NCJ Number
220892
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: October/November 2007 Pages: 30,32,34,36
Date Published
October 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how laser technology locates more evidence in less time and generates higher quality of data compared to any other technology in the field of crime scene investigative work.
Abstract
Lasers have long provided superior trace evidence recovery capabilities to large or well funded law enforcement agencies. It is believed that the newest generation of hand held lasers delivers the combination of affordability, ease of use, and one-sweep capability that will make them both accessible and indispensable to all agencies. This new type of lightweight, portable green laser can capture all possible evidence types (serological prints, fibers, accelerants, and more) with greater sensitivity and efficacy than multiple conventional sweeps with filters. The new laser requires virtually no operational or optimization training, meaning that crime scenes can be processed sooner, faster, and more economically than ever before. This article discusses how the laser delivers these benefits and shows some crime scene reconstruction data representative of two recent cases, a juvenile rape case and a breaking and entering case.