Review article
The Application of Reflected Infrared Photography in Forensic Science
Ivan Jerković
orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-9375
; Sveučilišni odjel za forenzične znanosti, Sveučilište u Splitu, Hrvatska
Abstract
The role of forensic photography is not only to document the crime scene but also to detect and document
poorly visible and latent evidence. Moreover, it might have evidential value when it is not possible
to collect the evidence physically. In that context, infrared (IR) photography plays an essential role in
the visualization of the evidence, using the differences in the absorptive, reflective, and transmissive
properties of the material. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze available technical set-ups for IR
photography, as well as the application of IR photography in forensic science.
By searching the Web of Science database for the period from 2000 to 2019, 23 papers dealing with the
application of IR photography in forensic sciences were found. The studies showed that IR photography
was suitable for the detection and enhancement of various evidence. It could be used for bloodstains on
dark and multicolored surfaces, beneath painted surfaces, and on surfaces affected with the fire. It could
be employed to detect gunshot residue on dark materials and to enhance the visibility of fingermarks
on multicolored surfaces. Research also shows the applicability of IR photography for identifying and
documenting poorly visible, modified and laser-removed tattoos, bruises and bite marks, as well as for
documenting autopsy findings in some instances.
IR photography does not take a lot of investments as it is sufficient to remove the IR blocking filter
from the DLSR camera and to add a filter that blocks visible light. Although the shooting method is not
much different from standard photography, many material properties affect the results. So, the outcome
is often uncertain, and there are no universally applicable settings.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
243828
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2020.
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