[2] The goal of these groups is to open lines of communication between law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories around the world while providing guidance on the use of new and innovative technologies and techniques.
This led the FBI to convene a meeting of individuals working in the field of forensic imaging from federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement, and the U.S. military, during the summer of 1997.
Prior to the inception of SWGIT, some law enforcement agencies began adopting digital imaging technology.
At that time only low resolution digital cameras were deemed affordable by some law enforcement agencies.
When SWGIT was formed, it was tasked with providing guidance to law enforcement and others in the criminal justice system by releasing documents that describe the best practices and guidelines for the use of imaging technology, to include these concerns and many others.
Over the course of its existence, SWGIT collaborated with other Scientific Working Groups to address imaging concerns within their respective disciplines.
In addition to releasing documents, SWGIT members disseminated best practices for law enforcement professionals where imaging technology was concerned.
This was carried out by attending and lecturing at meetings and conferences of various forensic organizations that included: The SWGIT membership consisted of approximately fifty scientists, photographers, instructors, and managers from more than two dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as from the academic and research communities.