. Under no circumstances will patrol digital photographs be
purged under archival procedures are completed.
Digital photos will be written to compact disk and sent to the DA or City
Attorney upon their requests or sent by email for viewing.
Compact discs will be written for outside requests (defense or insurance company
requests) of digital photos @ $ 10.00 per disc.

PROCEDURE FOR TRANSFER OF DIGITAL PATROL PHOTOGRAPHS
Enter the date received, case number and submitting Officers name in the Patrol
Digital Photo Log.
Place the Smart Media Card into the PC Card Adapter.
Place the PC card adapter into the Microtech Digital Photo Album.
Access Windows Explorer.
Access “D” Drive.

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Access the Patrol Digital Photos folder.
Create a new folder with the case number and submitting Officers name and the
initials of the Forensic Evidence Unit employee completing the transfer.
Example: “01-12345 Smith/drs”
Access Drive “E”
Double click on “Dcim”
Double click on “100oly” to see the individual photo files.
Click on EDIT
Click on SELECT ALL
Place the cursor on the highlighted photo files.
Hold down the left mouse button and drag the photos to the case file folder
located on “D” drive.
Double check to ensure that all photos transferred to the case file folder.
Access drive “E”, click on EDIT, then Select All, click on File, DELETE to clear
the Smart Media card.
Return the Smart Media cards to the Watch Commanders Office. The cards are
stored in a box marked “SMART MEDIA CARDS” inside the locked supply
cabinet.
10

CD-R Specification and Procedures for Archival Purposes
(Source: CNET.com)
A major brand CD-R with a gold reflective layer should be used for Digital Image
Archive Disc.
The CD-R should match the top speed of the recorder.
Archive CD-Rs will be stored in jewel cases.

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Mark the disk on the clear inner circle where no data is stored and use a paper
sleeve in the jewel case to list the discs contents.
11

ARCHIVE POLICY for DIGITAL PATROL PHOTOGRAPHS
Case Files are archived to a CD-R once a month.
If possible, all case folders created in a months time frame will be written to a
single CD-R for that specific month and noted accordingly. (Example: November
2001 Patrol Digital Archive Disc).
Archived Cases still remaining on the Imaging computers hard drive are to be
placed in the folder entitled “ARCHIVED” with the date and initials of the
employee completing the procedure. Example: “ARCHIVED 6182001 drs”.
Each monthly archive will require a new sub folder in the Archive file.
Archived cases are purged from the imaging computer every six months.

FORENSIC EVIDENCE UNIT PERSONNEL DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TRAINING POLICY
All Forensic Evidence Unit personnel utilizing digital photography and
enhancement techniques shall be trained and assessed for competency with
respect to the Units policy and procedures relating to digital techniques. All
training and competency testing will be documented.

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IMAGING

SOP

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IMAGING SOP
PURPOSE
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to establish procedures for the
use of digital cameras by members of the Department and the processing of digital
images.
DISTRIBUTION / USE OF DIGITAL CAMERAS
A.

DISTRICT STATIONS
District commanders shall be responsible for the digital camera assigned
to their respective district station. The camera shall be stored in the
lieutenant’s office to ensure that it is readily accessible to the primary
patrol sergeant on each shift. The sergeant obtaining the camera shall
inspect it for serviceability prior to the beginning of his/her respective tour
of duty and shall immediately report any problems with the camera to
his/her shift commander.

OTHER WORK LOCATIONS
Commanding officers at other work locations that have issued a digital
camera are responsible for the camera and shall ensure it is stored in a safe
and secure location. Members of the department may use the camera for
legitimate purposes, only if they have received prior approval from a
supervisor. Prior to using the camera, members shall inspect it for
serviceability and shall immediately report any problems with the camera
to a supervisor.

TYPES OF INCIDENTS
Supervisor, when available and at their discretion, shall use a digital
camera to photograph the following types of incidents.
1.

Property damage traffic accidents involving city-owned vehicles,
only if the occupants are city employees acting in the course of
their employment.

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2.

Scenes at which force entry by Department members resulted in
property damage.

Stolen property - for the purpose of returning it to the owner.

Other minor incidents when the camera can adequately photograph
the relevant items.

With supervisory approval, a member may take such photographs
which are deemed necessary for proper prosecution and/or review
by the District Attorney’s Office.

NOTE:

Digital cameras shall not be used to photograph personal
injury traffic accidents involving city-owned vehicles, nor
used exclusively to document major crime scenes.

IDENTIFICATION UNITS
Digital cameras do not replace the use of Identification Division units.
Identification Division units shall continue photographing major crime
scenes, fatal accidents, etc.. The Identification Division units shall be
used any time digital images do not adequately capture the desired image,
or whenever more sophistical photography skills and equipment are
needed. They shall also be requested when a supervisor is not available to
photograph an incident.

OPERATION OF DIGITAL CAMERAS
A.

PANORAMIC IMAGES
When taking photographs of an object, in addition to any close up photos
taken to depict details, a photograph of the entire subject should be taken.
For example, a photograph of a damaged fender on a car requires a second
photograph that depicts the entire car with the registration plate visible.

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B.

REVIEW IMAGES AT SCENE
Digital images shall be reviewed prior to leaving the scene. In the event
that images do not adequately depict the necessary detail, are blurred, or
are otherwise of poor quality, the images shall be retaken. No images
shall be deleted from the camera. If the images cannot be retaken to
obtain the desired quality, cannot capture the desired image, or more
sophisticated photography skills and equipment are needed, an
Identification Division unit shall be called to photograph the scene.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CAMERA
Digital camera equipment is susceptible due to condensation. Therefore,
it shall be kept in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Additionally,
the batteries become less efficient the colder they get. If the equipment
should become cold enough that the lens fogs and condensation forms
when it is taken indoors, open the battery compartment, remove the
batteries, and leave the compartment door open. Wait until the lens
fogging disappears before attempting to use the camera. Once the lens is
clear, wipe the batteries dry, replace them, and record the scene.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSIGNMENT REPORT
A.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSIGNMENT
1.

All Department members who photograph an incident shall
complete a “Photographic Assignment Report” (Form # 000). If
more than 8 images of a single incident are taken, a form # 000
shall be filled. The following information is required:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Location - address of the incident
Date - date the images were taken
Type of Case - brief description of the incident
photographed
Time - time the images were recorded
Photographer - name of person doing the photography
Camera number - the number of the camera used
Squad # - the squad number of the person doing the
photography
Victim - the last name and first name of the victim (if
applicable)
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

Page__of__ - page number of total pages used on incident
Authority - squad number requesting that the images be
taken
Vehicle - description of the subject vehicle (if applicable)
License No. - license plate number of the subject vehicle
(if applicable)
Complaint No. - offense report incident number (if
applicable)
Misc. - additional descriptive information of incident or
assignment
Companion case location - i.e. more than one location for
the same incident
35mm - check if 35mm film camera used
Digital - check if digital camera used
Other - check if Polaroid or film size other than 35mm
Total # Photos - enter total number of still images taken at
incident of all types of media used
Photo No. - sequential number of each image of incident
Frame No. - the number of the frame on the film roll or
file number of digital image on the flash card that
corresponds to sequential number
Lens Height - the distance of the camera from the ground
at the time the image was taken
Film to subject - the distance of the camera from the
subject of the photo at the time the image was taken
Camera direction - the compass direction the camera was
pointing at the time the image was taken
MM of Lens - if applicable
Address-Descriptor-etc. - additional descriptive
information of each particular image

Each image shall be numbered sequentially and individually
recorded on the form # 000. The film canister or flash memory
card shall be placed in the photo envelope and immediately
forwarded to the Identification Division for processing and filing.

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B

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
1.

Upon arrival at the Identification Division, the form 000 will be
filed by date, location, and type of case.

If film was used to record the images, the form 000 will contain
the negatives of the primary images.

If a digital camera was used, the primary images will be archived
as they were originally recorded to suitable media as original
images.

If a Polaroid camera was used the photographs shall be placed
inside the form 000 after the envelope is properly completed
according to the procedures outlined in section # 000. However, if
the Polaroid photographs are retained for investigation purposes,
the completed form 000 shall be immediately forwarded to the
Identification Division where they will be filled by date, location,
and type of case. In addition, members retaining the Polaroid
photographs shall sign and date the reverse side of the form 000
indicating that they are retaining the photographs.

SCENE AND INCIDENT PHOTOGRAPHY
A.

PURPOSE
The purpose of scene and incident photography is to permanently
document evidence and other details at scenes for future reference.

PRIMARY RECORDING
The primary means of recording major crime and incident scenes shall be
film photography. Video imaging may be used in a supplementary
capacity; however, video imaging does not replace the use of still
photography.

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C.

FINAL PHOTOGRAPH
1.

To adequately distinguish between images of different incident, the
final photograph of any incident shall be of a completed
Photographic Record Sheet.

At any incident, the final photograph on one media, before
changing to a different type of media shall be of a completed
Photographic Record Sheet.

VIDEO
1.

The primary means of recording incidents involving crows or
movements of a group of persons shall be video. Still imaging can
be used in a supplementary capacity.

The final frames of any video taping shall be of a completed
Photographic Record Sheet.

The supervisor or Department menber requesting any video taping
shall assume the responsibility for the permanent storage and/or
inventorying of the tape.

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION - IMAGE PROCESSING PROTOCOL
A.

PRESERVING ORIGINAL IMAGES
The original image shall be stored and maintained in an unaltered state.
All original digital images shall be maintained in their native file formats
on suitable media in a “write-once” format. Duplicates or copies should
be used for working images when applicable (see Post-Capture
Processing).

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B.

POST-CAPTURE PROCESSING
1.

Film
All film processing methods must be non-destructive to the
original.

Videotape
To avoid degradation of the analog video signal, minimal
processing will be done to the original. If any processing or
analysis of the original is necessary, a copy shall be made first.

Digital Images
A duplicate will be made of any digital image and used as the
working image.

VERIFICATION OF ORIGINAL AND PROCESSED IMAGES
1.

Original Images
Personnel who captured the original image can verify that the
image is a true and accurate representation.

Deletion of Images Prohibited
In order to present claims of destruction of evidence, no digital
images shall be deleted or videotapes erased once they have been
recorded.

Image Processing Log - Video Tape
The video processing log shall document any copies made and/or
still images made from the original video tape. Images not
subjected to image analysis do not require a log.

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D.

SOFTWARE
Software used in the processing and analysis of digital images should
produce consistent results, permitting comparably trained personnel to
produce similar photos.

IMAGE COMPRESSION
Original and primary images shall be retained in the native file format and
shall not be subjected to compression for retention. Compression of
images will only be allowed on copies that must be transmitted through
electronic mail. The compression applied to these copies shall be only the
amount that promotes efficiency of transmission while retaining image
quality.

IDENTIFICATION DIVISION - MAINTENANCE
Identification Division personnel shall conduct monthly inspections of the digital
cameras issued by the Identification Division for serviceability. When a camera is found
to be defective, a replacement camera shall be issued, and an investigation shall be
initiated.
IMAGE RETENTION SCHEDULE
The retention of all recorded images shall remain as listed in the current
Department Retention Schedule.

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Standard Operating Procedures “SOP”
for
Digital Imaging

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Standard Operating Procedures “SOP”
for
Digital Imaging
Crime Scene Photography Section
I.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
A.

Crime scene photographs, when took according to prescribed standards,
can provide a visual record of the conditions of the scenes, location and
document evidence collected, and record certain types of evidence for
later examination.
1.

All photographs will depict a true and accurate representation of
the subject matter. Therefore, equipment, camera angle and
composition of the photographs are selected to reduce equipment
inherent distortion and confusing composition.

Photographs must be supported by the documented observation of
the photographer.

Technicians are responsible for the ensuring that the photographic
equipment available to them is in operating condition before the
commencement of their tour of duty.

Any reference to photography, photographs, photo imaging, or
photo images will include traditional photography and digital
imaging.

Equipment:
1.

35mm SLR or digital cameras are the minimum format cameras
appropriate for crime scene photography. Medium format cameras
may be desirable in specific instances.

Lenses used for general photography include the normal and
moderate wide angle. Macro lenses are also a necessary aid for the
close-up photography of latent prints, tool marks, and other minuet
items of evidence.

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Lens filters are necessary to protect the lens itself from damage.
Ultra violet and skylight filters are appropriate for general
photography. Other specialized filters, such as a polarizing filter is
also necessary items.

Electronic photo strobes, which can be detached from the camera
and directed to the subject independent of the camera position, are
necessary for various lighting requirements.

Color film of various ISO ratings are available for crime scene
work, and are preferred for color reproduction and versatility.
Black and white films are necessary for specialized purposes, as in
latent print photography.

Additional equipment will include tripod, cable release,
specialized filters, tape measure or ruler, and labels on which to
show the date, case number, location, etc.

Camera operation:
1.

All cameras used for photography will be operated according to
the manufactures guidelines and within department policies and
procedures.

A data card should include at a minimum and be included as the
first photograph for the case:
a.
The agency name.
b.
The date and time the photographs were taken.
c.
Location that the photographs were taken.
d.
Case number, and the photographers name/ID number.

Only one case will be photographed per roll of film or digital
storage media.

No photo images will be deleted from the digital storage media
before them being downloaded and archived to the image file
server.

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II.

PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES:
A.

General photography standards require that the photographer follow these
procedures when possible:
1.

Several approach views of the locations of the crime scene, such as
exterior and front of the residence, including the house number.

Photos of the general area surrounding the scene, particularly in
the case of outdoor scenes, showing nearby structures, vehicles,
access roads or paths, distant landmarks, road signs, etc. should be
taken. Aerial photos will be done when requested by the
investigator. For outdoor scenes, these should also include views
of the scene from each of the four compass points.

Views of the various focal points of the scene, that is, evidence,
vehicles, bodies, etc., in relationship to the general scene.

Medium angle views will include several focal points in
relationship to each other.

Close-up views of each individual item of evidence, including
scale where necessary, that is, latent prints, shoe and tire
impressions, tool marks, and other artifacts.
a.

Include with the scale/ruler a label containing the date, case
number, location and other pertinent information.

A normal or macro lens should be used for close-ups,
insuring that the film plane is parallel to the surface of the
subject being photographed to avoid distortion.

Oblique strobe lighting is necessary to highlight the
characteristics of shoe and tire impression, tool marks,
latent prints and shoe prints in dust, etc. Use a hand-held
flashlight to decide the optimum angle for the strobe, and
take several exposures with lighting from different
directions over the subject.

The image of the subject should fill the view finder to
produce optimum results for enlargement and comparison.

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B.

Photography procedures for scenes involving vehicles:
1.

Photograph the surrounding area, tire impressions, skid marks, etc.
as necessary or as directed by the investigating officer.

Photograph each side, front and rear of the exterior of the vehicles
straight on, with the camera positioned to that the film plane is
parallel to the surface.

Damaged area should be photographed so that the general portion
of the vehicle is visible in a medium angle view, that is, entire
right front quarter, etc.

Photograph the indented and distorted metal parts along the
surface of the body to depict how much distortion in relationship to
the undamaged surrounding surfaces.

Photograph paint transfers, blood, etc., close-up using a scale
before obtaining a sample(s).

Interior views should be taken from each door, through the front
and rear windows, etc. as required.

Photography procedures for scenes involving injured persons:
1.

Photograph the scene as previously outlined.

Photograph the injured person full length to include type and
condition of clothing.

Photograph all of the general area of the injuries to the body.

Close-up photographs should be with scale of each injury or
wound.

Include close-up photos of the back and palms of the hands to
record the presence or absence of defensive wounds in the case of
assault victims.

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D.

Photography procedures for scenes involving bodies:
1.

Photograph the general scene as previously described.

2..

General views of the body from as many angles as possible. Make
sure that the camera film plane is parallel to the body surface being
photographed. Include the relationship of the various articles of
evidence, furniture, etc., nearest to the body.

Photograph the position of each arm and leg, hands and feet, and
the type and condition of the clothing. Include general location of
all observed injuries.

Photographic close-up view of the entire body. This should
include the face from straight on from the front and sides, and the
position and condition of each hand, footwear, injuries and any
unusual condition of the clothing.

Procedures for photographing bodies at an autopsy:
1.

Postmortem photographs of the body will be taken in addition to
the photographs taken of the body at the crime scene. Photograph
the entire body before the OME staff removes the clothing.
Photograph the face, hands, footwear, visible wounds, and all sides
of the body front and back. These photographs are too taken with
the cameras film plane parallel to each surface of the body.
Include close-ups using a scale for all wounds, scars, marks,
tattoos, etc.

After the clothing has been removed and the body cleaned by the
OME staff, re-photograph the entire body head to toe, include
close-ups using a scale for all wounds, scars, marks, etc.

During the autopsy, photographs should also be taken of internal
injuries as showed by the medical examiner. Where the wound
path of a projectile or penetrating instrument is shown by the
medical examiner using an exploratory probe photograph the probe
from four angles perpendicular to each side of the body.

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Photographic Lab Services Section
III.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:
A.

The Police Department Identification Services Section has a photographic
mini-lab for processing and printing color and black & white film as well
as a complete digital darkroom for digital image processing. A complete
darkroom is also available for special processing of color and black &
white film and the production of black and white prints.

All film and digital storage media used for photographs by identification
members and other members of the department shall be submitted to the
Lab for processing. The developed negatives and archived digital images
will be placed into the police department photo file under the assigned DR
number. Negatives and digital images without a DR number will be filled
in a public relations (PR) fill or returned to the member submitting the
film or digital images for processing. Current year negatives and digital
images are stored in the photo lab and prior years are stored in the
Identification Services Section archives room.

When Tradition photography is used, the film shall be submitted to the
photo lab in a properly completed Photo Evelope (Form # 000). The
submitted film shall be processed, the negatives placed in protective
sleeves, the sleeved negatives returned to the original Photo Envelope, and
the envelope filed in the photo file by DR#.

When digital imaging is used, the digital storage media shall be
downloaded by the member to the appropriate image file server into a
folder bearing the DR#, which they have created, by the end of their shift.
When it has been ascertained by the member that the images have been
stored on the image file server, the digital images may be deleted from the
digital storage media.
1.

These files will be downloaded to the digital darkroom
workstation, archived onto a CD-R, and the CD-R placed into a
properly completed Photo Envelope Form #000. Once the images
have been archived on the CD-R, the images may be deleted from
the image storage media.

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IV.

The serial number assigned to the archival CD-R shall be entered
into a database which shall list the CD-R’s serial number and all
DR #s archived on that CD-R to facilitate the retrieval of the
images associated with each DR #.

All DR #s stored on the CD-R shall be listed on the Photo
Envelope containing the CD-R. The completed Photo Envelope
containing the CD-R shall be filled in the photo file by the CD-R
serial number.

When negative envelopes are removed from the photo file, an “out” card
with the member’s initials, DR # or serial number, and date will be filed in
its place.

Upon receipt of Request for Photographic Services form # 000 the request
will be completed and the requestor will be notified.

All properly offenses and noncriminal events shall be photographed using
a digital camera. The offense/event may be photographed using
traditional photography in addition to the digital capture.

All other offenses shall be photographed using both digital capture and
traditional photography. If the member is unable to employ both
mediums, the member shall use traditional photography and shall note in
their report narrative the reasons that they were unable to employ digital
capture.

The type of medium used, digital or traditional, shall be noted on the
photo log.

PHOTOGRAPHIC REQUESTS:
A.

All requests for photographic services must be submitted on police
department form 000. The completed form must be submitted to ID
Services prior to any photographs being printed.

A fee is charged for all printing of photographs for citizens, attorneys, and
private investigators. The fee schedule is posted in Records. Public
requests are processed through Records and are printed upon receipt of the
request to ID.

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C

HOMICIDE PHOTOGRAPHS:
A.

VI.

All film and digital images used to photograph a homicide scene and the
ensuring autopsy will be processed and three sets printed as soon as
possible. One set will be given to the assigned investigator and two sets
placed into Evidence.

POLAROID PHOTO REQUESTS:
A

VII.

Photographs depicting bodies or body parts shall not be released without
the approval of the assigned investigator, the police department Legal
Advisor, Records Administrator or Records Supervisor.

The same procedure will be followed as for Photographic Requests.

PHOTOGRAPH LINE-UPS:
A.

Photograph line-ups will be completed using the Foto-vix system, unless
otherwise requested.

It will be the responsibility of the requesting member to provide the ID
member with original photographs to be copied.

Every effort will be made to produce a photo line-up where each subject is
of similar size and tonal contrast, eliminating any prejudicial information.

Requests for copies of mug shots will also require police department form
000 to be filled out. The mug shot will accompany the request. All mug
shots are maintained by the Records Section and must be requested from
the Records Section.

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POLICY DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS

DIGITAL IMAGING LAB

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Standard Operating Procedures – Digital Imaging Lab INDEX
1.

Procedures for Digital Photos
Procedures
Types of Crime Scenes
Photo Log
Photos Downloading to System
All Photos Indexed to Disks
Work Order Request Form

Digital Cameras
Maintenance
Training
Accessories
Smartmedia cards
Flashpath Floppy Disk Adapter
Batteries and chargers
Flash units
Wide Angle Lens 28mm
CD-R’s

Downloading Images
General
Download Methods
Method # 1: A: Drive
Method # 2: Through Camera
Technical Investigator Directories

Digital Imaging Lab Duties
General
Dimus Entries
Directory Folders
Photo Enhancement
Specialty Items

Viewing Photos on CD-R’s

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Standard Operating Procedures
Digital Imaging Lab
1.

Procedures for Digital Photos
Procedures:
The following procedures will be in effect beginning March 24, 2000, and are
subject to change as needed to accommodate developing technology and
computer systems. Notice of any changes will be disseminated department wide
as applicable prior to implementation.
Types of Crime Scenes:
Beginning March 24, 2000, digital photos will be taken on all crime scenes. In
addition to digital photos, 35mm film will continue to be used on homicides,
questionable deaths, and officer involved shootings until further notice.
Photo Log:
A Digital Camera Photo Log will be maintained next to the Digital Imaging Lab
computer. The Photo Log will be filled out by each Technical Investigator after
they have downloaded images to their assigned directory folder in order to track
the photos properly. The photo log will include the following: camera number,
incident number, report type, incident date, TI Name Folder, folder number/file #,
number of photos. Additional entries will be made to the log to show actions by
the Digital Imaging Lab Staff that will include: number of prints made, whether
the folder was archived, a CD was made, or the photo were put in DIMUS, and
the date and initials of the person performing the action. The log will also include
which numbered Archive Disk the photos were saved. See Appendix A: Digital
Log.
Photos Downloaded to System:
All digital photos taken at crime scenes will be downloaded to the digital imaging
lab computer by the end of each Technical Investigators shift. Each technical
investigator will be assigned a named directory folder in the computer in which to
download their digital camera photos. The digital camera automatically assigns
each group of crime scene photos a separate folder number (ie, 1010LYMP/,
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1020LYMP/, etc.). Each photo is assigned a separate file number (ie, P2280001)
within the folder. This number represents the month, date and sequence number
within the folder. Once the photos are downloaded t the computer, the technical
investigator will rename the folder to the incident case number in order to
eliminate any confusion with identical camera folder numbers. Photo file
numbers may be renamed in order to combine photos into one case folder.
All Photos Indexed to Disk:
The Digital Imaging Lab Staff will download all photos from the respective
technical investigators directory folder onto computer disks archives for storage
in the digital imaging lab. This will serve as a “negative file” for each case.
Multiple cases will be stored on each disk and indexed on the photo log. Digital
photos taken in addition to 35mm film on homicides and officer involved
shootings, will be indexed to the storage disks as well as a separate case disk
made for that incident alone.
Work Order Request Form:
The Photo Lab Work Order Request Form will be used to request digital photos to
be entered on computer disks (CD-R’s) or to DIMUS. All requests for CD’s must
have the Technical Investigations Supervisor approval prior to processing. All
request must be submitted at a date or time far enough in advance of the date that
said request will be needed to allow the staff a reasonable amount of time to
complete the request. Persons making these requests should retain a copy of the
request for their records. Work order requests are located next to the film drop
box in the Technical Investigations Office. The computer disks (CD-R’s) will be
prepared and available for pick up at the Technical Investigations Office Digital
Imaging Lab,. See Appendix B: Photo/Digital Imaging Lab Work Order.
2.

Digital Cameras
Maintenance:
Digital Cameras will be assigned daily by truck number. Each camera will be
maintained in its appropriate case with its coordinating accessories. Any
functional or serviceability problems should be addressed to the Photo Lab or
Digital Imaging Lab as needed. The Photo/Digital Imaging Lab will perform biannual maintenance checks on the cameras to ensure serviceability standards and
upgrades are met. All cameras will be preset according to the setting listed in
Appendix C: Camera Settings.

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Training:
Each Technical Investigator will receive a block of instruction on the proper use
and care of the digital camera. Additional training will be provided as needed to
address equipment upgrades and system changes.
Accessories:
Smartmedia Cards:
Each digital camera unit will come equipped with two formatted cards. An
additional card may be obtained by request through a TI supervisor. Smart media
cards are sensitive and should be stored in their static-free case. Index labels will
be attached to the disks prior to their issuance. Write protect adhesive seals
should be used with discretion since they make the disk a read-only card and
further recording cannot be performed until the seal is removed. Do not expose
the card to extreme cold or heat. Formatting the Smart media card in the camera
will cause the card to erase all existing photos stored on the card. The
manufacturer recommends reformatting the card in the camera at least once a
month.
Batteries/Chargers:
Each digital camera requires 4 AA batteries for the camera unit and 4 AA
batteries for the flash unit. Rechargeable batteries and charger will be available.
Flash Units:
Each digital camera has a FL-40 dedicated flash unit assigned with it. These flash
units have a swivel and bounce head which offers a range of 90 degrees up and
270 degrees swivel.
Wide Angle Lens 28mm:
One 28mm wide angle lens and accompanying 43mm-55mm step up ring will be
available and may be checked out as needed with the digital camera.
CD-R’s:
CD-R’s are a write-only computer disk that will be used to download digital
photos stored in TI directories. These disks will be used to hold multiple case
folders of pictures and will be indexed appropriately by case number. These
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storage disks will be maintained, files and secured in the Digital Imaging Lab.
Separate disks will be made by the Digital Imaging Lab staff for specific cases
such as homicides, officer involved shootings, and other cases with Work Order
Requests.
3

Downloading Images
General:
All Technical Investigators will be required to download their images prior to the
end of their respective shifts. The following procedures are provided to enable
swift and accurate download and accountability of the photo images. In the event
that one method of downloading images is inoperable an alternate method is
provided.
Downloading Method:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Insert smartmedia disk into flashpath disk; then insert into A: Drive.
Logon computer and go to programs, then to Olympus camera.
A split screen appears; go to the upper screen under My Computer.
Open Data (D:) drive the Olympus Photos, then Your Name File.
Scroll up to the A:\Drive and double click, open DCIM folder, then folder
#.
Click and drag the folder # to your name file and drop the folder.
Download begins; appropimately 20 seconds per photo.
Open your name file and annotate your entries on the photo log.
Close out file and exit; delete photos from smartmedia disk.

Technical Investigator Directories:
Each Technical Investigator will be assigned a download directory in which to
store their images. The directory will be in the Data D: drive of the Digital Image
Lab computer under the Technical Investigators last name. The directory will be
maintained and cleared periodically by the Digital Imaging Lab Staff. Once an
image is downloaded to the directory the image will only be accessed by members
of the Digital Imaging Lab Staff. No modifications or enhancements of photos
will be done by technical investigators other than those on the Digital Imaging
Lab staff. Failure to follow these strict access guidelines will result in
compromised file security and the violator will receive appropriate reprimand
and/or punishment.
4.

Digital Imaging Lab Duties
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General:
The Digital Imaging Lab Staff is responsible for maintaining, tracking, and
downloading digital images from the technical investigators directories. The
digital imaging lab staff will maintain a photo log to track each case file photos.
Each case file will be downloaded and indexed on computer disks and maintained
and secured in the digital imaging lab. All homicide and officer involved
shooting photos will be stored and indexed and a separate disk made for that
particular case number and forwarded to the investigator. All other cases will be
transferred to a separate case disk from the index disks upon receipt of Work
Order Request Form. Downloaded images should be treated as evidence and
handled appropriately to ensure they are preserved and chain of custody
maintained.
DIMUS Entries/CD-R Requests:
Detectives will have the option of having their digital images transferred to a CDR disk or entered into DIMUS depending on their case needs after submitting a
Work Order Request. The Digital Imaging Lab Staff will transfer photos from the
appropriate archive disk to DIMUS or a CD-R disk in a timely manner after the
work order request is approved and submitted.
Directory Folders:
The Technical Investigator directory folders will be accessed and maintained by
members of the Digital Imaging Lab. Folders will be routinely emptied by Lab
Staff after the photos are transferred to storage disks in order to clear space on the
computer.
Photo Enhancement:
Digital Photog enhancement will be done on a very limited basic and only by
members of the Digital Imaging Lab Staff. In order to preserve the original
integrity of each photo, the original photo will remain in the file and any
enhanced photo will be made from a copy and will be documented to describe
what enhancement were made and by whom. This will ensure that no original
evidence is destroyed in the enhancement process and that any possible legal
ramifications such as rules of evidence or jury comparisons to the original photo
are abided by in the enhancement process.
Specialty Items:

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Members of the Digital Imaging Lab Staff may be tasked to perform other digital
photo assignments on an as needed basis. These assignments may include a
myriad of forensic digital image enhancement techniques such as digital photo
enhancement for fingerprint identification, photo line up comparisons, vedio
tape/still photography, and other areas as training and technology progresses.
Specific work done to pictures on these projects will be noted in the Digital
Imaging Lab Report which will coincide with the case number in the computer
system.
5

Viewing Digital Photos on Computer Disks (CD-R’s)
Computer Programs:
Digital Images transferred to computer disk (CD-R’s) may be viewed on the
computer system using MS Powerpoint, MS Word, and Internet Explorer.
Specific images may be viewed by opening a Microsoft computer program and
selecting from the Task Bar: INSERT/PICTURE/FROM FILE and then selecting
the image number from the disk. Multiple images can be opened and inserted at
the same time by resizing the photos. The CD-R computer disks are write
protected and closed so that no changes may be made to the images on the
computer disks.
Photo Print Outs:
Digital Images on the computer disks (CD-R’s) may be printed out on color or
black and white printers in detective bureau work areas. Color photos will not be
printed out at Technical Investigations except by express permission of the TI
Supervisor. Photos taken with the Olympus cameras will need to be resized prior
to being printed because they are originally saved at 23" x 19" inches and exceed
the printable area of the paper.

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POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Subject:
Effective Date:
Distribution:
I.

Digital Cameras

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide members of the Police Department with
guidelines for the use of digital cameras in documenting evidence for criminal
investigations.

II.

Policy
It is the policy of the Police Department to provide its members with digital
cameras to assist in documenting incidents and to train its members in the use of
the cameras. The cameras are intended for official law enforcement related use
only.

III.

Procedures
A.

Use of Cameras
1.

Digital cameras are intended for official business only and may be
used for documentation purposes in any of the following
situations:
a.
crime scenes
b.
injuries
c.
recovered physical evidence and property
d.
accidents involving criminal charges
e.
domestic violence incidents
f.
other law enforcement uses as authorized by a supervisor

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B.

Storage of Cameras
1.

A digital camera will be issued to the Supervisor at the start of
each shift. The Community Policing Unit, Tactical Enforcement
Unit, Traffic Unit, C.I.D., and the Crime Laboratory will each be
issued a camera and patrol tech kit to utilized at the discretion of
the supervisor.

Extra batteries and computer disks will be stored in the patrol
equipment room. Distribution of cameras and supplies will be
recorded in a written log located in the equipment room.

Disks
1.

Each camera bag shall contain six disks including the disk in the
camera as well as envelopes and E.T. work orders. The serial
number of the camera will be recorded on the label of each disk.

When photographs have been taken with the digital camera, the
officer shall record on the disk’s label, the date, time, case number,
victim’s name and the name of the officer taking the photos. The
disk shall then be placed in an envelope and the enveloped sealed.
A work order will be filled out for each disk requesting storage in
the crime laboratory computer. The disk and work order can be
turned over directly to the Evidence Technician or if the E.T. is not
available, the material may be placed in an evidence locker.

The officer taking the photographs shall file a written report
concerning the photographic work performed.

Only one case should be recorded on a disk. In the event that
circumstances require that more than one incident be recorded on a
disk, a notation of explanation should be made on the work order.

Once a photograph has been taken with a digital camera, it shall
not be deleted, manipulated, or altered.

A disk containing photographs shall not be used for any other
purposes such as case reports or other associated information.

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A disk that contains photographs and has been removed from the
camera shall not be viewed or copied by anyone other than an
Evidence Technician.

The Evidence Technician shall download the disks content onto a
CD and produce “thumbnail” prints as needed to attach to the case
file. The original disk shall be maintained by the Evidence
Technician in the photograph file located in the Police Laboratory.

Problem and Maintenance
1.

Due to the delicate nature of digital equipment, it is possible that
problems will be encountered. When a problem with a camera is
detected, the officer shall bring it to the attention of the officer’s
supervisor. The supervisor or officer shall make an entry into the
equipment log and direct the officer to turn the camera over to an
Evidence Technician. If no E.T. is available, the cameraq may be
left in the equipment room with an equipment repair form attached
to the camera that details the problem with the unit.

The Evidence Technician shall check the camera weekly for any
problems and arrange for repair of any camera that is not
functioning properly.

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Digital Imaging
SOP
Imaging Quality Manual

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Digital Imaging
SOP
Imaging Quality Manual
Technical Procedures
A.

Photography. Within the Imaging section two types of forensic photography
operations are performed, photographic documentation and examination of
photographic media, equipment, and associated physical evidence.

Documentation. Two methods of photographic documentation are used in the
Imaging Section, film photography and electronic photography (electronic
imaging). In film photography images are captured using traditional cameras and
a wide variety of film types. The negatives are printed by means of contact or
projection printing. Both the film and the prints are developed using traditional
wet chemistry methods. In electronic photography images are captured by
electronic cameras and scanners, or transferred directly from some other digital
source and recorded in digital or analog format on magnetic or optical media.
The images are then processed through a computer and printed using a variety of
electronic printers. There are times when production can be facilitated by
integrating film and electronic photography.
All evidence and other materials submitted to the Imaging section for
photographic documentation purposes will be tracked by means of an Laboratory
Receipt Imaging Work Order.

Archiving images:

Film. Negatives of prints made will be maintained in the case file to
which they pertain.

Electronic images. Original electronic images captured and all variations
that are printed will be archived to write once, read many (WORM),
media, Compact Disk (CD).

Definitions. The following definitions apply to archiving electronic images in
photographic operations.
NOTE: These definitions also apply to video enhancement operations.

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Primary Image. Refers to the first instance in which an image is recorded
onto any media that is a separate, identifiable object or objects. (Camera
internal hard drives, removable PCMCIA cards, etc).

Original Image. For film and video, the original image is the primary
image. For digital images, the original is an accurate and complete replica
of the primary image, irrespective of media. In this regard, for digital
images the original image will be the one first “acquired” by Photoshop,
or any other image capture/processing software used in imaging.

Copy Image. A reproduction of information contained in a primary or
original image.

Processed Image. An image that has been altered in some manner by
software. Some examples of alteration of an image include but not limited
to: sharpening, color correction, edge enhancement, density changes, etc.

Capturing, writing, acquiring, naming, storing, and documenting
images/action palettes:

Capturing Images. All images will be captured using available digital
cameras, Visilog/Flashpoint software/firmware or scanners according to
the standard imaging section technical procedures outlined below.

Writing Images. As soon as practical after capture, the primary image will
be written to a CD. In the case of Visilog or Flashpoint and scanned
images (silver halide film or direct scan images) the primary image will be
the original evidence (video tape, film, etc). In the case of a digital
camera such as the Kodak DCS 460, the primary image will be the one
selected and “copied” from the cameras proprietary software interface
directly to the CD. Each image will be designated by whatever
number/name the camera initially assigned within the capture software.
The primary images will be stored in a “Primary” Images folder. (See
“Acquiring Images” and “Naming Images” below)

Acquiring Images. The original image is the image first “acquired”
through the enhancement software (Photoshop). This image will be stored
on the CD under a subdirectory titled “Originals”. The individual images
will be named with a brief description of the subject such as black lift,
check or as exhibit numbers. (See “Naming Images” below)

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<

Naming Images. The case number will be the main file number heading.
Listed under this as a subdirectory will be either “Work-order” number or
“Exhibit” number. In the case of intra-laboratory work-orders the
subdirectory will be titled as “Work-order”. In the case of external
examination requests the subdirectory will be titled as “Exhibit”. The
Work-order or Exhibit number should be followed with the examiners
initials. Because all files must have an unaltered image for court
purposes, there will be additional subdirectories within the workorder/exhibit folder labeled “Primary” and/or “Original”. In those
instances where the primary image is the original evidence (video tape,
film, etc), there will be no “Primary” subdirectory. When a digital
primary exists (camera hard drive, PCMCIA card) both “Primary” and
“Original” will be listed as separate subdirectories. The “Original”
images will be named as exhibit numbers on all intra-laboratory request.
A descriptive name will be used to name images on all external laboratory
requests (check-1, check-2, shoetrk-1, tiretrk-2). In the case of video
images the files will be named as the 6-8 digit time code if available. If no
time code is on the tape a description will be used. The letter “m” can be
incorporated to designate an image as magnified. Once processing is
completed, the resulting images will be listed under a subdirectory titled
“Processed” and the same name (exhibit number or description) used for
each image in the “originals” subdirectory will be used again. If
additional subdirectories are needed, they can be created using format
described above.

Storing Images. All images will be stored on a WORM, CD. It is
preferable to build the image directories and subdirectories on the
computer hard drive prior to transferring the data to the CD. In addition,
all images should be reviewed for quality control, to include printer output
if necessary, prior to saving processed images to the CD, as they can not
be erased once written. Once all images have been saved a “Catalog” will
be made using Kodak Quicksolve software and all image “assets” will be
incorporated into the catalog and saved to the CD. This produces a file
that will display thumbnail images of all digital images stored on the CD.
After all images are written to the CD, an indelible marker will be used to
write the name of the division followed by the initials, the case number
and work order number that requested the work on the top (dull) surface of
the CD. (Example Trace-IT-98-0001-1). This will allow easy retrieval of
the CD in the event additional CD’s from other divisions have been made.
The CD will be placed in a protective plastic sleeve and stored in the
administrative section of the case jacket, by the examiner/requester.

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<

Storing Action Palettes. Photoshop 4 and 5 allow all processing steps to
be documented in a separate file. This action palette file (“ATN”) will be
used to document and allow duplication of all processing steps. (See
procedures for recording and saving actions on images using Photoshop
action palette). Each “ATN” file will be stored, with the corresponding
processed image on the CD for future use. This will be done when any
processing or enhancement action is accomplished.

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Image Naming
97-0100

(original case number)

W01d1d

(work-order number if intre-laboratory or exhibit number if
exernal request)

Primary (if applicable)
DCS0002, DCS0003, etc. (name by camera proprietary software)
Original (1st acquired file)
Check1 (brief description of item) or
Exhibit # if external request
Check2
Check3
Document1-2
Tiretrk1-4
etc.
Processed (final enhanced/processed image with action palette extension)
Check1 (brief description of item or exhibit # if external request).ATN
Check2-3.ATN
Documenting and cross referencing archival action. When work-order or examination is
completed and logged off the UMCS, the “Remarks” section of UMCS screen #2 will be
annotated to reflect that the images were stored on a CD. If more than one CD was
written a description of the CD will be listed (such as CD1, CD2, etc). This will allow
the examiner to quickly determine which CD in the case file contains the stored images.
When additional work orders are received on the same case number, the examiner will
retrieve the original CD from the case jacket and add images in additional workorder/exhibit sub-directories under the original case number.
Note 1:

When it is cost effective to do so, images captured on film should be
scanned into the electronic system to facilitate printing, effectively
combining film and electronic photography.

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Sample SOP – Eleven

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Sample SOP – Twelve

FORENSIC LABORATORY
FIELD MANUAL

CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION BUREAU

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Sample SOP – Twelve

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Sample SOP – Twelve
FORENSIC LABORATORY
FIELD MANUAL
CRIMINAL IDENTIFICATION BUREAU
Photography Section
The Photography Section will receive process and print all law enforcement
related black and white and color film submitted by all members and other law
enforcement officers and agencies in the state. Other agencies will include Prosecuting
Attorneys, State Medical Examiner and State Fire Marshall.
The uniformed members assigned to the Photography Section will be subject to
twenty-four hour call and will be available to field members and other agencies for
special photography assignments outside the laboratory.
A request for outside services by a field member must be made to his Company
Commander, First or Second Lieutenant. If the company officer through whom the
request is made feels the request is valid and the requesting officer cannot do the
photography himself, a request can be made of the Photography Section Staff to assist.
When a Photography Section staff member responds to a request for outside
services, he/she will notify the CIB Director of Forensic Services of the response.
Using the Department issued camera, flash and film, each member will take
photographs to record the maximum of useful information in a series of photographs
which will enable the viewer to understand who, what, where, when, and how a crime or
incident occurred. Color film should be used except on comparison cases in which case
black and white film should be used. The following shall be considered suggested
subjects or incidents to be photographed.

Breaking and Entering and Burglary
Photographs are to include where entry and exit occurred. General views of the
exterior showing the geographical area and the type of building where the crime took
place. Photograph the interior where important facts need to be recorded. If tire tracks or
footprints are present, record them with a measuring device beside them, but at no time is
the device to conceal the subject being photographed. Use the Kodak Ektagraphic
Visualmaker camera to take close-up photographs. Photograph anything that might be
pertinent to the investigation.
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Sample SOP – Twelve
Sexual Assault and Serious Assaults
Photographs are to include scratches, cuts, and injuries of the victim and the
suspect or accused. Photographs of females that require the removal of clothing should
be done in the presence of a female member, doctor, nurse or parent of the person being
photographed. A male member should do photographs of a male that requires the
removal of clothing below the waist. Photograph the scene of the crime as well as the
overall condition of the victim and suspect (if possible) showing the condition of
clothing, hair, etc. use the Kodak Ektagraphic Visualmaker camera to take close=up
photographs.

Homicide and Suicide
Photographs are to include the scene before anything is moved; the exterior of the
building, and geographical surroundings, the body at the scene to show relation to other
physical evidence and surroundings, and underneath the body after it is moved. If forced
entry was made, photograph where and how entry was made. Photograph the body
unclothed and cleaned to show marks, wounds, and identification. First cover the pubic
area with a towel unless that area is part of the wound. If the body is to be photographed
by the State Medical Examiner’s Office, it is not required that members photograph the
wounds.

Arson
If an investigator of the State Fire Marshall’s Office assists or conducts the
investigation and takes photographs, it will not be a requirement that members take
photographs unless the Fire Marshall investigator requests it.

Accidental Deaths (Industrial, Construction, etc.)
Photographs should include the Close-up view of the body (if present) and the
surrounding area.

Mug Shots
Photographs should be taken of every person who is required to be fingerprinted.
Procedure: Stand the subject with a clear wall or door behind them if possible. Stand
them approximately four feet from the wall or door. Using a department-issued camera
and electronic flash stand four feet the subject. Photograph the subject looking slightly to
one side (if there are any distinguishing marks, have these showing). As many as twelve
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subjects can be photographed on one roll of film, however, the following procedures
must be strictly adhered to. Place a number on the wall to the side of the subject so it
will show in the photograph. Submit with the film a list of the subjects photographed on
the roll of film in the order the photographs were taken. Include the full names,
descriptions, and with what crime they are being charged. A copy will be filed in the
Records Section, Criminal Identification Bureau.

Traffic Accidents
Photograph all serious traffic accidents. Photographs are to include the point of
impact area where each vehicle came to rest, the approach from each direction and
damage to each vehicle. The four sides of a vehicle can be shown in two photographs.
By standing at the front-left corner, the front and left side will be recorded. Standing at
the right-rear corner will record the rear and right side. The investigating officer is to use
his/her discretion if photographs are needed in case of other traffic accidents.

Other
The investigating officer should photograph any incident that will assist him/her
in any investigation.
After the roll of film has been removed from the camera, fold the end under and
seal with the attached gummed label. If a substituted is necessary, use a rubber band. Do
not use Scotch tape. The member should write his/her initials and name of the victim on
the gummed label for identification. Place the film with a Film Submission Data Form in
the special mailing envelope. The information on the Film Submission Data Form will
be typed. The film is not to be placed in this form, but loose in the mailing envelope. Do
not submit a Case Submission Report with film. The return address will include the zip
code number written or stamped in the appropriate space on the front of the envelope.
Do not use Scotch tape to seal the envelope. More than one roll of film may be submitted
in one envelope. If they are of different cases, roll the Film Submission Data form
around the roll(s) of film that go with the case and secure with a rubber band. Two
postage stamps are required to mail up to and including two rolls, and three stamps for
three and four rolls.
Never photograph more than one case or more than one accident on one roll of
film. Use a different roll of film for each accident and crime. This will eliminate mixups
and improperly filed cases.

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Sample SOP – Twelve
If 4x5 film holders are submitted, place them in a small box. If an envelope is
used, first wrap the holder in a newspaper. The Photography Section will replace the
exposed film with new film and return the holders without delay. A special mailing box
can be provided, but they must be picked up at the Photographic Section.
The Photography Section processes the film and makes a small print from each of
the negatives. A small print will be sent to the submitting officer of all but traffic
accident photographs. If a member wishes a copy of traffic accident photographs, a
request must be made at the time the film is submitted. All subsequent requests for
traffic accident photographs are to be made with the Traffic Research and Safety
Division.
If enlargements are needed for court, they should show the small prints to the
Prosecuting Attorney and make a decision as to which of the photographs will most
likely be used in court. Send to the Photography Section those small photographs that
have been selected and refer to the “Photo File Number” assigned to that case by the
Photography Section. Do not refer to the “Sorting Number.” The victim’s name should
also be included. The enlargements and small prints will be sent to the submitting
officer. If possible, request should be made two weeks before they are needed. The
enlargements are to be marked for identification by the officer taking photographs by
writing the date received, officers name, and the number on the reverse side.

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