Historic NYC Police Measuring Techniques, 1908

This photograph captures an intriguing moment in law enforcement history, showcasing a New York City police officer using the Bertillon system around 1908. The Bertillon system was a groundbreaking approach developed by Alphonse Bertillon in the late 19th century. It involved taking precise measurements of various body parts—most notably the head—to create a unique profile of individuals. This technique was one of the first scientific methods aimed at improving criminal identification, influencing future practices in forensic science.

The image highlights an era when police work was transitioning from anecdotal methods to more systematic approaches. Before fingerprints became the standard, Bertillon measurements were considered a reliable way to prevent criminals from escaping identification. As the officer meticulously measures the subjects head, this snapshot illustrates the early days of modern policing and the innovative techniques that laid the groundwork for todays identification methods. The photograph serves as a historical marker of the evolution in crime-solving practices.