1909 New York Mug Shot: Early Police Procedures

This 1909 mug shot from the New York City Police Department captures a significant moment in the evolution of law enforcement practices. During this period, mug shot procedures were becoming standardized, marking an important shift in how police documented and identified offenders. The use of photographic evidence was gaining traction, allowing law enforcement to create a more reliable record of criminal activity and manage an increasing urban population.

The photograph serves as a glimpse into early 20th-century policing in one of America’s largest cities. The detailed record-keeping practices of the police foresaw the use of photography in criminal justice—practices that are now essential in modern law enforcement. Photographs like this one not only document individual cases but also reveal broader trends in crime and the social issues of the time. It highlights how photographic techniques began to play a crucial role in maintaining order amid the complexities of a rapidly industrializing society.