Research pertinent to digital conversion should include gaining knowledge about digital photography and the processing of the images, including features of digital cameras and computer hardware and software suitable for obtaining the quality of images required in police work. Research should also consider policies and procedures for digital imaging and digital image management. A critical determination is the location of the digital image repository. In most cases, the photo laboratory is the logical choice. After research, a fully developed plan is the next step. This should include the analysis of the infrastructure necessary to support all areas of digital imaging. Various agency units that will be involved in digital image production and processing should be involved in planning from the outset. A workflow analysis should be conducted. In the course of the planning, stakeholders must be convinced that the conversion to digital photography is justified based on cost savings, time savings, increased quality of images, and the easy distribution of photos. Policy and procedures should be fully written and approved by policymakers prior to any hardware purchases. Proper training can help personnel become more comfortable with the digital process and reduce photographers' resistance to change. Training should be ongoing due to rapid changes in the field. The changeover process should be done slowly and in increments, with the first phase maintaining film as the primary photographic process and digital as secondary. As digital photography and processing becomes proficient, an agency can gradually switch to digital as primary and film as secondary. 1 reference