What Is a Police Photographer and How to Become One
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What Does a Police Photographer Do?
A police photographer takes pictures during crime investigations. In this role, you capture images throughout a crime scene to record evidence or other visual information that detectives can use during their investigation. Your responsibilities can vary, depending on the procedures of the department in which you work. Crime scene investigators may collect or locate evidence and then direct a photographer to take pictures of specific items or areas within the crime scene. Some photographers also collect measurement, location, and description data while they take photos. In some instances, a photographer may not take directions from other personnel, but conduct their duties according to their department's crime scene processing procedures. Your photos must provide context for the evidence, close up images, and overall crime scene images. Many police photographers also process their own film to avoid potential contamination.
How to Become a Police Photographer
The qualifications that you need to become a police photographer include specialized training, photography skills, and knowledge of crime scene processing techniques. You can choose from several different paths to develop a career a police photographer. Some photographers earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in photography. These programs teach you how to use proper lighting, lenses, and angles to capture the precise images you need from a crime scene. In some departments, police officers who have graduated from a police academy can apply for crime scene photography positions. You must also know how to process film manually and have an understanding of how to avoid contaminating evidence at a crime scene.
