Forensics Collection (#4)

Footprint recovery
MODEL RELEASED. Footprint recovery. Forensics officer photographing a footprint at crime scene. After taking the photograph, a cast will be made of the print

Fingerprints made visible with ink, artwork from Dr Henry Fauldss Guide to Finger-print Identification, 1905. Faulds, a Scottish scientist, was an early developer of fingerprint analysis

Human identification. Representation of a historical passport showing a collage of a portrait from the 1920s, with a passport fingerprint, writing and an official stamp

Features of fingerprints, artwork from Dr Henry Fauldss Guide to Finger-print Identification, 1905. Faulds, a Scottish scientist, was an early developer of fingerprint analysis

Crime scene tape. This tape is used by forensics officers to cordon off the area under investigation

Police evidence bag
Forensic evidence bag held by a forensics officer. This bag is used to contain the evidence collected at a crime scene

Fingerprint dusting
MODEL RELEASED. Fingerprint dusting. Forensics officer dusting a window for fingerprints at a crime scene

PCR results. Conceptual image representing the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) finger-printing to catch criminals

Fingerprint. Computer artwork depicting a fingerprint overlain with binary code. This represents modern forensic analysis of fingerprints

Shoe print evidence in sand at a crime scene ready for a cast to be made

Forensic drug analysis
MODEL RELEASED. Forensic drug analysis. Forensics officer performing a marquis reagent test to identify drug substances such as opiates, amphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA)

Forensics officer collecting evidence
MODEL RELEASED. Forensics officer collecting evidence from a car tyre at a crime scene. Evidence such as blood and DNA can be found on car tyres and used to identify a criminal

Fingerprints, computer artwork

Orangutan and chimpanzee prints, from Dr Henry Fauldss Guide to Finger-print Identification, 1905. Faulds, a Scottish scientist, was an early developer of fingerprint analysis

Cheque fraud. Image showing how ultra violet (UV) light is used to detect cheque fraud. The upper and lower image show the same cheque (from 1965)

Human handprint. A handprint from the left hand of a human adult male, showing the pattern of palmar creases. Handprints, like fingerprints, can be used for identification

Fingerprint scanning. Computer artwork of a fingerprint scan with markings (red dots) showing the positions of characteristic features

Fingerprinting suspect
MODEL RELEASED. Fingerprinting suspect. Inked finger of a suspect who is being fingerprinted. The ink is applied to below the first knuckle

Forensic DNA analysis
MODEL RELEASED. Forensic DNA analysis. Forensic scientist holding a vial containing DNA amplified from a trace amount found at a crime scene. The DNA is the cloudy strand at the base of the vial

Looking for biological stains. Forensic scientist using an ultraviolet (UV) lamp to look for stains of biological origin, such as blood, sweat, semen or fingerprints

Collecting evidence. Forensic officer using a suction tube device to collect evidence from the seat of a car. This tool is used to collect fibres and hairs for later laboratory analysis

Recording thumbprint. Inked thumb of a suspect who is being fingerprinted. The ink is applied to the tip of the digit and this is rolled once over the paper to record a print of the whole surface

Fingerprint analysis. Forensic scientist pointing at fingerprints being compared by characteristic features (square yellow markers)

Forensic science
MODEL RELEASED. Forensic science. Forensic scientist taking a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sample from a screwdriver

Genetic analysis, conceptual image

Genetic individuality. Conceptual computer artwork showing a womans head branded with a bar code, underneath which is the word DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic information

DNA helix and autoradiogram. Conceptual computer artwork of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) helix (red) surrounding a genetic autoradiogram (yellow with red bands)

Genetic identity. Conceptual computer artwork of a hand, a fingerprint and a DNA microarray. These represent genetic fingerprinting and genetic identity

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Forensics, the fascinating field that unravels mysteries through scientific investigation, has a rich history dating back centuries. In the 17th century, pioneers began studying fingerprint types, recognizing their uniqueness and potential as evidence in criminal investigations. Fast forward to modern times, where even British passports utilize fingerprint scanners for enhanced security. The fusion of art and forensics is evident when examining artwork depicting fingerprint scanners. These captivating pieces capture the intersection between technology and human identity. Similarly, a 19th-century masterpiece showcases a delicate poppy flower alongside an intricate thumbprint - symbolizing nature's beauty intertwined with individuality. Forensic entomology takes us into the microscopic world as we witness blowflies laying eggs under scanning electron microscopes (SEMs). This technique aids investigators in determining time of death by analyzing insect activity on decomposing bodies. Human fingerprints remain one of the most reliable forms of biometric scans utilized in forensic investigations today. Each ridge and whorl tells a unique story about an individual's identity or involvement in a crime scene. DNA autoradiograms provide another artistic perspective on forensics; these visual representations showcase DNA patterns like abstract masterpieces. They serve as crucial evidence linking suspects to crimes or exonerating innocent individuals from wrongful accusations. In exploring historical cases, we encounter Edward Pritchard, a notorious Scottish murderer whose conviction was largely based on fingerprint evidence - marking a significant milestone in forensic history. Thumbprint forensics emerged during the 19th century when experts recognized that each person possesses distinct patterns on their thumbs alone. This breakthrough paved the way for identifying criminals solely through thumbprints before expanding to include all fingers' prints later on. From ancient techniques like studying fingerprints to cutting-edge technologies such as DNA analysis and biometric scans, forensics continues to evolve rapidly. As it progresses hand-in-hand with science and artistry alike, this captivating discipline remains at the forefront of solving mysteries and bringing justice to the world.