Photo & Imaging

Photographic Operations and 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.