How to Take Criminal Mug Shots

Did you ever wonder how the corrections officers take criminal mug shots? Well, I've taken hundred of them over the years, and its actually fairly easy to do, at least if the inmate cooperates. In fact, it's one of the easiest parts of the job to perform, at least in most cases. So, if you've ever wondered how they go about taking criminal mug shots, here's a general overview of the steps involved in the process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ready the camera before you begin to take the criminal mug shots. Some agencies, even very large ones, use a fairly basic hand held digital camera, while others, will have a wall mounted one. Either way, there are some basic things you'll need to do ahead of time, to make the process quicker for the inmate, and hopefully, keep the inmate cooperative. By getting it ready ahead of time, setting the approximate height and removing the covers, you'll speed up the process for everyone. This will make it much easier to take criminal mug shots when the time comes.

2. Ask the inmate to stand in the predetermined area to take the criminal mug shots. Generally speaking, the inmate photo will be taken in front of a height strip. This is generally painted or glued to a wall in the inmate photo area. Some agencies have done away with the height strips, but maintain a specific area for inmate photos. Either way, you'll need to have them stand in the correct area when you take criminal mug shots.

3. Make final adjustments to the camera, if necessary when you take the criminal mug shots. Minor adjustments to height, focus and zoom may be needed. It's quick and fairly easy to do, but shouldn't be ignored, or they may not turn out well. Keep in mind that if you need to retake the images, you're likely to get less cooperation.

4. Get the inmate plaque ready. This is basically a small plaque that shows the date and inmate number, and occasionally some other types of inmate information, varying a bit by agency. In some cases, the plaque is on a string so it can be worn like a necklace. In other instances, the inmate or a jailer holds the plaque. Criminal mug shots can be taken in a few different ways, but the steps are generally the same.

5. Take the photos needed for the criminal mug shots. Some agencies do a forward facing and specific side facing photo, usually to the inmate's right hand side, while others will take the image from both side facing directions. Be sure to follow your agencies specific guidelines when taking the images, so you don't miss any needed steps.

6. Have the inmate sit back down on the booking chair, or other designated area while you save all of the needed criminal mug shots. Depending on your equipment set up, you may need to send the images electronically to the state and FBI, but it really varies a lot by agency.