How to Become a Forensic Video Analyst in 2022 - Forensic Notes (2023)

If you have ever watched crime scene investigation shows on television, then you’ve probably seen depictions of aForensic Video Analysis expert.

Though television is often not an accurate portrayal of the work, it is a real and important role in solving crimes today.

With the proliferation of smartphones and security cameras today there are more incidents being captured on video than ever before.

Yet, the increase in video evidence cuts both ways. Today a major incident can overwhelm law enforcement agencies with the sheer amount of video that needs to be stored, processed, and reviewed.

Beyond the vast amount of video now available, digital video is much more complex than most people realize. Without proper forensic analysis, the public, law enforcement and the courts should not accept video at its face value.

There are a large number of factors, from the method video is recorded to the color calibration of your monitor. All of this can have a significant impact on what people see and how they interpret the video.

These factors can easily lead to incorrect conclusions about what really happened. If you are passionate about truth and helping people discover it through video, then forensic video analysis might be the career for you.

To learn more, keep on reading.

According to LEVA.org: “Forensic Video Analysis is the scientific examination, comparison and/or evaluation of video in legal matters.”

For a video or audio recording to be used in a legal proceeding it must first be validated to ensure that the evidence is authentic and suitable for court purposes.

A forensics videoanalyst must also determine which facts or pieces of evidence might be relevant to the case.

Knowledge of evidence handling and technical expertise isn’t enough. This field also requires a high level of critical thinking. There are number of jobs titles you will see in the Forensic Video field.

The most common titles are Forensic Video Analyst (FVA) &Forensic Video Technician (FVT).

Have you ever heard the expression the “The camera cannot lie”?

Well, the reality is the way video and images are captured can have a dramatic impact on how people interpret what they see – and often leading to incorrect conclusions.

This is why forensic video analysts are essential when any videos (or images) are submitted as evidence during a trial.

There are a tremendous number of camera makes and models on the market today, including dedicated digital photography cameras, action cameras (ie. Go-Pro), smartphones, and of course security system cameras.

File formats can vary, as well as settings for recording video, such as frames per second (fps) or video resolution.

These can all factor into how and what video information is stored.A forensic video analyst must understand all of this to prevent a misinterpretation of what a video appears to show, such as colors or perhaps the speed of events unfolding in the video.In a criminal case, where a video could be very important to proving someone’s innocence or guilt, these factors can be very important.

Here are some examples:

Color Distortion

Perhaps the most famous example of how image can be deceptive is the viral photo thedress back in 2015. What was unique about this image, was that people strongly were divided on the whether the dress was “white and gold” or “black and blue”.

This is generally not the case, where a camera may affect how the image appears, but most people still agree they see the same colors.

However, is this a useful reminder of carefully assessing and examining an image before we trust it.

Frame Rates

One component of video is the frame rate, measured in frames per second (FPS).

Common frame rates include 30 or 60 FPS. Yet, FPS does not always stay consistent and can vary during a length of video footage.

When the FPS dips, our brains subconsciously fill in the blanks and we are very unlikely to notice.Fortunately, with 30 FPS or higher, a dropped frame doesn’t make a big difference. But with low frame rates found in many CCTV recorders that may use only a few FPS, a lost frame can cause us to draw faulty conclusions about what we are observing.

For example, if a video has a FPS of 5, and then the recording dips for a second or two to 1 FPS, our brains will try to fill in the blanks, causing the action to appear to increase in speed.

Learn more about frame rates athttps://ipvm.com/reports/frame-rate-surveillance-guide

Compression

Digital video technology is very different from video was stored on film.

When digital video is recorded, techniques are employed to reduce the size of the video file created – this is referred to as compression.

One method to help compress video is the use of reference frames.For example a video might only take one reference frame for every 30 frames.

This reference frame is actually capturing everything the camera lens sees.

Then the next 29 frames, the software only captures data where it detects a change from the reference frame.

For example, if a person is walking in the top corner of the video, only the portion where change is detected in the follow 29 frames is stored while the rest of image for each frame is actually sourced from the reference frame.

Of course, software is not perfect, and if the camera software does not detect the persons movement, then those frames will give the effect that the person never moved.

These are just a few examples of complexity around video.

Forensics VideoAnalyst are therefore vital in analyzing video and ensuring that individuals are given a fair trial when video evidence is used.

Video clarification may be the most common idea people have when they think of video forensics.

In TV shows, videos forensics is often shown as identifying an impossible to see license plate on car or the face of someone off a reflective object.

Forensic Video Analysts and Technicians can do some amazing things – but it’s important to remember some of what is shown on TV is simply “TV Magic” and not reality.

Fortunately, there a number of great software products that can be used to remove unwanted sound or noise while enhancing the desired sound or video footage critical to the trial.

Also, Forensic Videois not simply about video. Often photos are needed, whether for court or for creating bulletins to be sent out Law Enforcement members or the public.

One example of this is obtain a still image (a single frame) of an unknown suspect captured in surveillance video.

This image (or images) can then be distributed to the police or public to request help in identifying the individual.

It’s important to remember that any type of forensic video analysis needs to be properly documented.

After you’ve verified video evidence and or enhanced elements for greater clarity and you have documented all your work– the most important task still await.

Testifying in court!

As a Forensic Video Analysis Expert, one of the most valuable services a forensic videoprofessional can offer is testifying in court.

Though testifying may not always be necessary, it’s not uncommon for attorneys to question the validity of the video evidence.

You need to be prepared and ready to speak to whatever actions you’ve taken when handling or editing video. This might include:

• Steps in chain of custody of evidence
• Software used in analyzing video
• Any modifications (enhancements) you made to the video
• Possibly providing “expert” opinion on video evidence

Testifying can sound like a daunting task. And likely the first few times it will be.

The key is not only to be knowledgeable, but also be able to express that knowledge in terms the judge and jury canunderstand.

Yet, a lot of cases,

whether criminal or civil, will often be settled without you having to take the stand.

However, for your cases to reach that successful conclusion without your testimony, it will often rely on you preparing accurate and readable reports.

Discovering how to present the facts in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand requires a certain level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Having a method of writing reports is important to the success of your evidence being used accurately in court.

It’s never going to hurt to have post-secondary education.

We aren’t currently aware of any bachelor’s degree dedicated solely to field of forensic video analysis.

But there are a number of more general forensic program available, some which then offer specific forensic video courses.

When it comes to having specific skills, many public sector employers (such as law enforcement), will provide specialized training required to become a forensic video analyst.

Therefore, the value of a post-secondary education is more to have exposure to critical thinking and writing skills, which will be required and beneficial to truly succeeding in this field.

Successfully obtaining a forensic video analyst or technician position, like most jobs today, is competitive.

Without some sort of post-secondary education, will likely put you at a disadvantage.

As a significant amount of the jobs in this field are with Law Enforcement, perhaps the most important method is to become familiar with Law Enforcement agencies themselves.

The best education for this is “on the job training”.

Volunteering or even applying to other positions in the organization can be important to gain knowledge and experience about working in a Law Enforcement environment.

It’s also an important element of networking, which we discuss later in the article.

Keep in mind if you hope to be employed with a Law Enforcement agency, your integrity and behavior in personal life will also likely be reviewed.

Past academic misconduct (cheating / plagiarism) may prohibit you from getting a job.

In this sense,howyou go about obtaining your education is as important aswhatyou get your education in.

If you are looking to pursue education and training related to the field of Forensic Video Analysis, here are some options for 2020.

NOTE: A number of these programs are not “Forensic Video” specific, but may assist you giving you a stronger academic background on your resume. Some program do offer specific forensicvideocourses in the curriculum.

Marshal University
Offers a graduate certificate designed to provide knowledge and skills for the identification, collection, preservation, and examination of various types of digital evidence. This includes topics from digital forensic analysis policy, and procedure, forensic analysis tools and techniques, as well as quality assurance, legal, and ethical considerations. The program does not require the applicant have any experience in the field of digital forensics.

Learn more about:The Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics

The University of Colorado Denver (National Center for Media Forensics)
Offers perhaps one of the specific and directly related to forensic videoprograms available. Presented in a hybrid format combining mostly online learning with a small portion of concentrated in-person classes within a two-year cohort curriculum. This format allows for students to work full-time while pursuing the degree.

Learn more about:Master of Science in Recording Arts emphasis in Media Forensics

NU (National University)
Though they do not offer a specific forensic video program, NU offers a graduate certificate that can be completed relatively quickly online or on campus.

Learn more about:Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations

BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology)
There are several part-time Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and Advanced Certificate program options to choose from as well as a wide range of professional development workshops offered throughout the year. Two options that offer forensic video courses are:

• Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation
• Advanced Certificate in Forensic Science

Jonathan W. Hak, Q.C. (Expert Instructor)
World-renowned instructor for:
Courtroom Testimony for Expert Witnesses & Forensic Video Legal Analysis

Jonathan is a barrister and solicitor and law lecturer with over 30 years of experience. He is actively involved in researching and writing about the law in relation to the use of video evidence in criminal prosecutions and in the training of forensic video analysts from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries. He also trains lawyers on the subject of forensic video analysis law.

Since 2000, he has been the principal legal instructor for the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association International Inc. (LEVA) where he has presented at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia (2000-2004) and various others locations in North America and the United Kingdom.

Jonathan also developed a dynamic and highly practical course on Courtroom Testimony for Expert Witnesses in any field of expertise. Since 2006, this course has been presented across the United States, Canada, and globally online.

To learn more above Jonathan W. Hak and excellent training he provides, visit:
https://www.jonathanhak.com/

To see current course offerings:
https://www.jonathanhak.com/category/courtroom-testimony-course

Read the InterviewRobert Merriott (founder of Forensic Notes), had the opportunity to interview Jonathan and delve into the importance of note-taking for Expert Witnesses.

Read it at: Expert Witness Testimony Interview with Jonathan W. Hak.

Read the InterviewRobert Merriott (founder of Forensic Notes), had the opportunity to interview Jonathan and delve into the importance of note-taking for Expert Witnesses.

Read it at: Expert Witness Testimony Interview with Jonathan W. Hak.

There are also a number of non-profit groups and vendors that offer certification and specific training on their products.

LEVA (Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association)
Established in 1989, LEVA is nonprofit corporation committed to provide advanced training and certification in the science of forensic video analysis. LEVA serves as a key resource providing opportunities for professional development through quality training and informational exchange.
LEVA offer two certifications: Certified Forensic Video Analyst (CFVA) & Certified Forensic Technician (CFVT).

It is important to note, that many Forensic Video Analyst (FVA) and Forensic Video Technician (FVT) positions in North America specifically require LEVA certification.

Learn more at:https://leva.org/

IAI (International Association of Identification)
According to the IAI the oldest and largest forensic association in the world. The forensic association represents a diverse, knowledgeable and experienced membership that are assembled to educate, share, critique and publish methods, techniques and research in the physical forensic science disciplines.
As a member, you can apply to become a Certified Forensic Video Examiner.

Learn more at:http://theiai.org/forensic_video.php

NATIA (National Technical Investigators Association)
Offers the option to become a Certified Technical Investigator (CTI). A CTI has demonstrated a basic knowledge of audio, video, electronics, tracking, and telephony.
It should be noted that Membership in NATIA is restricted to full-time employees of law enforcement and military agencies who are actively engaged in technical surveillance, communications, and specialized support of the agencies by which they are employed.

Learn more at:https://www.natia.org/certification/

iNPUT-ACE (maker of forensic video software)
Offering both live online and on-demand training; including a number of certification tracks.

Live Online Training options include:

iNPUT-ACE Operator Certification (IAOC)
2-Days of Entry-Level Instruction
Learn more at: https://input-ace.com/online/operator/

iNPUT-ACE Examiner Certification (IAEC)
2-Days of Advanced Instruction
Learn more at: https://input-ace.com/online/examiner-2/

iNPUT-ACE Metrology Certification (IAMC)
2-Days of Specialized Instruction
Learn more at: https://input-ace.com/online/metrologist-2/

On-Demand Training:

Offering 10 different lessons from 10 different experts in the field of video investigations and is eligible for CEU credits.

The first lesson is currently free and taughtby Grant Fredericks, a former police officer with over thirty years of experience leading video-centric criminal investigations. He is a Certified Forensic Video Analyst and a contract instructor at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.

Learn more at: https://input-ace.com/online-training-symposium-3/

Ocean Systems (maker of forensic video software)
Offering a number of courses as short as 4 hours (online) up to 5 days.

• • Forensic Video Analysis – FVA 101 (5 Day)

• • Fundamentals of Video Evidence Recovery & Processing (3 Day)

• • DVR Assessment & Video Recovery (2 Day)

• • Image Clarification & Processing w/ClearID – (4hrs, On-line)

Learn more at:https://www.oceansystems.com/training/training_overview.php

Know of a great Forensic Video Analysis Training or Products ?

Let us know and we will happily add it to this article.

As we mentioned above, it’s not just about having a specific education.

It’s about having a whole range of skills and aptitudes.

Most these are “transferable skills” that you can build and improve while pursing your education and via other employment.

Here a number of areas you will want to develop on your career path to become forensic video professional:

• • Public speaking skills to communicate findings to supervisors or in a courtroom

• • Taking clear notes and identifying key facts that need to be included

• • Detailed observation skills with the ability to pay attention to details for extended periods of time

• • Writing concise relevant scientific reports

• • Understanding and willingness to that follow scientific guidelines and processes

• • Staying unbiased and composed in emotional circumstances

• • Having your own personal integrity, along with a passion for finding out the truth

• • Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

Forensic scientists work is intended to be used in court, so it’s important for the forensic professional to be accurate, methodical, detailed, and above everything else, unbiased.

On top of this, the ability to write clear, concise, accurate reports, and keep detailed notes are crucial to any forensic videoexpert’s job.

Though not every case will require a testimony from a forensic video professional, it’s important to always maintain the quality of your reports should you ever be called to testify in a case.

Poorly written reports will often lead to questions regarding the quality of the work, increasing your odds of having to defend your work in the court room.

As with so many jobs today, networking is a key component to obtain a forensic videoposition.

This is why (as mentioned above) volunteering or applying to unrelated position at a law enforcement agency (or any organization) can be beneficial.

People get to know your name and ideally see your strong work ethic and attention to detail.

It’s important to get make positive associations with people in the Forensic Video Field and the organizations that hire such people.

It’s also important you avoid ‘negative’ associations.

Entering this field, it’s important to consider who you spend time with and have as close friends.

Associating with people tied to criminal activity or illegal drug use could impact your ability gain employment in the forensics field.

Remember, your online life matters too.

Employers are likely to review your social media presence.

It’s important that your behavior online is in line with the expectations of a forensic specialist.

Your work in forensic video analysis will likely bring you to one day testify, and it is not unheard of for the defense to conduct a search of your personal online activity to find information that might indicate you are a biased or an unreliable person.

If, for example, your social media account has numerous posts of you being intoxicated, defense might question whether you were fit to work on the days you completed forensic videoexaminations.

Many agencies will also have in-depth interview process (that may involve a polygraph test) asking detailed question about your life choices and integrity.

Many forensic video professionals work for the federal, state (provincial) and local governments, such as:

• police departments
• crime laboratories

However, competition for this job is high as interest in this job position has increased greatly due to media and television shows such as CSI.

As with any job, your salary is highly dependent on your geographic location and your employer.
Salaries in the United States
There is a large range of salaries in the US.
The average Forensic Computer Analyst makes $70,915 / year (or $27.00 an hour).
On the high end you can expect to make up $117,000 / year (approx. $50.00 an hour).
On the lower end salaries can start at $44,000 / year (approx. $17.65 an hour).

(Source:Payscale.com)

Salaries across Canada
Across Canada wages are very competitive. We’ve seen Municipal Law Enforcement offer civilian positions advertised with hourly rates approx. $34.00 – 55.40 per hour (based on 2017 pay scales).
This breaks down to approximately $70,500 – $115,000 / year.