Forensic Imaging

Forensic Imaging at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

There is currently one full time photographer and a part time assistant at the VIFM. Duties involve photodocumentation of injuries in both the living (clinical forensic medicine) and the deceased (during autopsy). Injuries, or equally significant in some cases, the lack of injuries are carefully recorded photographically.

Other duties in the forensic imaging department involve scanning of photos and 35mm slides, assistance in preparation for presentations, lectures and conferences, graphic design, teaching of staff and students in forensic photography techniques and audio visual support.

Career Information

The forensic field is small in terms of job opportunities. Most forensic photographers in Victoria are police members and work in the Crime Scene Unit of the Victoria Police. This should not put off students interested in a career in forensic photography but it is wise to be mindful of the job market.

See below for a range of courses that have been completed by forensic photographers employed previously and currently at the Institute:

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Industrial and Scientific Photography) RMIT
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical and Scientific Photography) RMIT
• Bachelor of Science The University of Melbourne
• Certificate IV Forensic Science Swinburne TAFE 

(Note the fact that a course is listed here should not be taken as an endorsement by the VIFM)