The detection of latent residue tattoo ink pigments in skin using invisible radiation photography

Michelle L. McKechnie, Glenn Porter, Neil Langlois

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The identification of tattoos often provides important forensic information when investigating criminal activity. Tattoos may be used by police intelligence as a source of identification of known criminals. Tattoos may be effaced by laser surgery so that they can no longer been seen by visual inspection of the skin. However, remnants of pigment persist within the dermis. This paper describes a novel technique using infrared photography that can demonstrate the presence of tattoos that have been ablated by lasers. The method provides adequate detail of the tattoo's characteristics to aid in forensic identification. A literature search did not reveal any known methods of detecting latent residue inks after removal or detecting alteration of a pre-existing tattoo.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)65-72
    Number of pages8
    JournalAustralian Journal of Forensic Sciences
    Volume40
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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