Skin Deep Forensics

Examining the human body as a crime scene

Crime-lite ALS provide a powerful tool used in various forensic disciplines forensic nursing and the examination of the human body as a crime scene – forensic dermatology.

Using high-intensity Crime-lite illumination, examiners can search beyond the visible spectrum, to enhance the visualization of evidence or features that may not be easily visible under normal lighting conditions.

Identification of Bruises and Injuries

Using a Crime-lite ALS, forensic examiners and nurses can reveal subtle bruising or patterns of injuries that might not be readily apparent under normal lighting. By employing UV or Violet illumination, we reveal healed bruises invisible to the naked eye. The fluorescence phenomenon enables us to see through the layers of skin, unearthing trauma long after its visible traces have vanished.

bruise
Blood spatter

Pattern Recognition

In cases of physical abuse or assault, Crime-lites can help identify specific patterns or objects that might have caused injuries. By using different light wavelengths, patterns like fingerprints, fabric impressions, or tool marks can be highlighted, aiding in the identification of potential assailants or weapons involved.

Detection of Body Fluids

Forensic nurses and dermatologists also deal with cases related to sexual assault or other incidents involving body fluids. An ALS can be used to detect semen, saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids that might not be easily visible under normal lighting. This can assist in collecting relevant evidence for further analysis.

Body fluids on carpet using UV illumination with the Crime-lite X
hair2
Hair

Trace Evidence Detection

In forensic investigations, trace evidence such as hair, fibres, or glass fragments can play a crucial role in linking individuals to crime scenes. An ALS can help reveal these traces, making them easier to identify and collect for subsequent analysis.

Photo documentation

Using a specialized camera system such as the Crime-lite AUTO, experts are able to document injuries and findings in a standardized and detailed manner, which can be essential for legal proceedings.

SOCO uses the Crime-lite AUTO
Scene of Crime Officer using a Crime-lite AUTO to search for evidence

Victim First Forensics

Sexual assault, a devastating crime that has unfortunately surged in recent years, remains a grave concern. Despite high reporting numbers, a startlingly low fraction of cases is reported due to reasons like fear, shame, and lack of faith in the justice system.

As forensic practitioners, the most disheartening reason, “a lack of faith in the police and justice system,” is the one we aim to combat. By enhancing the quality of evidence, we can positively influence the chances of justice prevailing.

Using an ALS is a non-invasive and non-destructive way to examine potential evidence on the skin. This is especially important when dealing with fragile or sensitive skin, as it minimizes the risk of causing further harm during the examination process.

Related Webinar

Victim First Forensics: Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence

This webinar explores in detail the methods by which forensic practitioners are able to gather evidence of sexual abuse and violence.

Watch Now

Forensic Dermatology Products

Advanced Forensic Solutions for the examination of the human body

Crime-lite®XHandheld, Multi-Spectral LED Light Source with Advanced Functionality

Crime-lite® X5

Handheld, Multi-Spectral LED Light Source with Advanced Functionality

A complete ALS kit in a single light source, the Crime-lite X enables the examiner to seamlessly switch between White, UV, Violet, Blue, Blue/Green, Green, Orange, Red, and Infrared LEDs, to perform a comprehensive multi-spectral examination of a crime scene.

Operated via a simple 3-button interface, the Crime-lite X provides new functionality, never seen before in a forensic light source, that will ensure that crime scene and laboratory examiners reveal the maximum amount of evidence in every examination.

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Crime-lite® AUTO

Detect more evidence using the all-in-one forensic search tool

Combining advanced forensic imaging technology with high-intensity multi-spectral illumination, the Crime-lite AUTO is a complete solution to the search, detection, and capture of evidence.

Operated via a simple touchscreen interface, with intelligent filter selection, the Crime-lite AUTO can reveal evidence
including fingermarks, body fluids (semen, saliva, and urine, etc.); blood on dark fabrics; fingerprints; gunshot residues; and traces of physical evidence (glass, fibres, hairs, etc.)

  • A complete, compact forensic search tool
  • All-in-one integrated lights, camera and filters
  • Real-time visible, fluorescent, and IR examinations
  • Search Beyond the Visible to detect every trace
  • Optional laboratory docking system

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Crime-lite®ML PRO - Rapid Evidence Screening Tool for the Detection and Mark-up of Forensic Evidence  
The Crime-lite ML PRO is the first in a new generation of evidence screening tools built to meet the demands of busy forensic laboratories tasked with processing large quantities of evidence. With fully-integrated UV-Vis-IR illumination and an ‘intelligent optics’ imaging system, the ML PRO can be used to mark-up evidence, detecting the presence of bodily fluids, and locating minute fragments of trace evidence.

Crime-lite® ML PRO

Rapid forensic triage to meet the demands of busy laboratories

The Crime-lite ML PRO is the first in a new generation of evidence screening tools built to meet the demands of busy forensic laboratories tasked with processing large quantities of evidence.

With fully-integrated UV-Vis-IR illumination and an ‘intelligent optics’ imaging system, the ML PRO can be used to mark-up evidence, detecting the presence of bodily fluids, and locating minute fragments of trace evidence.

Learn more >