Forensic Odontology, Part 3: Advanced Photographic Techniques (From Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation, Fourth Edition, P 287-291, 2006, Werner U. Spitz and Daniel J. Spitz, eds. -- See NCJ-214126)

• NCJ Number: 214139
• Author(s): Gregory S. Golden
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper describes the use of reflective ultra violet (UVA) and alternate light imaging (ALI) in photographing bite mark evidence.

Abstract

The use of UVA photography to produce images of bite mark injuries enhances the surface detail of the skin. Bruising under the skin caused by bite marks can be so extensive that details of the teeth impressions left in the skin are obscured. UVA photography can capture the detail of the skin's surface, which in turn can reveal the suspect's distinctive dental features left by his/her bite. The author describes the equipment and the procedure used in the UVA photographing of bite marks left in skin. Another photographic technique for producing enhanced images of bite marks involves the use of ALI (fluorescence). In describing what happens in this process, the author explains what occurs when a high-intensity, narrow band of filtered visible light strikes an object. Unlike UVA, ALI must be done in total darkness except for the illumination of the light source. An aged bite mark on a living victim may no longer have any distinguishing surface features. Photography with ALI can capture bruising patterns that remain under the skin, which may enhance the details of the bite marks. Individual tooth characteristics may become more visible. The use of a digital camera with these lighting techniques is also discussed. 2 figures and 11 references