Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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OSAC 2023-N-0001 

Standard Practice for 

Training in the Areas of 

Video Analysis, Image 

Analysis, and Photography

Video / Imaging Technology Analysis Subcommittee 

Digital/Multimedia Scientific Area Committee

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science
Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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OSAC Proposed Standard

OSAC 2023-N-0001 Standard Practice 

for Training in the Areas of 

Video Analysis, Image Analysis, and 

Photography

Prepared by 

VITAL Subcommittee

Version 2.0

May 2023

Disclaimer:

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees 

(OSAC) for Forensic Science following a process that includes an open comment period. This 

Proposed Standard will be submitted to a standards developing organization and is subject to 

change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under 

development by OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts and 

methodologies, may be used by the forensic-science community before the completion of such 

companion publications.

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed Standard 

is not a recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply that the 

equipment, instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose.
Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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Ballot Rationale: This document describes the minimum criteria for training-tocompetency programs in technical topics related to the disciplines of forensic video 

analysis, image analysis, and photography

Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video Analysis, Image Analysis, and 

Photography1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation X XXXX; the number 

immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, 

in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates 

the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (ε) indicates an editorial change 

since the last revision or reapproval. 

1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes the minimum criteria for training-to-competency programs 

in technical topics related to the disciplines of forensic video analysis, image analysis, and 

photography to satisfy Section 5.2 of Practice E2917. These requirements apply to forensic 

photographers and to forensic image and video practitioners.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated 

with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and 

health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:

E2916 Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination

E2917 Practice for Forensic Scientist Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and 

Professional Development Programs

2.2 SWGDE Guidelines:

SWGDE Training Guidelines for Video Analysis, Image Analysis and Photography 

Version: 1.1(February 8, 2016)

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Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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3. Significance and Use

3.1 With the proliferation of electronic devices (e.g., computers, cell phones, security 

cameras), it is difficult to imagine a crime that could not potentially involve digital images or 

video. Due to the prevalence of multimedia evidence, training is necessary in the areas of video 

analysis, image analysis, and photography. 

3.2 Training topics introduced in this document may not fit the needs of individual 

organizations, when job-specific duties are limited to a subset of those listed. Each organization 

should determine the minimum training guidelines for examinations performed.

3.3 Training can quickly become obsolete, and continuing education is needed to maintain 

proficiency.

3.4 Additional training may be needed for new technologies and procedures that are not 

included in this document.

3.5 Refer to additional standards and guidelines for discipline specific guidance that requires 

the use of video analysis, image analysis and photography.

4. Training-to-Competency Programs

4.1 Video analysis, image analysis, and photography play fundamental roles in the 

investigation and prosecution of crimes. The collection, preservation, examination, and analysis 

of video and images require a foundation in the practical application of image science, 

photography, image and video technology, and the law. Because of the paucity of degree or 

certificate programs in multimedia forensic analysis, practitioners have historically relied on 

practical training through law enforcement or vendor-specific programs or both. A forensic 

practitioner of image and video analysis or photography should be capable of integrating their 

knowledge, skills, and abilities in the identification, preservation, documentation, examination, 

analysis, interpretation, reporting, and testimony.
Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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4.2 As in all forensic disciplines, a combination of personal, technical, and professional 

criteria will influence a prospective video or image analysis or photography practitioner’s 

suitability for employment. New employees may be hired provisionally or go through a 

probationary period that requires successful completion of additional training or competency 

testing or both as a prerequisite for continued employment.

4.3 Training program content should be designed to include core elements for each role.

4.3.1 Policy 

4.3.1.1 Organization of the laboratory 

4.3.1.2 Handling of samples and evidentiary material

4.3.1.3 Handling of services and supplies

4.3.1.4 Dealing with requests, and complaints

4.3.1.5 Laboratory information management system (LIMS)

4.3.1.6 Case review process

4.3.1.7 Audits and assessments

4.3.1.8 Proficiency testing process

4.3.2 Legal Issues:

4.3.2.1 Specific legal requirements to include admissibility issues (See 5.3.1.4 of 

ASTM E2917 Legal issues, including expert testimony)

4.3.2.2 Overview of the criminal justice system 

4.3.2.3 Courtroom testimony

4.3.2.4 Moot court exercises, including admissibility issues (e.g., Daubert v. 

Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), Frye v. United States (1923), Federal Rules 

of Evidence (Rules 701-706), etc.)

4.3.2.5 Testimony monitoring

4.3.2.6 Additional legal issues, to be determined in consultation with 

representatives of both prosecution and defense
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Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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4.3.3 Human factors relating to forming opinions in analysis (e.g., cognitive 

bias, task relavent, psycological stressors).2

4.3.4 Discipline-specific topic areas in the training program should include the 

following:

4.3.4.1 Forensic image and video analysis practitioners and photographers shall 

understand the basic principles of digital multimedia evidence handling to include 

integrity of the media, metadata, file structure, and reporting as required by the 

Forensic Science Service Provider (FSSP).

o Multimedia management – knowledge of procedures to protect the security and 

the integrity of images

o Multimedia file types – understand the various image file types and when to use 

(e.g., jpg, RAW, tif, mp4, avi, mov, heic)

o Metadata/EXIF data - understand characteristics of the metadata and how it can 

be modified through distribution

oFile structure - understand characteristics of the file structure such as header and 

footer signature, file hash-identification, and how it can be modified

4.3.4.2 Forensic photographers, to include crime scene and laboratory 

photographers, shall understand basic photography concepts as well as the function 

and use of cameras used by the FSSP. As training may not be necessary in all 

areas, a training program may be customized for the types of evidence a 

photographer will encounter.

o Knowledge of camera equipment – cameras, lenses, filters, flashes, or other 

lighting

o Knowledge of camera operations – date and time settings, image file settings, 

adjustment of ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, manual and auto 

focus, stabilization, lens types, metering modes, and the use of various flash units

o Knowledge of photography concepts - exposure, depth of field, distortion, and 

composition

o General scene documentation – ability to photograph overall, medium, and closerange photographs

2 Quigley-McBride A, Dror IE, Tiffany R, Garrett BL, Kukucka J. 2022. A practical tool for information 

management in forensic decisions: using linear sequential unmasking-expanded (LSU-E) in casework. 

Forensic Science International:Synergy 4: 100216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100216]
Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video 

Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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oExamination documentation – properly document impressions, friction ridge 

evidence, blood spatter, and other pattern evidence

oSubject photography (living and deceased persons) – documentation of subjects, 

to include scars, marks, and tattoos 

oPhotography of vehicles – documentation of the interior and exterior conditions 

of the vehicle, any associated evidence in or around the vehicle, and the vehicle’s 

location

o Knowledge of various lighting techniques for proper documentation of evidence 

o Specialized photography (e.g., trajectory, aerial photography, panoramic 

photography, blood stain patterns, chemiluminescence (e.g., Bluestar®, luminol), 

photomicrography, full spectrum photography (e.g., UV/IR and fluorescence) 

and techniques related to other forensic disciplines) (as necessary)

o Image processing – understand the various basic and advanced techniques used 

to process images and their limitations 

4.3.4.3 Forensic practitioners specializing in image analysis shall understand the 

basic engineering and scientific principles associated with imaging systems which 

include imaging physics, photographic science, human vision and perception, 

image capture and display technologies (both analog and digital), and digital image 

processing.

o Image comparison theory – the background of image comparisons and the 

significance of features depicted in questioned or known objects or images, as 

they relate to forming an opinion regarding source determination.

oPhotogrammetry theory – methods of measuring objects in photographs with 

accuracy

oImaging artifacts – features and characteristics introduced through image 

systems and processing (e.g., compression)

o Advanced image processing techniques – methods to improve clarity of details 

pertaining to aspects of an image’s recorded content

oContent authenticity – methods to determine if content has been altered.

oSource authenticity – methods to determine if the provenance of data has been 

altered

oSignal analysis – methods to determine how signals influence or may be captured 

in image

o Specific domain knowledge for content analysis and comparison
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Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography

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o Knowledge of methodology for comparative analysis - ACE-V, a method which 

entails the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of comparative 

examinations

oStatistics and probability

oEvaluation of measurement of uncertainty

4.3.4.4 In addition to the criteria outlined above for image analysis practitioners, 

forensic practitioners specializing in video analysis shall understand video 

technology fundamentals such as image science, audio principles, video theory

and the acquisition, assessment, processing, and analysis of video evidence.

o Data acquisition - properly recognize, protect, and collect data from DVR 

systems and cloud-based platforms

o Data assessment - examination suitability, file attributes, determination of the 

regions of interest, and the preparation of a working copy to be used during an 

examination

o Knowledge of video analysis tools - hardware and software, including the ability 

to research, evaluate, and properly use third party software and codecs

o Knowledge of processing methods - transcoding, enhancement, restoration, basic 

byte level analysis, and timeline sequence reconstruction

o Knowledge of analysis methods - includes image analysis principles listed above

5. Keywords

5.1 Education; experience; professional development; qualifications; video analysis; image 

analysis; photography; training