City Attorney Buys Film to Replenish LAPD Supply

After learning that the Los Angeles Police Department had run out of film for Polaroid cameras meant to aid domestic violence investigations, Los Angeles City Atty. Jim Hahn this week bought $5,000 worth of film from his office funds.

Seven cases, good for about 4,200 shots, were delivered to police headquarters downtown to fill in the shortage caused by a high demand for the costly color film.

Police use the cameras, purchased by Hahn’s office last June, not only to document injuries caused by domestic abuse but also to photograph gang members’ faces and tattoos, stolen jewelry and seized narcotics.

But the department ran out of the Polaroid Spectra film and officials said they would be unable to replenish the supply until the new fiscal year begins in July. Because of The Times’ inquiries, however, the department scraped together some money. Along with Hahn’s donation, that will ensure officers receive more film.

“Proper documentation of evidence in family violence cases--particularly on-the-spot, instant photographs of injuries--provides the key to successfully and effectively prosecuting batterers,” Hahn said in a statement.