Forensic Photography www.naafis.org anthony.snyder@naafis.org

THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

THIS IS FORENSIC SCIENCE

Specific Laboratory Applications > Latent Fingerprint Imaging The purpose of capturing a latent fingerprint image is to not only record, document and preserve the developed latent fingerprint but also to facilitate the digital encoding and automated database searching of the recovered latent fingerprints. In order for latent fingerprint images to be ingested by LPEs into the IAFIS and ABIS databases, they must meet established minimum requirements. The first step to meeting these guidelines requires proper image composition BEFORE pushing the camera’s shutter release. LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS MM All latent fingerprint images require a scale, the 5 minimum required data points & the fingerprint itself

Specific Laboratory Applications > Image Requirements Scale: A standard scale, at the same plane of the latent fingerprint is required so that a latent print examiner (LPE) can calibrate the image to 1:1 (actual size). This is essential for proper database encoding. 5 Shown Data Requirements: Lab Number Date Q Number Process Technician Initials The Fingerprint: Always keep in mind that purpose of the image is to capture the fingerprint and it should cover the majority of the image frame. LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS MM Failure to meet image requirements means the latent fingerprint we have taken pains to process, develop and capture – may not be usable for encoding, searching or comparison.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale The ability to accurately scale a latent fingerprint image is essential to Latent Fingerprint Encoding, Searching and Comparisons, but simply tossing a scale in the frame is not sufficient to meet the requirement. Scales must be: On the same plane as the fingerprint Parallel to the camera’s focal plane Visible: in the frame, in focus and properly lighted. Failure to meet image requirements means the latent fingerprint we have taken pains to process, develop and capture – may not be usable for encoding, searching or comparison.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale 26mm 21mm To ensure proper measurements, it is essential to properly align the scale on the same plane as the object.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale Focal plane Object plane It is essential that the fingerprint and scale are parallel to the camera’s focal plane. If the fingerprint is at an angle to the focal plan, it not only effects focusing, but more importantly for latent print photography, it distorts the fingerprint’s measurement.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale Focal plane LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS MM Object plane It is essential that the fingerprint and scale are parallel to the camera’s focal plane. If the fingerprint is at an angle to the focal plan, it not only effects focusing, but more importantly for latent print photography, it distorts the fingerprint’s measurement.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale The “why” behind proper scaling: Latent print examiners (LPEs) use the latent fingerprint images we produce to run encoded searches in the primary FBI, DoD and DHS fingerprint databases. Poorly scaled images can cause missed “hits” .

Specific Laboratory Applications > Shown Data Requirements 5 Shown Data Requirements: The following information must be visible within the latent fingerprint image: Lab Number Date Q Number Process Technician Initials This data not only assures the latent fingerprint is properly documented and associated with the correct case, but also assists the LPEs in conducting comparisons. In the LFOU lab, the Q-Tags generated by the forensic technicians contains this data. LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS MM When composing the image, we need to ensure all the required data is visible in the frame. The data is also contained within the barcode.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Fingerprint FILL THE FRAME! As with all photographic composition, it is expected that the photographer will use the entire frame when deciding on how to compose an image. This is especially important in forensic photography where capturing fine detail at maximum resolution is essential. Minimum Resolution: for Digitally Captured Latent Fingerprint Images when calibrated to 1:1 scale is 1000 PPI When we do not fill the frame with the latent fingerprint, we risk not meeting the minimum resolution requirement. MM LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS Not filling the frame with the fingerprint lowers the overall image resolution when scaled 1:1. The red frame indicates how this print should be composed.

Specific Laboratory Applications > What is 1000ppi @ 1:1 ? 1” 2” = 10 ppi = 5 ppi When the physical dimension of an image is calibrated to the actual life size of the object shown in the image – that is known as 1:1 scale. After the image is calibrated to 1:1 the resolution must be1000 pixels per inch (ppi) without image re-sampling. As shown above, increasing the area shown in the camera frame, reduces the maximum available PPI. > Filling the frame ensures maximum 1:1 resolution

Specific Laboratory Applications > What is 1000ppi @ 1:1 ? This table is based on the SWGFAST standard of 1,000 ppi at 1:1 without resampling.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale Focal plane LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS MM Object plane It is essential that the fingerprint and scale are parallel to the camera’s focal plane. If the fingerprint is at an angle to the focal plan, it not only effects focusing, but more importantly for latent print photography, it distorts the fingerprint’s measurement.

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale The “why” behind proper scaling: Latent print examiners (LPEs) use the latent fingerprint images we produce to run encoded searches in the primary FBI, DoD and DHS fingerprint databases. Poorly scaled images can cause missed “hits” .

Specific Laboratory Applications > The Fingerprint FILL THE FRAME! As with all photographic composition, it is expected that the photographer will use the entire frame when deciding on how to compose an image. This is especially important in forensic photography where capturing fine detail at maximum resolution is essential. Minimum Resolution: for Digitally Captured Latent Fingerprint Images when calibrated to 1:1 scale is 1000 PPI When we do not fill the frame with the latent fingerprint, we risk not meeting the minimum resolution requirement. MM LAB1234567890 | 01012011| Q123456789 | SGF | AJS Not filling the frame with the fingerprint lowers the overall image resolution when scaled 1:1. The red frame indicates how this print should be composed.

Specific Laboratory Applications > Equipment Setup Things to keep in mind: Shallow Depth of Field Light & Material Setup Improvised Shooting Accessories “The Light Box” Lighting the Scale

Lighting the Fingerprint The visible or SGF processed fingerprint is more easily visualized against a black background An example of White Field Lighting

Introduction > Forensic Light Source A Forensic light source is made up of a powerful light containing one or all of the ultra-violet, visible, and infrared components of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. It then filters down or selects the light by individual color bands (wavelengths) that enhance the visualization of evidence by light interaction techniques Electromagnetic Spectrum VISUAL SPECTRUM nanometers (nm) ULTRA VIOLET INFRARED 190 – 290 290 – 400 400 – 430 430 – 490 490 – 575 575 – 590 590 – 620 620 – 700 >700 SHORTWAVE UV LONGWAVE UV VIOLET BLUE GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED IR

Introduction > Forensic Light Source What does it do? White Light Source Evidence

Introduction > Forensic Light Source What does it do? White Light Source Bandpass Blue Filter Evidence

Introduction > Forensic Light Source What does it do? White Light Source Bandpass Blue Filter Longpass Orange Filter Evidence

Fluorescence Introduction > Forensic Light Source Excitation Emission Wavelength Micro-Watts Watts Fluorescence occurs when light of a given wavelength is absorbed by a fluorescent molecule, then followed by the emission of light at longer wavelengths Fluorescence is as much as a million times WEAKER than the light used to cause it. The amount of Fluorescence is directly proportional to the amount of Light that is used to cause it.

Introduction > Forensic Light Source Intensity Orange Longpass Filter Watts Micro-Watts Wavelength 455 nm FLS 540 nm Basic Yellow-40 Using a Blue Wavelength on the FLS, with a Longpass filter on the camera, it is possible to see the Fluorescence of many compounds. Some Fluorescence of backgrounds are not desirable.

Introduction > Forensic Light Source Intensity Watts BP550 Camera Bandpass Filter Wavelength 455 nm FLS 540 nm Basic Yellow-40 600 nm Background Fluorescence Taking advantage of the nature of Bandpass filters, replacing the Longpass filter on the camera, allows for the selection of the Fluorescence of interest. In the above example we have selected for the Fluorescence of the Fingerprint and eliminated the red background contamination. This is Background Rejection.

Introduction > Forensic Light Sources Long Wave UltraViolet 365nm & White Light Used @ 365nm to visualize / photograph Ardrox on RAM processed material TRI-365 Tritan 365 Broad Beam UV

Introduction > Forensic Light Sources Crimescope Variable Wavelengths UV(300-400), 415, 445, 455, 475, 495, CSS, 515, 535, 555, SP575, 600, 630, 670, and white light We will use it @ 455nm to visualize / photograph MBD on RAM processed material Crimescope CS-16-500 (not what we have now – but function is similar)

Introduction > Forensic Light Sources CrimeLite Fixed 455nm Wavelength Small Flashlight Style Mostly used on the processing line to visualize MBD on RAM processed material. Could be used for photography in a pinch. Hand Held 455nm LED Forensic Light Source

Introduction > Forensic Light Sources LASER Fixed 532nm Wavelength Very Intense Used in our lab to visualize / photograph Rhodamine 6G on RAM processed material. Coherent TracER™ Green Forensic Laser Systems

Forensic Light Sources > How are they used? At the LFOU Lab, RAM is the only Super Glue Dye Stain we are using that will require FLS imaging. This makes the LPH job significantly easier, in that it narrows the number of light sources and wavelengths we will use to capture dye-stain developed latent fingerprints When RAM developed latent fingerprint is submitted for imaging, the LPT will have it marked under which FLS the print was best visualized. The LPH may choose use whichever FLS produces the best image capture. RAM Element Visualize @ nm FLS Used R6-G 532nm LASER Ardrox 365nm Long Wave UV MBD 455nm Crimescope

Specific Laboratory Applications > Take the Shot … take several while you’re at it. Improvisation: The most time consuming part of latent print photography is getting the shot composed. That is, getting the material aligned and secured so that the latent is parallel to the focal plane, getting the scale lined up close to and on the same plane as the latent; getting the lighting equipment and accessories set up for the technique you’re using and finally getting the image composed and focused in the camera. After so much trouble, you should take the time to adjust the light and camera settings to get the best possible capture. As in portraiture, slight adjustments in lighting and exposure can make huge differences in the final output

QUESTIONS? www.naafis.org anthony.snyder@naafis.org