Photographers for the police

[wilson83]

Just wondering, do the police have photographers? or is this a dumb question? I know like for CSI's they must take pictures for evidence, but then a CSI would take the pictures surely? so is it just a copper that takes pictures or a professional/experienced photographer? Thanks

[ket]

From what i know it's soco (scene of crime officer) who takes pictures, some of them do come from a photography background and then they are trained.

[SaxyJag]

Yep - most of them are trained photographers and not actually policemen/women at all (ie. they're civilians). Howeverm they don't necessarily have to be qualified - just good enough (my hubby used to know one).

[mosesg]

A husband of one of my collegues is a Forensics Photographer. They are employed directly by the police but are civilians

[wilson83]

thanks for the answers, very intersting. I suppose my next question is how do I get into the field??

[mosesg]

Forensic Photographer
Forensic photographers take photographs at scenes of crime and hospitals for use as evidence in court.They may also work for law firms to build up evidence for cases in areas such as personal injury. It is a type of scientific photography and forensic photographers use a range of specialised equipment including infrared and ultraviolet films, and microphotography equipment. Digital equipment is increasingly being used. They require an understanding of anatomy and may work with investigating police officers, doctors and medical illustrators to prepare presentations for use in court. The job requires tact to deal with distressed victims of crime and the work may be disturbing at times.

Training and Entry
The usual route in is to do a BTEC or similar course in photography and then apply for jobs with police forces as they arise. Most of the training is on the job. There is a 2 week course at the Police National Training Centre for police employees - see www.forensic-training.police.uk/courses_04_5.html The first step would be to contact police forces to ask if you could talk to a working forensic photographer about the job. See our creative jobhunting section www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/CJ.htm for how to do this.