Investigation Techniques

With the advent of technology, acquisition of forensic equipment and other specialized technical means used in the investigation of crime became an agency priority. These measures have paid dividends for the NYCRPD with increased identification of offenders by collection of trace evidence, as well as providing the maximum amount of evidence available for prosecutors in securing convictions. RUVIS is a technology which allows users to identify latent fingerprint impressions using localized UV light wave lengths, and a special viewing device. Images are captured digitally of the impressions which are then collected using various techniques. Advantages of RUVIS use include the ability to process a large area without use of powder or chemicals. This allows a faster more effective processing of crime scenes .This image depicts a RUVIS system as currently employed by the NYCRPD.

Latent Fingerprint Impression Evidence

The efforts undertaken and the resultant professional growth of officers assigned to forensic evidence recovery has resulted in ability to address a wide array of specialized forensic situations including, but not limited to, bodily fluid identification, blood spatter, forensic light source applications, Krimesite RUVIS applications, chemical applications, presumptive testing of unknown standards, casting of impression evidence, and numerous other applications.

It has been noted by prosecutors from the York County District Attorney’s Office that prospective jurors appear to have an expectation that law enforcement process evidence effectively. The NYCRPD has the ability to meet and exceed that expectation, with effective forensic evidence collection, analysis, and detailed reporting of the investigation process. This image depicts images captured using the RUVIS system

In recent years, the agency has progressed from the ability to handle major crime scenes in a proficient manner, to the level of advanced proficiency in all aspects of crime scene management. These abilities continue to pay dividends to the agency in identification of offenders and in the prosecution of offenders within the York County Criminal Justice System.

Maintaining and presenting evidence

is essential in the life of a successful criminal

prosecution. This includes marking and

documentation of evidence for collection.

Gun Shot Residue Testing

Capture of gun shot residue with advanced testing techniques indicate the frequency and distribution of the particulate matter consistent with the shooting actions being committed by the perpetrator.

It is not only important for investigators to collect the evidence but also to have an understanding of what the evidence will indicate. In many cases this requires constant literature review to maintain awareness of the most recent information and techniques.

The image below depicts a report detailing the analysis of a GSR SEM stub from a shooting investigation.

Two masked

armed suspects

enter an all night

store as they begin their act of violence.

They threatened

& robbed two female store clerks.

Both offenders are in prison awaiting trial.

The NYCRPD is currently utilizing a crime scene animation system which allows investigators to network various technical systems in use by the agency to create effective courtroom presentations. This includes the automated measuring system Total Stations which is currently employed by the NYCRPD for measuring crime and crash scenes.

The integration of data into the software package allows the presentation in a three dimensional view of the crime scene or crash scene.

The scene above is a shooting scene with positions of involved persons noted, as well as a trajectory path of the shots which were fired during the event. In this case the blue character was a police officer who was shot by an assailant. The officer did not sustain serious injury.

Investigators with the NYCRPD have been provided with advanced training in use of all types of cameras and digital video recording devices. Proper crime scene documentation is essential for investigation of the crime or the crash, and subsequent court room presentation at a later date.

The images which follow depict differing lighting effects and capture of items of interest at crash and crime scenes.

This is a view of the room which depicts the positions of persons within the room immediately prior to the shooting event. The scenes as depicted in the above diagrams are prepared by crime scene investigators or by members of the NYCRPD accident reconstruction team. This scene is able to be produced in a seamless animated format or be presented as diagrams or single frames as depicted in this page. This use of existing technology allows for faster, more effective crime scene processing and better courtroom presentation.

Note – Indentation

From Firing Pin On

Primer Cartridge

This image depicts the impact of a shot fired under strictly controlled circumstances .

This is a proximity study to identify exact distance from the firearm to the victim.

This test was conducted under laboratory conditions.

The image below depicts the impact path of a projectile upon fabric as captured using oblique lighting techniques. Note the distortion of the fabric in the area highlighted in this image.