NGI (Next Generation Identification)

Next Generation Identification (NGI) is a project of the FBI and gradually replaces the IAFIS in the United States. Through improved software and search algorithms, the new database records both palm prints and data of the iris of the eye for face recognition.

The NAS-Report 2009

The concluding NAS-Report is a document of 254 pages and contains many observations and recommendations regarding forensic science. Furthermore, it criticizes the way the community conducts its business.

Methods for visualizing fingerprints

During the investigation of objects of evidence, the surfaces are distinguished between porous (such as paper, cardboard, cloth) and non-porous (such as glass, metal, plastics). The investigation methods must be different because in non-porous objects of evidence fingerprint substance remains on the surface, whereas the substance penetrates inside the material of porous surfaces.

Luminol – Detection of blood

In reacting with an oxidizing agent, Luminol generates a blue chemiluminescence, especially in the presence of catalytic elements. In case of the detection of blood, the Luminol solution, which contains hydrogen peroxide, is applied to blood. The iron of the hemoglobin of the blood works as catalyst which strongly accelerates the local oxidation reaction – the blood becomes visible through intense blue illumination in the dark. The term “Luminol” refers to this reaction: the creation of “luminescence”, the light emission.

Locard´s Exchange Principle

Edmond Locard was an important forensic scientist of the 19th century, also called the “Sherlock Holmes of France”. He played an extremely important role in the global development of criminalistics and is regarded as one of the three founders of forensic science (along with Joseph Bell and Archibald Reiss).