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The Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) provides education and certification for forensic photographers to ensure professional standards in collecting photographic evidence for use in civil and criminal cases. EPIC certification holders may receive preferred consideration from attorneys or insurance companies. Recertification every four years is required to ensure current proficiency. EPIC certification provides independent and widely recognized verification of professional competence in forensic photography. EPIC has a professional code of conduct and a review process to ensure unbiased evidence production.
The Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) is a non-profit organization that strives to improve professional standards in forensic photography. An education and testing process leading to an EPIC certification has been established. Qualified applicants will have demonstrated, in theory and practice, professional competence in collecting photographic evidence for use in civil and criminal cases. This type of recognition can advance the career of a crime scene specialist or criminal investigator within a law enforcement agency. In the private sector, EPIC certification holders may receive preferred consideration from attorneys or insurance companies seeking to document evidence in a civil claim.
Forensic photography involves documenting a place of interest, the evidence found there, and its method of discovery. Strict rules for gathering evidence are followed to ensure admissibility in court. Proper use of lighting, camera angle, point of view and measurement scale is required. Some photographic evidence can only be recorded with the aid of enhanced lighting such as infrared, ultraviolet or laser. Education in the legal requirements and advanced techniques of forensic photography is one of the main benefits of earning an EPIC certification.
To ensure current proficiency, a photographer must be recertified every four years, a requirement that can be met in one of two ways. The EPIC Evidence Photographers certification test can be taken as a way to meet the requirements. Alternatively, you may complete a minimum of 30 hours of EPIC-sponsored continuing education classes. Recertification has the advantage of assuring employers that the certificate holder has remained actively involved in the field and is familiar with the latest advances.
There is a growing need to monitor professional standards in law enforcement departments and forensic laboratories. This is usually done through accreditation by independent agencies and boards. An EPIC certification provides independent and widely recognized verification of professional competence in forensic photography. Holding this qualification demonstrates the training and proficiency normally expected for departmental accreditation.
EPIC has a professional code of conduct and a review process by which certification can be suspended or revoked. The code of conduct works to ensure that an unbiased record of evidence is produced. Whether this evidence is beneficial or detrimental to the photographer’s employer does not matter for accurate documentation. The process also protects a photographer’s certification if a complaint arises due to a member’s refusal to compromise professional standards. A referral service is also offered for EPIC certified photographers seeking employment in the private sector.
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