1908 NYC Police Measuring Footprints for Crime Studies

This historical photograph from around 1908 captures a critical moment in the evolution of criminal identification, featuring officers from the New York City Police Department engaged in a foot measurement of a suspect. This practice stems from the Bertillon system, pioneered by French criminologist Alphonse Bertillon. Developed in the late 19th century, the system was one of the first methods aimed at accurately identifying individuals through a series of precise body measurements, including foot size, which could help differentiate individuals who might share similar physical characteristics.

The image not only highlights the investigative techniques of the early 20th century but also reflects the transition in law enforcement towards a more systematic approach to crime-solving. At that time, the Bertillon system was revolutionary, moving away from rudimentary methods of identification like photographs or physical descriptions. Instead, it introduced a more scientific method to gather data that could link a suspect to a crime. The photograph serves as a snapshot of this pivotal moment in law enforcement, illustrating how tools and techniques have evolved over time in the pursuit of justice.