Capturing the Criminal Image: From Mug Shot to Surveillance Society
Language: English
Published by Univ of Minnesota Press, 2009
- Hardcover
- Used




Seller: Cloud Runner Books, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.Cloud Runner Books
AbeBooks seller since June 19, 2025
Condition: Used - As new
US$ 52.73
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Hardcover. Like New. Front and rear cloth has some light scuffing. Otherwise as new without defects or flaws. Without dustjacket, as issued. All orders shipped securely in a bubble envelope or box/hard mailer.
Seller Inventory # 00022567
- Title
- Capturing the Criminal Image: From Mug Shot to Surveillance Society
- Author
- Jonathan Finn
- Publisher
- Univ of Minnesota Press
- Publication year
- 2009
- Condition
- Like New
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0816650691
- ISBN 13
- 9780816650699
At the beginning of the twentieth century, criminals, both alleged and convicted, were routinely photographed and fingerprinted-and these visual representations of their criminal nature were archived for possible future use. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, a plethora of new tools-biometrics, DNA analysis, digital imagery, and computer databases-similarly provide new ways for representing the criminal.
Capturing the Criminal Image traces how the act of representing-and watching-is central to modern law enforcement. Jonathan Finn analyzes the development of police photography in the nineteenth century to foreground a critique of three identification practices that are fundamental to current police work: fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and surveillance programs and databases. He shows these practices at work by examining specific police and border-security programs, including several that were established by the U.S. government after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Contemporary law enforcement practices, he argues, position the body as something that is potentially criminal.
As Finn reveals, the collection and archiving of identification data-which consist today of much more than photographs or fingerprints-reflect a reconceptualization of the body itself. And once archived, identification data can be interpreted and reinterpreted according to highly mutable and sometimes dubious conceptions of crime and criminality.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Cloud Runner Books
Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since June 19, 2025
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 5 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 6.00 | US$ 6.00 |
Payment methods
Store description
An independent bookseller located in the Midwest United States.
Specialty
Rare/Collectible/Scholarly-AcademicSeller's business information
MN, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
Terms of Sale
We offer a wide variety of books, including textbooks, collectible editions, popular titles, cookbooks, and more. We are committed to accurate descriptions, careful handling, and excellent customer service.
Condition Guarantee
We carefully inspect every item prior to listing it for sale to ensure accuracy in condition and description. All items are guaranteed to match their listed condition. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, we accept returns within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.
Returns & Refunds
To initiate a return, please use the AbeBooks return process. Full refunds are provided for items returned in their original condition. If the item was damaged, defective, or materially misdescribed, return shipping costs will also be reimbursed.
Shipping
All orders are processed and shipped within 1–2 business days. Items are securely packaged in a bubble mailer or sturdy box to ensure safe delivery. Standard and expedited shipping options are available at checkout. Tracking is provided where applicable.
Rates listed apply to books up to 2 lbs / 1 kg in weight. For heavier or oversized books (such as textbooks, art books, or multi-volume sets), we may contact you after checkout to request additional shipping charges. Buyers may request upgraded courier service (FedEx, UPS, DHL) at actual cost. Please contact us if you prefer this option. We pack all books securely and ship promptly.
Cancellations
Orders may be canceled prior to shipment. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Once an item has shipped, it must be returned to receive a refund.
Customer Service
We welcome questions about items for sale and are happy to provide additional details or photographs upon request, especially for collectible or higher-value items. Please contact us through the AbeBooks messaging system for the fastest response.
Thank you for choosing to shop with us—we appreciate your business!