Advancements in technology have made criminal investigations much more efficient and effective. As well, there have been significant increases in a variety of technological jobs in the justice system. One such career is a Legal Videographer. A Legal Videographer, also known as a Forensic Videographer, Court Videographer, or Video Court Reporter, is responsible for using multimedia equipment to record digital images and video for court cases, recording evidence at crime scenes, enhancing poor quality analog and digital images, assessing the validity of video, and recording court trials. They are also involved with recording contracts, wills, and reconstructing incidents such as accident scenes. A Legal Videographer produces legal video, forensic video, and courtroom video evidence. The practice is also referred to as Forensic Videography, Legal Videography, and Court Videography.



There are number of steps one can take to become a Legal Videographer that include:

Experience: Experience is essential to obtaining a career in legal videography. You should work or volunteer helping other videographers. You can also practice by making your own compilation of videos such as short films or documentaries. As well, you can take training workshops taught by professional videographers. Ask other legal videographers for advice about gaining experience. One may even offer you the chance volunteer with him or her.

Education: Currently it is not compulsory to have a degree in Videography, but it would give you a competitive edge to have completed courses in videography, forensics and criminal justice. It is important to have some type of education background in videography and criminal justice. There are videography programs available at a number of trade schools. You will learn all about videography such as the process of editing.

Acquire Videography Equipment: If you are working with a Videographer or taking a videography program, you will need such equipment as film or digital video-camera, a tripod, hand-held lights, monitors, editing equipment, and other video camera gear. With a digital video camera, there is excellent software on the market that allows for editing.

Certification: The American Guild of Certified Videographers states that “a certified professional is not only better equipped to handle jobs once he starts working, but is also in a better position as far as marketing.” Becoming a Certified Legal Videographer is not a complicated endeavor. The types of certification available include: Certified Deposition Video Specialist, Certified Video Documentary Specialist, Certified Court Video Specialist (certified to do both video depositions and settlement documentaries,) Certified Legal Video Instructor (certified to instruct and validate other videographers,) and a Certified Senior Court Videographer. To be a Legal Videographer, it is recommended that you obtain a combination of certificates.

Legal Videographers are fast becoming an indispensable part of the criminal justice system. Career options for legal videographers are increasing across the country. Most courts are now implementing high tech methods making legal videographers in great demand. There is also a shortage of professionally-trained legal videographers which makes this career a great choice.

The services of Legal Videographers are expected to increase in demand. A career in legal videography is an exciting and fascinating field for anyone who has a passion to work in the justice system.