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Best Practices for Forensic Image Analysis

NCJ Number
218679
Date Published
October 2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper provides guidance regarding practices appropriate when performing a variety of analytic tasks involving forensic images.
Abstract
Guidelines that describe the Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology (SWGIT) recommended best practices for the performance of forensic image analysis include: (1) evidence management; (2) quality control; (3) security; (4) infrastructure; (5) work management; (6) documentation; (7) training; (8) standard operating procedures (SOPs); and (9) work flow (reviewing a request for analysis, acquiring imagery, producing work copies, processing images to be analyzed, analyzing process data, and reporting conclusions). Forensic image analysis is a forensic science dating back to at least 1851. Forensic image analysis is the application of image science and domain expertise to interpret the content of an image or the image itself in legal matters. The process of forensic image analysis can involve several different tasks, regardless of the type of image analysis performed. This paper provides personnel with guidance regarding practices appropriate when performing a variety of analytic tasks involving images, regardless of the knowledge domain that is the subject of analysis. References and appendixes A-B