Enhanced Visualization of Bloodstains

This project will develop an improved method of photographing dark, bloodstained substrates without the use of chemical enhancement techniques, specialized film needs or post-exposure manipulation of digital images. The methodology proposed by the applicant is to use polarizing filters over the light source and the camera lens. The visibility of blood is a key component in both sampling for DNA and identifying the type of pattern. Visualization of the blood stain patterns is crucial in the evaluation of what caused that particular type of pattern. Photography has always been the primary methodology in the documentation of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. Improvements in lighting techniques that will complement existing techniques will aid in identification & documentation of the Bloodstain Pattern.

ca/ncf