Capturing high‐resolution digital images for use in forensic document examination

Journal Article · 22 July 2023 · Journal of Forensic Sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15339 · OSTI ID:1995569

Riley, Paige  ^[1]; Eisenhart, Linda  ^[2]; Stephens, Joseph C.  ^[3]; Abonamah, Jocelyn V.  ^[1]; Ryman, Colbey  ^[1]; Eckenrode, Brian A.  ^[4]

---

1. Visiting Scientist Program, Research and Support Unit Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division Quantico Virginia USA
2. Questioned Documents Unit FBI Laboratory Division Quantico Virginia USA
3. Chemistry Unit Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division Quantico Virginia USA
4. Research and Support Unit Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division Quantico Virginia USA

Abstract In the past, pattern disciplines within forensic science have periodically faced criticism due to their subjective and qualitative nature and the perceived absence of research evaluating and supporting the foundations of their practices. Recently, however, forensic scientists and researchers in the field of pattern evidence analysis have developed and published approaches that are more quantitative, objective, and data driven. This effort includes automation, algorithms, and measurement sciences, with the end goal of enabling conclusions to be informed by quantitative models. Before employing these tools, forensic evidence must be digitized in a way that adequately balances high‐quality detail and content capture with minimal background noise imparted by the selected technique. While the current work describes the process of optimizing a method to digitize physical documentary evidence for use in semi‐automated trash mark examinations, it could be applied to assist other disciplines where the digitization of physical items of evidence is prevalent. For trash mark examinations specifically, it was found that high‐resolution photography provided optimal digital versions of evidentiary items when compared to high‐resolution scanning.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0014664
• OSTI ID: 1995569
• Journal Information: Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Name: Journal of Forensic Sciences; ISSN 0022-1198
• Publisher: Wiley-BlackwellCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English