Chapter 1 – History of Forensic Imaging

This chapter explains why knowledge of the history of forensic imaging can be useful in several practical ways to anyone working in any capacity in forensic/law enforcement imaging. This knowledge is needed to refute a mistaken argument that a procedure or equipment that is used is new and novel, and therefore subject to a Frye hearing to determine admissibility. Just because it is new and novel to a defense lawyer or an individual forensic photographer, it does not necessary mean that it is new and novel to the forensic science community as a whole. It helps in anticipating the impact and how to adapt to changes or evolution in technology. It helps in providing advice to lawyers, managers, and others on forensic imaging issues. The history of crime scene photography as a profession is still evolving and needs to be documented so that future generations will continue to have access to it. This history is important as a guide to how new technologies and software are likely to impact the profession. The main point is that knowing the history of forensic imaging is not just an academic exercise but has practical applications in daily work in forensic imaging both at the user level and for management.