I
am honored to be the Chairman of the Scientific Working Group on Imaging
Technology (SWGIT). I have been with SWGIT since its inception in 1997 and
have also served as the Vice Chairman from 2000 to 2006. My background includes
twenty years as a Forensic Imaging and Digital Evidence Examiner with the
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL). At USACIL I enjoy mentoring
and encouraging the next generation of forensic examiners and crime scene
investigators. In 2004, I retired after completing a distinguished military
career as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. I served twenty two years in the
U.S. Army as a Military Policeman, CID Special Agent, Laboratory Division
Chief in Europe, and Forensic Imaging Examiner.
The mission of the Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology is to facilitate the integration of imaging technologies and systems within the criminal justice system (CJS) by providing definitions and recommendations for the capture, storage, processing, analysis, transmission, output and archiving of images.
Our website contains over twenty recommendations and guidelines detailing procedures for digital photography, video and image processing, documenting image enhancement, as well as several other topics important in today’s forensic environment. Additionally, you will find contact information and the SWGIT membership process.
SWGIT addresses the concerns that are important to all members of the community including first responders, laboratory examiners, and managers of criminal justice organizations. As we move forward I am confident we will be able to support the imaging community by providing the best practices and guidelines available.
Carl Kriigel
SWGIT Chairman
All documents on this page are in the Acrobat PDF format.
SWGIT Membership
Below are three new documents up for comment by the public. Please see above part of website for how to send responses/feedback.
SWGIT Documents
Select the SWGIT document you want from the list below:
| Section | Title |
| Section 1 | Overview of SWGIT and the Use of Imaging Technology in the Criminal Justice System |
| Section 2 | Considerations for Managers Migrating to Digital Imaging Technology |
| Section 3 | Field Photography Equipment and Supporting Infrastructure |
| Section 4 | Recommendations and Guidelines for Using Closed-Circuit Television Security Systems in Commercial Institutions |
| Section 5 | Guidelines for Image Processing |
| Section 6 | Guidelines and Recommendations for Training in Imaging Technologies in the Criminal Justice System |
| Section 7 | Best Practices for Forensic Video Analysis |
| Section 8 | General Guidelines for Capturing Latent Impressions Using a Digital Camera |
| Section 9 | General Guidelines for Photographing Tire Impressions |
| Section 10 | General Guidelines for Photographing Footwear Impressions |
| Section 11 | Best Practices for Documenting Image Enhancement |
| Section 12 | Best Practices for Forensic Image Analysis |
| Section 13 | Best Practices for Maintaining the Integrity of Digital Images and Digital Video — updated 1/13/2012 |
| Section 14 | Best Practices for Image Authentication |
| Section 15 | Best Practices for Archiving Digital and Multimedia Evidence (DME) in the Criminal Justice System — updated 1/13/2012 |
| Section 16 | Best Practices for Forensic Photographic Comparison |
| Section 17 | Digital Imaging Technology Issues for the Courts — updated 1/13/2012 |
| Section 18 | Best Practices for Automated Image Processing |
| Section 19 | Issues Relating to Digital Image Compression and File Formats |
| Section 20 | Recommendations and Guidelines for Crime Scene/Critical Incident Videography — NEW 1/13/2012 |
| Section 21 | Procedure for Testing Scanner Resolution for Latent Print Imaging — NEW 1/13/2012 |
| Section 22 | Procedure for Testing Digital Camera System Resolution for Latent Print Photography — NEW 1/13/2012 |
SWGIT / SWGDE Documents
SWGIT has co-authored documents with SWGDE (Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence). Select the SWGIT / SWGDE document you want from the list below:
SWGIT / HOSDB Documents
SWGIT has supported documents written by HOSDB (Home Office Scientific Development Branch) in the United Kingdom. Select the SWGIT / HOSDB document you want from the list below:
Title |
| Cover Letter |
| Digichart |
| Digital Imaging Procedures v2.1 November 2007 |