NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Directive 8.3 - Digital Cameras
8.3.1 Purpose
The New Albany Police Department has adopted the use of digital photography to enhance its
documentation abilities and provide a useful community relations tool. Digital photography is utilized
by the Police Department for various purposes including, but not limited to, the following:
Documentation of crime scenes
Documentation of traffic crash scenes
Documentation of vehicle defects, equipment violations, and/or unsafe conditions
Documentation of injuries to assault victims
Booking photographs of arrestees
Photographs of suspects, including line ups
Development of an Internet presence
Documentation of Police/Community relations, including Block Watch picnics
Development of Child Identification Safety Program
8.3.2 Training and Responsibilities
Because the Police Department utilizes digital cameras for numerous purposes (see 8.3.1 above), it
is important that officers follow the necessary steps to ensure that clear, accurate photos are
recorded. All officers shall become familiar with the operation of the Police Department’s digital
cameras. Training may be accomplished by reading the digital cameras’ corresponding manuals
and/or hands-on training provided by a supervisor or other officer. Officers will not wait until the
need arises to use a digital camera to become familiar with its operation.
Officers are encouraged to suggest new and innovative ways in which digital photography can be
used to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Police Department operations. Officers can
better utilize digital photography by becoming familiar with each camera and its advantages
(benefits) and disadvantages (limitations).
After using a digital camera, an officer will ensure that the battery is re-charged (as necessary) so
that the camera is ready to be used by another officer in the future. Officers will handle the digital
camera with care, taking precautions to not damage the unit by dropping it or exposing it to harmful
liquids or chemicals. Each digital camera will have a protective case so as to minimize damage.
Officers shall store the camera in its protective case whenever it is not in use.
Officers shall take digital photographs at a high resolution so as to provide sharp images and good
documentation of the scene.
8.3.3 Procedures
When investigating offenses and incidents such as burglaries, traffic crashes, vandalism/criminal
damaging, and domestic violence/assaults, each officer should determine if the investigation would
be aided by digital photography documentation. If so, the following general procedures will be
followed (as appropriate):
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