To solve crimes and prosecute offenders, you need all of the facts, including what can be gleaned from all related evidence. That may include DNA, bullet casings, computer files, and video. You also might need to keep all of this around for a while in good condition for future trials. This collection of tools will enhance your ability to obtain and secure crime scene evidence. Read our feature, "Electronic Evidence Management," for in-depth coverage. Photos courtesy of vendors.
Evidence Collection and Storage
The Leica ScanStation line of 3D laser scanners allows investigators to freeze a crime scene in time forever so that any measurement or witness viewpoint can be examined in the future. Jurors can be virtually transported into and really understand the scene. Free grant writing assistance is available through Leica Geosystems.
The 82L is perhaps Foster & Freeman's most popular LED light source due to its distinctive design wherein the LEDs are close to the surface allowing for visualization of footprints in dust. It can also be used to capture indented writing, blood spatter using a clip-on blue filter, and for other tasks requiring the illumination of broad areas at a crime scene or in the lab. When the 82L light is used with its extendable arm the user has the freedom to explore the scene without bending down.
The Bode Technology Group's Rapid DNA Service delivers a DNA profile from forensic samples in less than 90 minutes, resulting in a fast turnaround of investigative leads for law enforcement agencies holding persons of interest. Rapid DNA Service utilizes commercial off-the-shelf equipment and capitalizes on improvements to rapid thermal cycling and direct amplification. Bode scientists have also made advancements in obtaining DNA from virtually all forensic and biological evidence types, including cigarette butts, bloodstains, touch evidence, and handled objects.
The Foray ADAMS Crime Scene Evidence Documentation solution (Bag & Tag) is a free application for the Apple iPad. It allows crime scene investigators and first responders to document evidence on the spot at the crime scene. No more handwritten notes, reports or labels. This easy, intuitive application can be used on its own to bag, tag, and document crime scene evidence.
AccuTrans Ice casting silicone sets in four minutes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for use in cold weather. It's made of polyvinylsiloxane material formulated specifically for the forensic industry. Because of its brown color, AccuTrans Ice is easy to examine under a microscope and reduces glare. This also makes it ideal for replicating the details of pry marks, tool marks, casings, and gun barrels.
Ocean Systems has expanded Omnivore's capabilities by adding audio capture to its video capture abilities. With this added feature users will be able to capture audio from surveillance systems, online videos (such as those on Youtube and Facebook), video from interview rooms, and other recording devices as uncompressed 16-bit stereo data. With Omnivore, first responders and analysts alike have the ability to capture evidence directly from the machine that recorded it and then instantly view it without the need to load hard-to-find proprietary viewers.
The CAO Group's new UltraLite ALS Turbo is a more powerful ALS with a wider spectrum of light heads. Thanks to new 850nm infrared light heads and increased output in the existing BMT (blue), green, yellow, and red lights, the new Turbo provides a dramatic increase in evidence detection capabilities. The UltraLite ALS Turbo helps to detect trace evidence, body fluids, fingerprints, blood spatter, gunshot residue, and explosive accelerants. It can also reveal bruising, injuries, and wounds on bodies both living and dead.
LEID Products' BACS Evidence Management System is a state-of-the-art evidence storage and retrieval system that includes the self-service BACS ID Station Kiosk interfaced to LEID's Electronic Evidence lockers. The BACS ID Station Kiosk houses a biometric (finger print) ID reader for access verification and touch screen user navigation. An RFID reader or barcode scanner can be added for quick accurate case and property number identification. The system includes complete chain of custody custom software tracking and reporting capabilities.
Spectronics Corp.'s OFK-8000 OptiMax Multi-Lite LED Forensic Inspection Kit features a cordless, rechargeable 15-ounce flashlight with eight Quik-Connect interchangeable LED heads. The LED lamp heads provide single-wavelength illumination in UV-A, violet, blue, green, cyan, amber, red, and white light. The violet LED lamp head is used to detect untreated blood absorption. The OFK-8000 also includes three contrast filters, smart AC and DC chargers, four pairs of spectacles, and a detachable diffusing filter used for forensic photography. All components are packed in a padded carrying case.
Mystaire Misonix was the first company to design, develop, and market the forensic evidence drying cabinet. The forensic evidence drying cabinet was designed to protect “wet” evidence from potential cross contamination and to provide an effective barrier in preventing officer exposure to harmful blood-borne pathogens as well as putrid odors. Mystaire Misonix offers both ductless and ducted evidence drying cabinets. The company also manufactures a complete range of hoods, workstations, enclosures, cabinets, and chambers.