NCJ Number
116061
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1989) Pages: 87-96
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Ultraviolet photography has proven to be a useful ally to the forensic investigator by producing photographic images of otherwise invisible materials or wounds.
Abstract
In a rape/murder case, fluorescent and ultraviolet photography were used to reveal a belt buckle imprint on a victim's abdomen that matched the one worn by a suspect. Another ultraviolet photography revealed an otherwise invisible bite mark that matched the victim's teeth pattern on the hand of the assailant. In a third case, ultraviolet photography revealed bitemarks on the arm of a girl in a suspected child physical and sexual abuse case. Other invisible bitemarks and abrasions suggested the child also had been abused at home. Ultraviolet methods provide a means for collaborating a story or making a positive identification. Ordinary photographic emulsions are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and can be used to make both reflective and fluorescent ultraviolet photographs. The only special equipment needed to record reflected ultraviolet radiation is a filter that will not transmit visible wavelengths of light but passes ultraviolet wavelengths. 25 references.