Whether you are working for the prosecutor or the defense, photography for forensic and litigation support can make or break your case. From surveillance to nighttime imaging to evidence documentation and more, crime scene photography and forensic photography help you sway a jury by offering tangible evidence. For a prosecution team, it can seal the accused's fate by enforcing your burden of proof. For a defense team, it can cast even the smallest shadow of doubt in jury's mind to help in your favor.

Digital forensic photography services can be offered by law enforcement or for hire from outside professionals. Schooling and certification is imperative and should be a goal for those wanting to pursue the field.

For those interested in crime scene photographers:

1. If you are on the defense team, seek the help of a seasoned, reputable, professional digital forensic photography expert witness.

2. For those on a defense team, consider the help of forensic photography experts either already in law enforcement or consider an outside expert witness.

3. For those in the law enforcement field looking to fill their career positions, scope out the universities with graduates who have obtained the degree that you are seeking.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover more about crime scene photographers

Find out more about the field of crime scene photography before you pursue a career in it or before you find an expert in it.

I recommend: Become better acquainted with the field by checking out the Westchester County, NY Department of Laboratories and Research. Kruglick's Forensic Research and Criminal Law Search Site offers a comprehensive listing of various photo forensics capabilities. From digital facial aging to animated reconstructions to microscopy imaging, the site details a number of aspects of the field. Sign up for a free copy of Forensic Magazine. Find out even more career information from Apogee Photo, Inc.

Take forensic photography education courses

Study forensic photography to become a certified professional. You can go on to pursue forensic digital photography for local, state or national law enforcement or be hired independently for photography litigation support.

I recommend: Obtain Forensic Photography Certification from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey. You can also obtain Forensic Photography Certification from Mohawk Valley Community College. Check out the training schedule for the Pennsylvania State Police. They often offer digital forensic photography courses. The State University of New York Canton offers an expert-taught Forensic Photography Course for those seeking a Career in Criminal Justice.

Find expert digital forensic photography services

Whether you are on the side of the prosecution or the defense, hiring the right digital forensic photography service or taking advantage of the best government provided forensics photographer services is imperative to your case.

I recommend: Paul Kayfetz Inc. can help your case with driverseye visibility studies, computer and video simulations, photogrammetry photo measuring, night-time photography, evaluating the opposing expert and test video/photos. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation photographs evidence for crime scenes. Their trained staff is available to assist local agencies in the investigation of a crime. The U.S. Secret Service has an advanced forensic laboratory and the world's largest ink library. They analyze documents, examine fingerprints, check out false identification documents, can access credit card and other records as well as are responsible for coordinating photographic and graphic production, in addition to video, audio and image enhancement services. Use the directory listing from HGExperts.com to find additional photography expert witnesses and consultants.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When hiring a forensic photography expert, check their credentials, their background and their successful case rate.