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FORENSIC LIGHT SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
A Forensic Light Source is a light that may contain one or multiple components of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV light, Visible light, IR light). The user is able to select individual wavelengths to aid in the visualization of evidence during crime scene investigations and/or laboratory processing.
Flashlight
White light flashlights are useful tools for searching for evidence on scene as well and searching for evidence on items during laboratory processing.
Turn on the light source.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles.
Document what is observed with photography.
Document what is observed with photography.
LASER
LASERs are typically used in a laboratory setting due to their size. They are typically used to help visualize latent prints that have been developed with enhancement chemicals. In general, the will produce wavelengths between the 445-577nm range.
Select the appropriate barrier filter goggles to wear while using the light source.
In general, barrier filter goggles should be selected as follows:
Wavelength 0f 415-445nm = Yellow barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 455-515nm = Orange barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 535-575nm = Red barrier filter goggles
Turn on the light source. LASERs are very powerful, avoid pointing the light source directly at yourself or others.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles. Cycle through wavelengths to choose one that is appropriate for what you are searching for. For more guidance on what wavelength to choose, select one of the following laboratory processes:
Document what is observed with photopraphy.
Alternate Light Source
Alternate Light Sources can be used on scene and in the processing laboratory to not only visualize latent print evidence, but other biological and trace evidence as well.
Select the appropriate barrier filter goggles to wear while using the light source.
In general, barrier filter goggles should be selected as follows:
Wavelength of 300-400 nm = Clear barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 415-445nm = Yellow barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 455-515nm = Orange barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 535-575nm = Red barrier filter goggles
Select the wavelength that is appropriate for what you are searching for.
Hair – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Bone – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Teeth – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Bite Marks – 415-535nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Bruises – 445-555nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Gunshot Residue – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Blood – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Semen/Saliva – UV and Clear/Yellow Goggles
For more guidance on what wavelength to choose for a latent print enhancement chemical, select one of the following laboratory processes:
Turn on the light source. Avoid pointing the light source directly at yourself or others.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles.
Document what is observed with photopraphy.
RUVIS
Reflective Ultra Violet Imaging Systems are used by shining short wave UV light on a surface. When the UV light hits latent prints on the surface, it reflects and scatters, and the RUVIS captures the scatter light and creates an image. RUVIS is typically used to examine latent print impressions on non-porous and semi-porous surface before and after cyanoacrylate fuming.
Since the RUVIS system utilizes short wave UV light, the user may get sunburned without appropriate protection. Skin and eyes should be covered when using the RUVIS. This may include a long sleeved labcoat that buttons up the neck, clear goggles, a face shield, and/or sunscreen.
Turn on the light source and the RUVIS. Avoid pointing the light source directly at yourself or others.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles.
Document what is observed with photography.
FSIS
Full Spectrum Imaging Systems are all encompassing light sources, producing wavelengths that fall into the UV, Visible and IR spectrum areas. They can be used on scene and in a laboratory to visualize latent print, biological and trace evidence.
Select the appropriate barrier filter goggles to wear while using the light source.
In general, barrier filter goggles should be selected as follows:
Wavelength of 300-400 nm = Clear barrier filter goggles
Wavelength 0f 415-445nm = Yellow barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 455-515nm = Orange barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 535-575nm = Red barrier filter goggles
Select the wavelength that is appropriate for what you are searching for.
Hair – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Bone – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Teeth – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Bite Marks – 415-535nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Bruises – 445-555nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Gunshot Residue – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Blood – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Semen/Saliva – UV and Clear/Yellow Goggles
For more guidance on what wavelength to choose for a latent print enhancement chemical, select one of the following laboratory processes:
Turn on the light source and the FSIS. If using the UV wavelength, the user may get sunburned without appropriate protection. Skin and eyes should be covered when using the FSIS in the UV range. This may include a long sleeved labcoat that buttons up the neck, clear goggles, a face shield, and/or sunscreen.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles.
Document what is observed with photography.
Crime-Lite Auto
The Crime-Lite Auto is an all encompassing light source, producing wavelengths that fall into the UV, Visible and IR spectrum areas. It can be used on scene and in a laboratory to visualize latent print, biological and trace evidence.
Select the appropriate barrier filter goggles to wear while using the light source.
In general, barrier filter goggles should be selected as follows:
Wavelength of 300-400 nm = Clear barrier filter goggles
Wavelength 0f 415-445nm = Yellow barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 455-515nm = Orange barrier filter goggles
Wavelength of 535-575nm = Red barrier filter goggles
Select the wavelength that is appropriate for what you are searching for.
Hair – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Bone – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Teeth – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Bite Marks – 415-535nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Bruises – 445-555nm and Yellow/Orange/Red Goggles (depending on wavelength)
Gunshot Residue – 455nm and Orange Goggles
Blood – 415nm and Yellow Goggles
Semen/Saliva – UV and Clear/Yellow Goggles
For more guidance on what wavelength to choose for a latent print enhancement chemical, select one of the following laboratory processes:
Turn on the Crime-Lite Auto.
Inspect the surface by shining the light source on the surface at a variety of angles.
Document what is observed with photography.
The Crime-Lite Auto is also a digital camera, so photographic documentation of what is observed can be captured directly in the associated software.