One solution for various materials
EVISCAN acquires high-quality digital images of prints from a broad variety of relevant non-porous and semi-porous surfaces. Metals, pottery, glass or plastics can be processed even when they are wet, sticky or dirty. Even latents completely invisible to the human eye, e. g. trace evidence covered with black layers of soot, can be preserved with EVISCAN with no necessity to even touch the exhibit.
Latent prints on plasticsPlastics and synthetic organics are an integral part of everyday life. They make up a myriad of materials with different properties, including many that are malleable so that they can be irreversibly deformed without breaking. Consequently, the range of application possibilities of plastics is vast. PP, PE, PC or PET are only few of the materials we daily encounter. Especially when processed into smooth and non-porous surfaces, fingerprint evidence is left behind on plastics.
Latent prints on metalsMetals have various unique properties such as their typical luster and mostly silvery or greyish appearance. They naturally have a reflective surface and are good conductors of both heat and electricity. Additionally, because they are malleable, they can be deformed with little risk to break. Therefore, due to their characteristic strength and ductility, metals are hugely versatile materials and used for a wide range of man-made artefacts.
Latent prints on adhesive tapeParcels, fully wrapped up with adhesive tapes, are common exhibits for forensic laboratories to be analyzed. The simple reason: smugglers try to well package their illegal goods, for example to fool a drug sniffer dog. A piece of adhesive tape, especially its sticky side, can be crucial evidence to identify a drug dealer.
Latent prints on banknotes and coinsTremendous amounts of physical money transactions occur each day in every part of the world. As far as the Euro alone is concerned, more than 17 billion banknotes and 111 billion coins are currently in circulation. Although the security features of Euro banknotes have become increasingly sophisticated, 838,000 counterfeit Euro bills were confiscated and withdrawn from circulation in 2014. In cases involving forgery and fraud, a latent print on cash can be an important piece of evidence in securing a prosecution.
Latent prints on specular surfacesAcquiring latent prints from mirrors and other specular surfaces involves a difficulty: How to photograph latent prints and make them available for AFIS databases when the exhibit’s surface reflects camera and photographer? Such problematic exhibits could be various items made of glass and mirror glass as well as polished metals or lacquered surfaces. Here, EVISCAN helps as its workspace diminishes disturbing light reflections.
Latent prints on sooted objectsArson cases usually entail a problem for crime scene investigators: some evidence is either destroyed by flames or suffers from damage caused by firefighting operations. Remaining items are covered with smeary layers of pitch black soot, concealing fingerprints from the eyes of the forensic experts.
