NCJ Number
233537
Journal
Identification Canada Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 20-25
Date Published
March 2010
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the use of the TracER Laser for forensic identification by the Lower Mainland Forensic Identification Services Unit, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract
The TracER Laser from Coherent, Inc., is a portable laser for use in forensic investigations at crime scenes. This article presents the results of two cases where the capabilities of the TracER Laser were compared to those of the Omniprint 1000B, the equipment currently used by the Lower Mainland Forensic Identification Services (LMD FIS) Unit in British Columbia to identify and classify forensic evidence. In the first case, additional fingerprint evidence was obtained from duct tape using the TracER Laser. In the second case, forensic investigators were able to obtain identifying information from a potential homicide victim through the use of the TracER Laser. The information obtained with the laser allowed the police to classify the victim's death as an accidental drug overdose as opposed to a potential homicide. The successful use of the TracER Laser resulted in substantial savings to the police during this investigation. As a result of these two cases, the LMD FIS was able to obtain approval for purchase of TracER Lasers for all municipalities in British Columbia. Tables and figures