NCJ Number
180918
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 26 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 68-73
Date Published
November 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Digital imaging has many practical uses in criminal justice and can be accepted as evidence in court, despite the many myths that currently exist regarding this photographic technology.
Abstract
Among the myths regarding digital imaging are that it is not accepted in court, that elaborate tracking measures must be in place, that police will alter an image, and that altered images are not admissible in court. Other myths are that digital imaging costs more than conventional photography, that the technology is not yet sufficiently advanced, and that digital cameras are difficult to use. Knowing the truth can quell these concerns. The technology can save money rather than cost money. Police agencies that are starting to use digital imaging should know whether the images will be used for basic crime scene work, how they will manage and store the images, the nature of the equipment and the needed capabilities, and the possibility of initially using a hybrid solution consisting of both print and digital equipment. Illustration