JFI Abstracts from 2024

Issue 1: Apr - Jun 2024 

POSME Suspension Powder for Aged Latent Print Development: A Limited Replication Study and Review

Author(s): Heaston, Genevieve Dewey
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 2, Page 112
Abstract: In a recently published JFI article [1], the Central Fingerprint Development Laboratory or Unitat Central d’Inspeccions Oculars in Barcelona, Spain detailed the development and use of a suspension powder named Powder Suspension of Mossos d’Esquadra (POSME). This suspension was designed specifically to enhance visualization of aged latent prints on a variety of surfaces. The Omaha Police Department Latent Print Examination Squad replicated two components of this study (glass and plastic) and added a new surface, a vehicle car door. The results of this performance study supports the conclusion of the original researchers that the application of POSME suspension powder solution after the use of traditional powders enhances visualization of latent print ridge detail on certain non-porous surfaces.

Evaluation of Full Spectrum (IR/UV) Photography to Visualize Latent Fingerprints on Difficult Surfaces

Author(s): Judd, Nicole R. M.; Knaap, Wade; Lowe, Amanda
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 2, Page 128
Abstract: Full-spectrum (IR/UV) photography has the potential to capture and visualize infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light that traditional digital-single-lens-reflex (DSLR) photography cannot capture. The purpose of this study was to determine if IR/UV photography could visualize latent fingerprints on difficult surfaces better than traditionally used DSLR photography. IR/UV photography has been used in various subfields including forensic pathology, odontology, and anthropology with recent uses in fingerprint visualization. This study is the first of its kind to look at the efficacy of visualizing latent fingerprints using IR/UV photography on stainless steel, soft plastic, and pig skin. Four donors aged 16 to 56 years deposited six fingerprints onto three substrates; stainless steel, soft plastic, pig skin. Each fingerprint was photographed with five different camera-light combinations before processing and after processing with UV-fluorescent fingerprint powder creating a total sample size of 360 fingerprint photographs. Each photograph was individually graded using the Bandey Scale (Home Office fingerprint evaluation scale) and results were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. The tests showed no statistical significance in fingerprint grading between the various camera-light combinations both with and without processing.

A 3D-Printed Portable Episcopic Coaxial Illumination Device for Fingermark Enhancement at Crime Scenes

Author(s): Williams, Zacchary; Spikmans, Val; Ebeyan, Robert; Riley, Brenden
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 2, Page 143
Abstract: Crime scene investigators have limited non-destructive optical techniques available for use at scenes for fingermark enhancement on flat and reflective surfaces, such as glass, metal and plastic. If standard optical techniques, such as diffused ref lection photography, fail, investigators are generally left to employ destructive techniques, including the application of fingerprint powders or chemical reagents. Episcopic Coaxial Illumination (ECI) is an alternate optical technique for flat, reflective surfaces that produces a contrasting dark fingermark impression against a light background without the need for physical or chemical treatments. ECI is a common technique employed in laboratory settings and, although commercial portable ECI devices have recently become available, they are not designed for use with generic photographic equipment that is carried by crime scene officers as part of their standard kit. This research developed a portable and cost-effective ECI device that is 3D-printed and can be attached to any camera lens. The portable ECI (pECI) device was evaluated in a proof-of-concept, pseudo-operational environment, where the pECI was compared to conventional diffused ref lection photography by photographing latent fingermarks and white powdered fingermarks. Overall, the pECI was able to record the same or more ridge detail compared to conventional diffused ref lection photography on a range of pseudo-operational substrates. The pECI device therefore shows promise for enhancing fingermarks on non-porous surfaces at crime scenes and should be considered alongside routine diffused ref lection enhancement. The developed pECI device can not only be used at routine crime scenes, but also in a laboratory environment, allowing flexibility in operation.

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAV/Drone) in Scene Investigations

Author(s): Pertsev, Roman; Tychyna, Dmytro; Goz, Sergey Goz
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 2, Page 168
Abstract: The investigation of a crime scene is an interrelated system of procedural actions aimed at the detection, fixation, seizure, and examination of traces of an offense. This investigation may ultimately lead to the prosecution of offenders. As new digital technology emerges, law enforcement and emergency responders must care-fully deliberate the introduction of new equipment and software to ensure scientific integrity and legal admissibility of the technology. The usability of drones has increased dramatically over the past two decades, making them an effective tool in various areas of public activity and leading to a significant number of scientific developments. Such technologies have become an everyday and integral part of society due to rapid techno-logical development, computerization, mobility, safety, ease, reliability, affordability and economic benefits. Despite these attractive benefits, drones are characterized by operational limitations due to several critical issues in terms of autonomy of f light, trajectory planning, battery life, f light time, and payload capacity. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to provide practical recommendations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the investigation of offenses. The provisions and practical recommendations presented in this article are relevant in the context of the use of modern technology for inspecting crime scenes.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy, CLPE
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 2, Page 181
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.

Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2024 

The Law Enforcement Agency Forensic Anthropologist

Author(s): Friedlander, Hanna; Kim, Jaymelee J.
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 1, Page 1
Abstract: Recent scholarship has emphasized professionaliza-tion within anthropology specific to forensic anthropology. In these debates, issues of certification, expertise, training, compensation, and job placement have been underscored. As research expands in biological, archaeological, and cultural issues pertinent to forensic anthropological work, the abilities and potential areas of specialization continue to rapidly expand. Yet, in the United States, many medical examiner’s offices contract forensic anthropologists or individuals trained in a related field on a part-time basis. Here, this paper draws on existing literature and professional experience to put forth an alter-native area of employment specifically for anthropologists – the law enforcement anthropologist. This paper argues for the use of full-time, civilian forensic anthropologists in law enforcement agencies that can collaborate with anthropologists associated with the medical examiner's office. It can be seen that law enforcement agency anthropologist can use anthropological training to increase success in search and recovery operations, securing fragile crime scenes (e.g., fatal fires), processing remains, consider biocultural issues, and assist in the identification process. Having an anthropologist situated within law enforcement not only provides another avenue of professional employment, but streamlines communication between law enforcement and the medical examiner's office, sensitizes law enforcement to the vital contributions of forensic anthropologists, and enhances the identification process.

Fingerprint Transfer Mechanism to Adhesive Tapes Through Latex Gloves

Author(s): Aronson, Ayal; Grimberg, Ziv; Cohen, Yaron; Levin-Elad, Michal
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 1, Page 17
Abstract: Abstract: In forensic science, latex gloves are used to prevent law enforcement personnel from contaminating crime scenes or evidence with DNA or marks from the hands. Law enforcement personnel, how-ever, are not the only people who want to avoid leaving DNA or latent marks at a crime scene. Perpetrators of crimes may also wear latex gloves. Alas, several forensic scientists reported that in certain cases even while wearing latex gloves, fingerprints transferred to adhesive tapes while attempting to process the tape for latent marks. Pressure sensitive tapes tend to be ideal surfaces for recovering latent marks and are commonly encountered in criminal cases involving drug pack-aging, explosive devices, or violent crimes (e.g., binding a victim's hands and feet). When a latent mark is developed on the adhesive sur-face of the tape, it may not be obvious if the latent mark was made by a bare finger or a gloved finger. Knowing that a suspect wore gloves could sometimes discourage the investigation unit from performing fingermark development procedures, as the odds to recover evidence successfully are limited. This study examines the feasibility of the transfer of friction ridge details through latex gloves to different types of adhesive tapes and uncovers the required conditions and a possible mechanism for the occurrence of this phenomenon. The findings of this work show that it is possible to develop and identify fingermarks transferred originally by gloved fingers. This study also shows that visualization of ridge details on adhesive tapes surfaces contain unique characteristics, which aid differentiating between bare or gloved hands.

Forensic Iris Recognition: A Survey

Author(s): Bhuiyan, Rasel Ahmed; Czajka, Adam
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 1, Page 38
Abstract: Iris recognition is a biometric technology that utilizes the feature sets in an individual’s iris for identification purposes. Iris recognition is a non-invasive technique that does not require physical contact with the identified individual. Post-mortem iris recognition refers to using iris images from a deceased person to identify or verify their identity. It has several potential applications, such as forensic investigations and disaster victim identification. However, biological changes after death can cause significant differences between the post-mortem and ante-mortem iris data, which presents challenges for iris-capturing sensors, feature extractors, and iris matchers. This paper surveys existing research on using iris images for post-mortem identification, including a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art and a summary of the latest results and observations. This survey has several unique elements, which provide a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand the capabilities and limitations of post-mortem iris recognition technology. Firstly, we discuss the post-mortem iris recognition steps and biological changes in the iris texture after a person’s death from a medical standpoint. We then present the approaches to address the post-mortem iris recognition problem, including traditional iris recognition techniques, deep learning-based strategies, and interpretable methods. Furthermore, we provide the potential confounding factors that might impact the recognition performance. We also offer a comprehensive review of the publicly available post-mortem iris databases and the evaluation metrics used to assess the performance of post-mortem iris recognition systems. Finally, we conclude the paper by providing a constructive discussion and emerging future research directions.

Fraudulent Latent Prints: A Discussion on Their Implications in Forensic Casework

Author(s): Werner, Hilary; Hudman, Rachel
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 1, Page 63
Abstract: This article reviews a selection of cases involving forged or fabricated friction ridge impressions. Definitions and methods of forged and fabricated friction ridge impressions are described. Although the detection of fraudulent friction ridge impressions by a latent print examiner may be difficult in casework, notable distortion factors from known cases are summarized. Further research regarding methods of forgery and fabrication and formal training of examiners should raise alertness and benefit the criminal justice process.

Recovery of Footwear Impression Evidence Using Portable Three- Dimensional Scanning Technologies: A Pilot Study

Author(s): Harvey, Julia; Liscio, Eugene; Lowe, Amanda; Stotesbury, Theresa
Type: Article
Published: 2024, Volume 74, Issue 1, Page 90
Abstract: Current methods used to document and collect foot-wear impression evidence are destructive and lack high-resolution three-dimensional detail. This study explored the use of non-invasive three-dimensional scanning technologies to document and collect the three-dimensional characteristics of footwear impression evidence. Footwear impressions created in sand and garden soil using a sneaker and a boot (n=4) were documented and collected using a digital single-lens ref lex (DSLR) camera using the photogrammet-ric method, a Polyga Compact L6 structured light scanner, and an Artec Space Spider structured light scanner. The Polyga Compact L6 acted as the high-resolution baseline that most closely represented the actual footwear impressions. Point clouds and meshes were compared in CloudCompare to determine the level of intra-variability between the Artec Space Spider and photogrammetry technologies. The Artec Space Spider was the most accurate of the methods for documentation and collection for all impressions with a mean absolute distance of 0.148 mm or less. Photogrammetry had a mean absolute distance of 0.176 mm or less. It was found that three-dimensional scanning technologies are viable as a compliment for two-dimensional photographs and casting when collecting footwear impression evidence.