The images taken by these cameras are recorded electronically rather than on a piece of light-sensitive film. Once digitized, an image becomes a computer data file. This process eliminates the time and expense involved with the processing of photographic film and often results in better quality evidence. For example, some software packages can be used to enhance a latent fingerprint by improving image contrast and sharpness. Portable, high resolution, digital cameras can be used to record and analyze altered documents; trace forensic evidence; record crime scenes and traffic accidents; and record a mug shot of inmates, along with information about the individual's arrest, phyiscal description, and criminal history. The article describes the Tacoma, Washington, Police Department's imaging system, designed around two Intel Pentium- based computer workstations.