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October 1999 Volume 1 Number
3
Definitions and Guidelines
for the Use of Imaging Technologies in the Criminal Justice System
Part III: Standard Operating Procedures
Part IV: Quality Assurance
Part V: Training, Qualifications,
and Proficiency
(Version 2.1 —
June 8, 1999)
Part III: Standard Operating Procedures
The following should be considered
when formulating standard operating procedures:
Title: The title should be a descriptive
name for the procedure.
Purpose: Why, when, and by whom the procedure
is used.
Equipment/Materials/Standards/Controls: Identifies what items are required
to perform the procedure. This may include protective equipment,
hardware, software, and configurations.
Procedures: A step-by-step description of how
the procedure is conducted. If appropriate, instructions should
include precautions to minimize degradation.
Calibration: Describes steps required to ensure
the accuracy and reliability of the procedure. Where applicable,
instrumentation setup and calibration procedures should be documented.
Calculation: Describes mathematical operations
that are applicable to the procedure.
Limitations: Describes actions, interpretations,
or equipment that are not appropriate for the procedure.
Safety: Identifies and addresses potential
hazards in the use of the procedure.
References: Identifies documents both internal
and external to the user agency regarding the procedure, related
procedures, and principles behind them.
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Part IV: Quality Assurance
Personnel utilizing images
and imaging technologies in the criminal justice system should
implement quality assurance programs to ensure that results achieved
are repeatable and valid. As part of the programs, performance
checks and corrective actions should be documented.
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Equipment
Where applicable, equipment
utilized in imaging should be checked regularly for proper performance
and calibration, and findings documented. Where applicable, an
end-to-end system check for consistency within specified system
parameters should be performed on a regular basis and whenever
modifications are made to the system. All equipment should be
maintained according to the manufacturers' specifications and
recommendations as contained in the operating manuals.
When a piece of equipment
or system fall outside the specifications and recommendations,
the equipment or system should be taken out of service until
it has been corrected. Evaluation of equipment and system checks
should be documented inclusive of corrective actions.
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Software
If software errors that significantly
affect the results of a processing step are detected, corrective
actions should be taken. If the manufacturer identifies software
errors and provides corrective remedies, the remedies should
be implemented before the software is used again. Once corrective
actions have been taken, an end-to-end system check should be
performed prior to putting the system back into operation.
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Personnel
All personnel utilizing imaging
technologies shall be trained and tested for competency and proficiency
in the agency's standard operating procedures and the operation
of the relevant imaging technologies. A formal training program
should be documented and maintained, with the results of competency
and proficiency tests documented. Proficiency testing should
be repeated on a regular basis or when significant changes in
hardware or software are made.
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Part V: Training, Qualifications,
and Proficiency
Awareness Training: Photographers
and Imaging Scientists
Personnel in the criminal
justice system engaged in the production or use of images should
be aware of the standard procedures commonly utilized within
the law enforcement community and should strive to conform to
or exceed these standards. The personnel should also endeavor
to maintain awareness of new developments.
- Personnel engaged in the
production of images should define and implement quality assurance
programs to ensure the following: reliable services; implementation
of recognized standards for good practice; and the use of valid,
reliable procedures adequate for the task. Personnel should receive
training in the quality systems.
- Personnel engaged in the
production of images should maintain proficiency by pursuing
continuing education courses in imaging.
- Personnel engaged in the
production of images should maintain awareness of legal developments
relating to the use of imaging technologies in the criminal justice
system.
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Technical
Skills Training
Personnel responsible for
operating imaging technologies should be trained in the operation
of the technologies and should be able to explain their operation
to a jury.
Personnel should receive
training in the following categories based on their specific
applications:
- Image Acquisition and Storage:
- Capture (multiple sub-categories:
field, studio, scanner, camera, media)
- Transfer
- Storage
- Image Processing:
- Intermediate storage/working
images
- Image enhancement processes
- Application specific processes
- Output:
- Printers
- Papers
- Film recorders
- Monitors
- Video
- Other devices and media
- Transmission
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Awareness Training: End Users
Personnel in the criminal
justice system who utilize images must also be aware of the capabilities
and limitations of specific imaging technologies. The following
personnel would benefit from training in imaging technologies:
- Investigators
- Managers
- Court Officials
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Information referenced
to this document can be identified as Version 2.1 ¾
June 8, 1999.
FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS OCTOBER 1999 VOLUME 1 NUMBER 3 |
