A single image can change the course of an investigation. It can provide the one piece of evidence linking an offender to a crime. It can make the difference between conviction and acquittal.
Senior Constable Tony Hickland, of Canterbury, has been a police officer for 19 years and a police photographer since 2018. It's a role that he says is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We document the worst of humanity, the poor decisions people make, and the trauma that people inflict on each other, but capturing those images is a vital part of any investigation.”
Making the best use of technology and with an acute eye for detail, forensic photographers take photos that accurately reflect an incident. It could be anything from a crash, a crime scene or injuries, to weapons or a body. These images support investigations and are used in court as evidence.
Photographers like Tony have the skills of any professional photographer and the experience of a frontline police officer.
“We look for the obvious and the not so obvious,” says Tony. “What looks out of place? What’s missing here?
“It’s certainly not for everyone, but knowing that the next photo I take could be the clincher in a crime and help hold an offender to account – that’s what continues to drive me.”
Watch Tony talk about his craft and some memorable moments from his career in the video at the top of this page