Video/Imaging Technology and 

Analysis (VITAL) Subcommittee Christina Malone, Chair
Who we are...
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Video/Imaging Technology and 

Analysis (VITAL)

Focuses on standards and 

guidelines related to the 

application of methods and 

technologies to analyze 

information related to forensic 

imagery from a variety of systems.

This encompasses aspects of 

capture, storage, processing, 

archiving, quality assurance and 

training. 
Task Groups:

Image Analysis

Photography

Video Analysis

Exploratory Task 

Group on Gait 

Analysis

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Imaging Technology

is embedded across all forensic disciplines

Used for Documentation 

and

Analysis
What we’re doing...
Standards - VITAL

• Related to the application of methods and technologies to analyze 

information related to forensic imagery from a variety of systems

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OSAC Work Products -

VITAL

• Lexicon

• Research Needs

• Technical Guidance Documents

• References

• Webinars, Presentations & Training 

Videos

• Discipline-Specific Bibliographies and 

Bibliographic References

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How we’re doing it...
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Scientific and Technical Review Panels (STRP)

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Phase 1 

(Kickoff – Day 30)

• STRP convenes to review, discuss, and 

clarify

Phase 2 

(Day 31 – Day 60)

• SC reviews the initial STRP feedback and 

considers updates

Phase 3 

(Day 61 - Day 90)

• STRP reviews the updated draft standard 

and develops the STRP final report
Who we’re working 

with...
Partnerships

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OSAC

ASTM

VITAL

SWGDE
SSO and SDOs 

• SSO – Standards Setting 

Organization

• SDO – Standards Developing 

Organization
ASTM
SWGDE
Where we’re at...
Standards on the 

Registry - Published

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• ASTM E2916-19e1 Standard 

Terminology for Digital and 

Multimedia Examinations

• Drafted in collaborations with 

OSAC’s Digital Evidence, Facial 

Identification, and VITAL 

Subcommittees

• Compilation of terms and 

definitions used in the examination 

of digital and multimedia evidence
Standards on the 

Registry - Published

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• ASTM E3235-21 Standard 

Practice for Latent Print Evidence 

Imaging Resolution

• Provides recommendations on 

the resolving power standards 

that enables recording of level 

3 details of latent print 

evidence that are suitable for 

comparison purposes using a 

digital camera, a flatbed 

scanner, or other image 

capture device
Standards on the 

Registry – OSAC 

Proposed

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• OSAC 2021-S-0013 Standard 

Guide for Post Mortem 

Examination Photography

• provides procedures describing 

specific photography and lighting 

techniques for documenting 

postmortem examinations
Standards on the 

Registry – OSAC 

Proposed

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• OSAC 2021-S-0027 Standard 

Guide for Laboratory 

Photography

• Provides guidelines for the 

photographic documentation of 

evidence in the laboratory or 

another controlled environment
Standards in 

Progress –

At STRP

• OSAC 2021-S-0037 Standard Guide 

for Photogrammetry

• Provides basic information on 

conducting photogrammetric 

examinations as a part of forensic 

analysis

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Standards in 

Progress –

At STRP

• OSAC 2021-S-0036 Standard Guide 

for Image Authentication

• Provides information on the 

evidentiary value, methodology, 

and limitations when conducting 

an image authentication 

examination as a part of forensic 

analysis

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Standards in 

Progress –

Draft 

complete

• OSAC 2022-S-0031 Standard Guide 

for Forensic Digital Video 

Examination Workflow

• Provides a generalized workflow 

suitable for all digital video 

examinations performed to 

address forensic questions

• Includes the assessment, 

processing, and analysis of video 

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Standards in 

Progress –

Draft 

complete

• Standard Practice for Training in the 

Areas of Video Analysis, Image 

Analysis, and Photography

• Describes the minimum criteria 

for training-to-competency 

programs in technical topics 

related to the disciplines of 

forensic video analysis, image 

analysis, and photography

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Standards in 

Progress -

In draft

• Standard Guide for 

Photographing Scars, Marks, 

and Tattoos

• Outlines best practices for 

photographing scars, marks, 

and tattoos on living or 

deceased persons to achieve 

high quality images and 

optimize database searches 

and manual comparisons

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Standards in 

Progress –

Collaborations

• OSAC 2022-S-0001 Standard Guide 

for Image Comparison 

Conclusions/Opinions

• Defines conclusion/opinion 

categories that shall be reached 

by a practitioner performing 

comparisons of people, objects, 

or scenes captured in images 

(e.g., faces, vehicles, clothing, 

skin details), regardless of the 

process by which opinions are 

reached

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Standards in 

Progress –

Collaborations

• Standard Guide on Process Based 

Quality Assurance Criteria for Digital 

and Multimedia Evidence

• Outlines minimum quality 

assurance and control 

requirements specific to 

examining digital and multimedia 

evidence (DME); which may 

include assessing, processing and 

analyzing items

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Standards in 

Progress – at 

SDO

• Standard Practice for Data Retrieval from 

Digital CCTV Systems (WK61709)

• Standard Guide for Crime Scene 

Photography 

• ASTM E2825-21 Standard Guide for Forensic 

Digital Image Processing

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www.astm.org
Standards in 

Progress –

AT SWGDE

• SWGDE Best Practices for Image Content 

Analysis

• SWGDE Requirements for Report Writing in 

Digital and Multimedia Forensics

• SWGDE Best Practices for Archiving Digital 

and Multimedia Evidence

• SWGDE Guidelines for Validation Testing

• SWGDE Best Practices for Photographic 

Comparison for All Disciplines 

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www.swgde.org
Research Needs

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Other Work Products

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Get Involved: • Apply to join OSAC • https://www.nist.gov • Designate VITAL • Apply to join ASTM • Apply to join SWGDE
Thank you

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science