Photographic & Imaging
Mission
The Photographic Operations and Imaging Services Unit (POISU) provides investigative/forensic photography, imaging, and photographic
processing support for federal, state, local, and international law enforcement
investigations. The POISU also captures, processes, and produces photographic
images utilizing traditional silver based methods, as well as digital imaging
technologies. The POISU manages the FBI photographic program and is responsible
for the oversight and management of the field photographic program encompassing
over 125 full time and back up photographers in the 56 field divisions.
The Team
Program analyst, management and program assistant, supervisory photographer,
scientific and technical photographers (site survey, aerial coordinator, aerial
mission, equipment/inventory, concealments/repairs), equipment specialist, production
controller, quality assurance specialist, and logistics management specialist
The Work
Operations and Training
Provide photographic support and services
directly to the Laboratory Division, FBI Headquarters,
and field offices. These
services include forensic, crime scene, and evidentiary photography.
Additionally, as its name implies, the sub-unit is responsible
for all photographic training in the FBI for new agents,
field photographers, and outside agencies. Instruction on virtually
every aspect of photography and digital imaging is provided by
this sub unit.
Photographic Equipment and Support
Produce over 1.5 million photographs
annually, ranging in size from 4x6 inches to 4x8 feet. Included
in this sub-unit's responsibilities is the oversight of three regional
photographic mini labs, one each in Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Photographic Services
Oversee the FBI Headquarters Portrait Studio,
the Tactical Site Survey Mission, the Aerial Photography
Program, and the Technical
Imaging Group. The Tactical Site Survey Mission works directly
with the Hostage Rescue Team and Special Weapons and Tactics teams
in creating virtual "walk throughs" of special event venues or
high risk locations. The Aerial Program provides oblique and direct
vertical images of infrastructure, crime scenes, special event
venues, as well as other areas for use in investigative and tactical
planning. Finally, the Technical Imaging Group is comprised of
seven photographers dedicated to supporting the Latent Fingerprint
Units of the FBI Lab. This group uses essentially every photographic
technique known to capture, process, and print high quality images
of latent fingerprints.
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