Division of State Fire Marshal

Bureau of Forensic Fire and Explosives Analysis

Imaging Services

The Bureau offers a variety of Imaging Services. The original is a Digital Darkroom where digital images (from digital cameras) of crime scenes are processed, placed into a database, and archived. The digital darkroom is also equipped to scan conventionally developed photographs into a digital format for archival and processing purposes. The digital darkroom processed over 68,010 images from 2,607 cases from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007.

The Bureau also has the ability to import, analyze, manage, and archive video from most video media. The placement of closed circuit security cameras has grown significantly. It is estimated that each of us is caught on film from eight to twelve times each day. These cameras are in ATM machines, businesses, government buildings, private residences, etc. As these cameras capture images, they often will capture either individuals committing a crime or individuals associated with a crime. It is logical then that these images have become an important piece of the investigative puzzle. A total of 91 video cases were processed and analyzed during the 2006 calendar year. In some cases, the Bureau can aid in the physical recovery and restoration of damaged video capture devices and media. As an extension of its video work, the Bureau has the ability to perform limited audio processing. Please contact either Carl Chasteen or Brock Dietz at the Bureau if you have a video or audio request.

Film, flashcards, video tapes, compact disks, DVD's, etc. may be mailed to the Bureau (Photo Laboratory Request Form DFS-K5-1112). In some instances, limited numbers of images for processing may be submitted via e-mail (there is a limit as to the size of the files that can be effectively sent and downloaded). Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations investigators have access to a shared virtual drive allowing a more convenient submission of images.

 

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