Listening to a police scanner, I hear "Any unit with a digital camera on the north end, contact Sierra 11". So, uh, if the police use it, it's probably good. However, I'm sure that any disks used are serialized, and a good chain of custody is maintained.

Now, realize I'm not a lawyer, and really consulting one that deals with DUI's, domestic cases or traffic accidents will be a good thing. Most of the times I've heard the camera being used, it is to record bruisings as a result of batteries, and sometimes car accidents. They can tell you what you need to know.

But, there are some things that may help them be credible in court.

First, most of the newer cards today use encryption to store the actual photo to the portable disk. When you "decrypt" the file you get an image. As long as you cannot write back to the disk an image from outside the camera at anytime, then it is as good as a fingerprint. If you can, then you won't be able to guarantee the authenticity of the digital photograph.

Second, all new digital cameras have a timestamp function. Make sure the date and time are correct.

Third, you're talking "big" items and "low cost/benefit ratio". Is it worth it to professionally edit photographs, risk detection, just so you can save $150 every 6 months? Taking the photograph, along with your statement, will probably serve as a good "complete package" of your testimony.

One things I will do if ever using a digital camera to take photos for legal things, is to take ALOT of pictures, from different angles, distances and finally panoramic shots. The reason being that I would have to digitally alter EVERY SINGLE picture in EVERY SINGLE ANGLE. Make sure key landmarks, or things that can be measured, are included. The simple location of a median with relation to the vehicle may help. Street signs, traffic lights, business signs, and even lane markings. If need be, someone can go into the "real world" and measure all those things. With the timestamp function, you might even be able to find things that confirm times. i.e. a police officer/ambulance/fire truck, taxi was known to be responding to another call. Maybe even the traffic light timing might confirm the time.

All of this together can reduce the possibility that the photo has been altered. Plus, someone can print these photos out and go around asking potential witnesses if this is what they saw.

Consider using the movie recording function, if your camera is equipped.