Digital Photography for Law Enforcement

This comprehensive program is designed to teach law enforcement professionals how to effectively utilize their agency's digital camera equipment. Participants will gain proficiency in documenting various types of law enforcement-related scenes that require photographic evidence, ranging from bodily injuries to outdoor nighttime criminal scenes. The primary objective is to build participant confidence in adjusting camera settings to accurately capture both the overall scene and all associated evidence exactly as observed in the field.

The course equips officers with practical skills to address the challenging lighting conditions commonly encountered during crime, crash, and fire investigations. Training involves hands-on exercises in diverse environments—both indoor and outdoor settings, during daylight and nighttime hours—using participants' departmentally issued or personal cameras. Instruction from IPTM's experienced faculty covers best practices and proven techniques, enabling participants to develop proficiency in photographing a wide range of scenes and types of evidence.

Beyond practical training, the program emphasizes court-validated methodologies for proper scene documentation and image archival, incorporating established standards and best practices from the Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technology (SWGIT), the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), and the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE).

Topics Covered

• Three primary camera shooting modes
• Exposure triangle fundamentals
• Familiarization with departmentally issued cameras
• Basics of scene documentation
• Footwear, tire tread, injury, and macro close-up evidence photography
• Daytime and nighttime flash photography techniques and light painting
• Digital image archiving and chain of custody procedures

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours

Instructor: Nancy Sulinski-Steffens

Course Fee: $695.00

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Note: Evening hours extend into the second day)

Certification: This course is approved for IAI Crime Scene Certification.

Target Audience

This training is appropriate for patrol officers, crime scene technicians, newly assigned and experienced detectives, investigations supervisors, medical examiner and coroner investigators, military investigative personnel, and prosecuting attorneys.

What to Bring

Strongly Recommended:

• Digital camera (SLR format preferred)
• Memory cards and compatible card reader
• External flash for mounting on the camera's hot shoe
• Off-camera sync cord
• Battery charger and extra batteries for the camera and flash unit
• Tripod
• Small flashlight for nighttime exercises
• Bubble level
• Work clothes for outdoor activities (including inclement weather)
• Laptop for reviewing photos after hands-on projects

Recommended:

• Remote shutter release cable or wireless remote
• Circular polarizing filter compatible with your camera's lens (52mm, 62mm, 72mm, etc.)
• Macro lens or magnifying filters

Upcoming Sessions

Troy, Alabama
October 12-14, 2026
Troy Recreation Center, Room TBD, 601 Enzor Road, Troy, AL 36079
Instructor: Nancy Sulinski-Steffens

Jacksonville, Florida
November 2-4, 2026
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Nancy Sulinski-Steffens

Jacksonville, Florida
February 22-24, 2027
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Nancy Sulinski-Steffens

Jacksonville, Florida
November 1-3, 2027
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Nancy Sulinski-Steffens