0640.02 Photography and Digital Media
Refer:
• DIR 0620.00 Body-Worn Camera Use and Management
• DIR 0640.10 Crime Scene Procedures
• DIR 0640.15 Measure 11 Archive Protocols
• DIR 0660.10 Property and Evidence Procedures
Definitions:
• Axon Capture: A digital phone application that allows the user to capture digital images and directly upload them to a digital record keeping system.
• Body-Worn Camera (BWC): An audio and video recording device that is worn by a Bureau member and is capable of capturing and storing information regarding the member’s activities and interactions with members of the public.
• Digital imaging: The recording of an image, or video, via digital code, which is viewable using a corresponding computer software application.
• Digital Information Management System (DIMS): An electronic database maintained by the Forensic Evidence Division to store and track digital media.
• Evidence.com: An electronic database developed by Axon and used by the Portland Police Bureau to store and track digital media.
• Major Crime Scene: Any homicide, member involved shooting, fatal traffic collision, or suspicious death, autopsy or Measure 11 crime.
Policy:
1. This directive establishes rules for the capture, upload, and maintenance of digital images and media.
2. The Portland Police Bureau recognizes that there is a need to photographically document crime scenes and injuries to victims to facilitate the investigative process. These images are evidence in these cases and should be treated as such. This policy does not cover non-evidentiary photographs or non-evidentiary digital images.
3. All evidentiary digital images will be archived in accordance with property and evidence procedures, Bureau archive protocols, city and state requirements, and federal guidelines.
Procedure:
1. Member Responsibilities:
1.1. Photographing Crime Scenes: In any instance where photographs and/or video may benefit an investigation, members will use their Bureau issued phone or contact the Forensic Evidence Division to take photographs and/or video.
1.1.1. When practicable, members will use Axon Capture to capture digital imaging.
1.1.2. Members may not alter content of photographs or video in any way.
1.1.2.1. Trained Forensic Evidence Division (FED) Members may use alternate light source photography, and other similar techniques to facilitate evaluating photographic evidence.
1.1.3. Members may use a BWC to capture general evidence such as a walkthrough of a crime scene, but specific evidence, such as injuries should always be captured using a Bureau issued phone when practicable.
1.1.4. With supervisory approval members may consult with FED to request assistance with photographing a crime scene or specific piece of evidence.
1.2. Uploading and storing digital imaging: Members shall include the relevant case number and member identification on any uploaded digital imaging.
1.2.1. When practicable, members shall upload images to Evidence.com.
1.2.1.1. Members may use Axon Capture to collect digital imaging from members of the public.
1.2.2. When Evidence.com is unavailable, or it is not feasible to upload digital imaging, members should consult with FED or use alternate systems.
2. Forensic Evidence Division Responsibilities:
2.1. FED Criminalists will have primary responsibility for documenting evidence at major crimes scenes.
2.1.1. If responding, FED will capture digital imaging using a Bureau-issued camera.
• Effective: 11/01/2024
• Next Review: 11/01/2026