1. Forensic Photography

2. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

3. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. THIS IS NOT FORENSIC SCIENCE

5. THIS IS FORENSIC SCIENCE

6. 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.
LAB | | Q | SGF | AJS MM
All latent fingerprint images require a scale, the 5 minimum required data points & the fingerprint itself

7. 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.
LAB | | Q | 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale
Focal plane
LAB | | Q | 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.

12. 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” .

13. 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.
LAB | | Q | 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.

14. 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
LAB | | Q | 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Specific Laboratory Applications > The Scale
Focal plane
LAB | | Q | 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.

18. 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” .

19. 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
LAB | | Q | 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.

20. 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

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

22. 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

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. Introduction > 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

30. 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)

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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 nm
FLS Used
R6-G
532nm
LASER
Ardrox
365nm
Long Wave UV
MBD
455nm
Crimescope

34. 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

35. QUESTIONS?