Career paper on Criminal Photographer - Essay Example

Rickey L. Shankles English 100 62048 Career Paper on Crime Scene Photographer For as far back as I can remember, unraveling the unknown has always intrigued me. My first contact with a brutal crime was when I was seven years old. While my uncle slept, he was violently shot in the head with a shotgun. The only other personal close contact with a gruesome crime was in 1979 when my father was stabbed four times: in the chest, kidney, lung and on the upper back. Neither attacker was ever prosecuted; this was due to the lack of a proper investigation and the insufficient collection of evidence. Like suspense thrillers and detective plots in mystery books and films, solving crimes has been a passion. The infamous Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechapel, London have been duly documented despite the lack of technological capacities of the 1900s. Thanks to the dedication of crime scene photographers of that era, the gruesome case had been re-examined, re-evaluated and re-visited innumerable times in the hope of finally naming the notorious Jack the Ripper. In this regard, this essay is written to explore the potentials of crime scene photography or forensic photography as a career. This would be made possible by addressing the following: defining the scope of forensic photography, determining the requirements for qualifications, concerns, opportunities available, and expectations from the career, among others. The history of forensic photography can be traced from its roots in “the early 1800s in Belgium and Denmark when inmates of prisons were photographed for record purposes” (Gibbons 1). The history slowly evolved in a span of a century with the development of technology improving the equipments used in photographing the crime scenes. Eventually, this field of endeavor was incorporated in the field of forensic science. According to Moenssens, “The Belgian criminologist and author of many books, Theophile Borgerhoff, conducted extensive research on the same subject and in 1920 he published an article about the first photographs in law enforcement which he illustrated with four daguerreotypes reproductions of prisoners, taken in Brussels in 1843 and 1844.” (par. 7) Accordingly, Moenssens noted that “Alphonse Bertillon is credited for introducing the profile view and adding it to the full face photograph for criminals and suspects.” (par. 12) Bertillon’s methodical approach to crime scene photography was implemented by tediously taking shots of different positions of the body from different angles. He documented the exact placement of relevant objects which were used as evidence in court. The historical background provided a glimpse of the career. The requirements one has to seriously comply with are hereby closely examined. Having a general knowledge of forensic photography is actually taking an overview of the endeavor, as a whole. Delving into it as a career is utterly different. One must have a genuine interest, not only in photography, but more so, in solving crimes. Further, due to the delicate nature of the responsibilities and tasks involved, there are requirements that need to be complied before interested enthusiasts could be given a certification as a forensic photographer. The International Association for Identification (IAI) outlines the general requirements, education, experience, training, endorsements and examinations needed for the career. From among the basic requirements, the applicant for certification “must possess a high ethical and professional standing” and “must be primarily employed in the field of Forensic Science whose duties include forensic photography” (1). For educational background and experience, the interested applicant must have had at least three years working experience in the field of photography or digital imaging. This would have given the contender appropriate exposure to photography (of which I am currently studying) and familiarity with the necessary equipments, lighting, camera settings, and minimum requirements for the career. More importantly, some exposure to police work (I had worked as a Military Policeman while serving in the Marine Corps), particularly crimes, would be an advantage to immune one’s preponderance to gross details. There are personal concerns that should be addressed as I examine the requirements of the career. One of the hindrances is my physical disability. Both my legs could not be used for physical activities. This has caused significant difficulties in obtaining my career of choice in Law Enforcement. It has initially prevented me from pursuing any challenging career that interests me. However, I am aware that there have been actual scenarios of success beyond disabilities. This proves that when there is a will, there is always a way. Despite the physical hindrance, there are other support organizations such as the VA, which invigorate my drive to pursue this career. The financial requirements for this career are provided by the VA VOCREHAB Program. In addition, the emotional, physical, and psychological support provided by my family is a strong factor for my pursuit to succeed in this endeavor. With the minimum basic requirement of being involved in Forensic Science, a crime scene photographer has other career opportunities aside from forensic photography. There are more than eighty different careers available under forensic science with a few of them detailed to wit: “accident reconstruction specialist; crime scene investigator; fingerprint technician; forensic audio examiner; forensic botanist; forensic odontologist; forensic psychiatrist; forensic surveyor; and, more” (Echaore-McDavid & McDavid n.p.). With other alternative options available, a crime scene photographer is privileged to change his or her career path in over 80 different directions. Another enticing factor is the salary. Data presented by Insideprison.com revealed that “according to the US Department of Labor Statistics, "Detectives and Criminal Investigators" make a mean annual salary of $58,750, a median hourly salary of $26.82, and a mean hourly salary of $28.24.” (par. 2) This is appropriately justifiable, given the amount of tedious and rigorous work and accountability that goes with the job. Other factors such as being given the privilege to work on different places and locations; reliance on expertise for legal support in court cases through substantial evidence provided by the photographs taken; being instrumental in getting justice for crime victims, as required; cannot be remunerated. Photography could be fun and uplifting to the genuinely interested individuals and to the people who eventually view the photographs. Crime scene photography, in particular, is all business. The interested individual pursuing this career must be patiently observant and accurate of details. This is a very challenging career for someone who is in love with suspense and mystery and solving crimes. There is no regular time or a set office because one is called when a crime is committed irrespective of the hour of the day, the place and location of the crime. Definitely this is not the typical routine 9 to 5 job. This provides the prospective forensic photographer with opportunities to visit different places and locations. Unfortunately, not for rest and relaxation; but to explore different angles of the crime. The ultimate goal is to capture the relevant details that would be used as evidence in court. The contender must be prepared to overcome roadblocks and challenges. He or she must be willing to get up in the middle of the sleep on a cold winter’s night to take shots of cold stricken bodies. Their vision and perception must remain objective at all times and not skewed by emotions. Crime scene photography is a field of endeavor delving into a complex discipline of taking photography of a lifeless body from a crime committed for legal context. It is not a career for people who are squeamish of gory details. It is a career for the brave of heart with a commitment to reveal the truth. There are benefits and sacrifices, just like any other endeavor. But unlike other careers, forensic photography swerves from the ordinary routine tasks with stringent hours and predictable outcomes. It gives the prospective contender the opportunity to use one’s imagination and combine it with exact scientific data and procedures to verify and validate results. Despite the challenges, the reward is magnanimous with the vindication of crimes committed on helpless victims assisted by the expertise and unwavering commitment to uphold the standards of the profession. Until such time that the courts of law confirm the verdict, a crime scene photographer’s task is far from over. This, I know, is the career for me. Works Cited Gibbons, Jennifer. “The History of Forensic Photography.” eHow.com. n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. Moenssens, Andre A. “The Origin of Legal Photography.” Forensic-Evidence.com. 05 Feb. 2004. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. International Association for Identification (IAI). “Forensic Photography Certification Requirements.” n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2009. Echaore-McDavid, Susan & McDavid, Richard A. Career Opportunities in Forensic Science. Ferguson Publishing Company; 1 edition. April 30, 2008. Print. Insideprison.com. “Average Salary of a Crime Scene Investigator.” 2006. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. Read More