NCJ Number
207835
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 134,136,138,140
Date Published
October 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how alternative light sources (ALS) and forensic light sources (FLS) help illuminate trace evidence.
Abstract
Identifying trace evidence is crucial to reconstructing crimes and identifying suspects. A variety of ALS’s are used to help improve the visualization of trace evidence. Additionally, ALS methods are now being paired with infrared luminescence, Zeon, ultraviolet light, laser light, and molecular spectroscopy. Taken together, these light sources are known as FLS. The observation of latent fingerprints on various surfaces is aided by the use of FLS, which also assists forgery investigators because illuminating forged documents with an infrared light source can reveal areas that have been altered. ALS can be effectively used to reveal altered VIN numbers and firearm serial numbers. Hair and fiber analysis is also aided by the use of ALS and FLS; FLS is routinely used to find hair and fibers, while ALS allows investigators to analyze the color make up of a fiber without destroying the evidence. Many body fluids found at crime scenes are fluorescent and the use of FLS makes such evidence easily detectable. Future advancements in ALS are discussed, such as the desire to make the equipment smaller and easier to carry.