1. Forensic Photography

2. What is NAAFIS ?
NAAFIS is a 501c(3) non-profit education charity  founded by professionals in the forensic, biometrics, intelligence and law enforcement communities to support primary, secondary & post-secondary education to better prepare students for careers in the forensic and investigative sciences
The heart of the NAAFIS mission is helping kids become prepared for professional success and understand what will be expected of them both at the collegiate level and in the "real-world" after they leave school begin their careers.

3. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

5. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

6. THIS IS FORENSIC SCIENCE

11. 3 Items things that should be in Every Latent Print Photo
Latent Fingerprint Imaging
3 Items things that should be in Every Latent Print Photo
A Scale or Measuring Device
Contextual Data
The Print Itself
LAB | | Q | SGF | AJS MM

12. Latent Fingerprint Imaging > The Scale
LAB | | Q | SGF | AJS MM
To ensure proper measurements, it is essential to properly align the scale on the same plane as the object.

13. Latent Fingerprint Imaging > 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” .

14. > Contextual Data Data Requirements: Case Number Date Item Number
Latent Fingerprint Imaging
> Contextual Data
Data Requirements:
Case Number
Date
Item Number
Development Process
Technician Initials
LAB | | Q | SGF | AJS MM

15. Latent Fingerprint Imaging > Parallel Object/Focal Plane
Object 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.

16. Latent Fingerprint Imaging > Equipment Setup
Things to keep in mind:
Shallow Depth of Field
Light & Material Setup
Improvised Shooting Accessories “The Light Box”
Lighting the Scale

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

18. > Forensic Light Sources
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

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

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

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

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

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. Forensic Light Sources > How are they used?
Dye Stain nm
FLS Used
R6-G
532nm
LASER
Ardrox
365nm
Long Wave UV
MBD
455nm
Crimescope

30. 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

31. QUESTIONS?