Before law enforcement developed standardized identification practices, criminals often changed their names like they changed their socks. Those who had no distinguishing marks or could easily alter their appearance (like pickpocket Terrence (Poodle) Murphy, who could quickly grow a full red beard) could go for years without getting caught simply by moving around the country while committing their crimes.

The advent of photography helped. Law enforcement agencies developed “Rogues Galleries” and officers memorizes the faces of notorious criminals before they went out on patrol. Officials also used the gallery to help identify men and women wanted elsewhere when they had them in custody for unrelated crimes.

Many criminals fought being photographed, as it could mark the beginning of the end of their anonymous career.