Foster + Freeman | https://fosterfreeman.com/tag/blog/ Improving the Quality of Forensic Evidence Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:32:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://fosterfreeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Site-Icon-32x32.png Foster + Freeman | https://fosterfreeman.com/tag/blog/ 32 32 VSC the premiere range of QDE workstations https://fosterfreeman.com/vsc-premiere-range-qde/ https://fosterfreeman.com/vsc-premiere-range-qde/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:36:47 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/?p=19283 Today, the VSC has become the premier range for QDE workstations; it is the most innovative and precise tool to unravel mysteries hidden within documents, artefacts, and even passports. We delve into the rich history, technological intricacies, diverse applications, and profound impact of the VSC.

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foster+freeman BLOG

VSC: The premier range of QDE workstations

Today, the VSC has become the premier range for QDE workstations; it is the most innovative and precise tool to unravel mysteries hidden within documents, artefacts, and even passports. We delve into the rich history, technological intricacies, diverse applications, and profound impact of the VSC. From its pivotal role in forensic investigations, where it uncovers hidden details crucial for authenticity and fraud prevention, to its contributions in art conservation, where it unveils secrets hidden within historical artefacts, the VSC stands as a beacon of innovation, reliability, and precision in the realm of forensic technology. Join us as we journey through the evolution and significance of foster+freeman’s premier range of QDE workstations: the Video Spectral Comparator.

History

foster+freeman may be now known worldwide for its crime-lites or VSC instruments; however, back in 1978, Doug Foster and Bob Freeman came together for a research project where they developed foster+freeman’s first and most popular instrument. Such is the level of success achieved by the foster+freeman ESDA, the terms ESDA and ‘the ESDA process’ have become industry standard terminology for revealing indentations or impressions on paper.

The ESDA started as part of a research project to develop a non-chemical, non-destructive method of identifying fingerprints on fabric. While the project itself did not prove successful, the ESDA’s secondary use of detecting indented writing on paper proved to be of huge interest to document examiners worldwide.

With strong backing from the UK Home Office, Doug Foster and Bob Freeman formed a partnership and made the first run of ESDA devices from the garage at Doug’s home.

Following the success of the ESDA, foster+freeman set out building on their existing knowledge base of questioned document examination and looked at developing a workstation that would be far more advanced and complex. This workstation would enable examiners to perform infrared examinations of documents for the ‘rapid exposure of concealed information and assessment of authenticity’. This workstation would become the VSC-1 of the Video Spectral Comparator. Unlike any existing forensic instrument, the VSC used a highly sensitive camera to display variations in IR absorption and fluorescence on-screen, allowing examiners to make real-time adjustments to boost clarity and contrast. By 1990, the Video Spectral Comparator could be considered to be a global success, with over 400 VSC instruments having been sold in more than 45 countries.

The first models of the VSC had a limited spectral range, usually just UV and IR, with basic imaging capabilities. However, today’s versions of the VSC now include high-resolution 12MP cameras. Super-resolution imaging up to 127 MP and 15 modes of advanced UV-Vis-IR imaging. The first VSC to have its dedicated software package and be considered digital was introduced in 1985 with basic but for the time advanced questioned document capabilities. In comparison, today’s VSCs come with the latest and greatest in custom-built software packages. The VSC SUITE software maximises the effectiveness of document examinations by giving the user control of all VSC functions via a fluent, quick-access toolbar.

One of the main working mechanisms of the VSC is how a human eye perceives colour; when the eye sees a different colour, it perceives a different wavelength of light. It also uses the electromagnetic spectrum; the VSC does not just use the visible spectrum of light that a human eye can see. It employs the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes UV and infrared light sources.

Foster + Freeman VSC 2 . 1990 forensic examination system for questioned documents.

How Does it work?

The VSC works on the principle of light and electromagnetic radiation. The principle states that, generally, when light hits a surface, multiple interactions between the light and the object result in different emitted wavelengths. The types of interactions are defined as the following.

Reflection: this is where the object reflects all or most of the light. Absorption: where the item absorbs all or most of the light. Reflection and absorption where a combination of both occur. Transmission, where light passes through an object, and finally, luminescence, light is absorbed and then re-emitted.

The VSC works on the perception of colours; we see different light wavelengths when we see a different colour. As some details we seek in questioned document examination are often hidden and non-visible, we have to access non-visible areas of the light spectrum. We achieve this with the VSC by using multi-spectral illumination; this is achieved with full LED illumination picked for wavelength accuracy.


When we expose a document to a wavelength of light, particularly the non-visible wavelengths ultraviolet (200nm-400nm) and infrared (700nm – 1000nm), any light that is reflected we would not be able to visualise without the use of special filters to isolate these wavelengths. These filters are such as Bandpass filters (400-700nm), long pass filters (>700nm), short pass filters (<400nm), polarizing filters, neutral density filters and IR/UV filters.

The VSC uses multiple illumination methods to find a document’s hidden details. Some features, like ridges or indentations, are not visible when lit from a spot or flood light, but we can visualize the indentation when using oblique lighting. The VSC uses spot, flood, oblique, and transmitted lighting to detect more evidence.

VSC80 IR imaging counterfeit

Applications

What are the use cases for the VSC?

The VSC is a highly versatile machine; it was first developed and made to advance the ESDA process. Originally it was just thought to be for the forensic level examination of documents; however, in the 40 years since the first VSC was made, the world of questioned documents has changed drastically, and so has the technology of the VSC. With thousands of machines used daily worldwide, the VSC is employed in several scenarios. With the modern VSC using the latest and greatest technology in terms of camera, light sources, software and imaging capabilities, it is no surprise that the VSC is used for a wide range of applications, not just questioned documents.

Forensic Examination of Documents

VSCs are now the most advanced QDE workstations worldwide; the VSC combines sophisticated digital imaging and multi-wavelength illumination technology with a clear and efficient software interface to provide a complete solution to examining all questioned documents.

The VSC can perform a multi-spectral illumination examination of a questioned document to reveal its hidden details and uncover the evidence. It can see through the layers of a document to reveal how it was tampered with. It can differentiate between original and copied signatures and writing.

The VSC is often used to examine documents for ink analysis; different inks fluoresce under varied light conditions based on their properties. Even inks from the same source have different properties; we can use the VSC workstations to analyse these inks and see when/if a document was tampered with.

The VSC includes a unique microspectrometer. Adding further functionality to VSC workstations, this compact fibre-coupled spectrometer, with a 3x zoom microscope, captures real-time absorption, reflectance, fluorescence and transmitted spectra to be displayed on-screen in a simple graphical format. An ideal technique for the discrimination of visually similar inks, including ballpoint and liquid ink pens, micro spectrometry has also been demonstrated to be effective in the study of the sequence of intersecting lines.

Card Grading

in recent years, online trading, valuation and authentication of collectable trading cards has been transformed from a niche pastime into a multi-million dollar industry. As the market for trading cards continues to grow, collectors are increasingly turning to third-party grading companies to verify the authenticity and condition of their cards.

As Collectible Card Game (CCG) and Trading Card Game (TCG) items have increased in value, so too requires these items to be accurately verified, authenticated and graded (for quality). In addition to rarity, factors including authenticity, quality, and condition can significantly affect a card’s valuation. Due to this, card grading companies are increasingly turning to forster+freeman VSC technology as they seek to identify a forensic-level solution to card grading.

​Card grading companies use VSC forensic technology to authenticate and grade high-value trading cards, employing various techniques to analyse the cards’ physical properties and characteristics.

Surface analysis under high magnification:

Using a VSC card graders are able to examine the surface of a card for evidence of alterations, alterations or irregularities. For example, they may look for signs of erasing, re-inking, or other modifications indicating forgery or tampering.

Multi-spectral UV-Vis-IR examination:

Full spectral imaging can reveal details on a card that may not be visible under normal lighting conditions. Card grading companies use UV light to detect hidden elements, such as watermarks or fibres, that can help confirm the card’s authenticity.

Spectrometry and Ink Analysis:

Using a high-level VSC8000/HS system, card grading companies can analyse the ink used on a card to estimate its age and determine its authenticity. Using micro-spectrometry, it is possible to analyse the chemical composition of the ink and compare it to known samples

Digital Imaging:

Card grading companies may use digital imaging techniques to capture high-resolution images of the card’s surface and features. These images can be used to compare the card to known authentic examples and identify any differences or irregularities. These images are often supplied to the card’s owner as part of the grading service.

​Immigration and border security

One of the use cases for the VSC that is exponentially growing in popularity is the use of immigration and border security. Passports have become a highly valuable commodity, serving as vital travel documents that allow individuals to cross international borders. To protect these documents, governments commission more advanced security features designed to prevent counterfeiting and forgery. The technology in these passports is so advanced that it caused a shift in VSC technology.

VSCs combine multispectral illumination and unrivalled image quality for the optical examination of travel documents. Document examiners can quickly and efficiently perform a surface-level multispectral examination of the document as a first line of defence.

Furthermore, VSCs can now examine the strongest defence line embedded in travel documents, such as ePassports. The VSC can take the data embedded in the chip of the ePassport, decode it and display it to the examiner. The VSC includes Assure ID; this powerful software tool allows the examiner to extract the biometric data on the chip to perform 50+ forensic documents-specific tests, each with a pass/fail authentication.

Another way in which the VSC900 can detect cases of identity fraud is through Facial Identification.​ ​

Using an external camera, the VSC900 can perform facial recognition examinations, comparing a live image against a printed photograph and an embedded eChip image.​

Unlike human examiners, the VSC900/Gemalto system can achieve a high level of accuracy  while also minimizing the risk of false positives or false negatives with a false acceptance rate (FAR) of less than 1 in 10,000

Conclusion

The journey of foster+freeman’s VSC (Video Spectral Comparator) from its inception in 1978 to its current status as the premier range of QDE (Questioned Document Examination) workstations is a testament to innovation, adaptability and the pursuit of excellence in forensic technology. What started as a response to the need for a non-chemical, non-destructive method of identifying fingerprints on fabric evolved into a global success story with the ESDA and, eventually, the groundbreaking VSC.

Over the years, the VSC has undergone significant advancements, transforming from its early models with limited spectral range to today’s state-of-the-art workstations equipped with high-resolution cameras, sophisticated imaging capabilities, and cutting-edge software packages like the VSC SUITE. Its ability to utilize multi-spectral illumination, including UV and infrared light, allows examiners to delve into non-visible areas of the light spectrum, enabling the detection of hidden details crucial in questioned document examination.

The applications of the VSC have expanded far beyond its initial forensic focus. The VSC has become an indispensable tool in various fields, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of modern technology. From forensic examination of documents, where it can differentiate between original and copied signatures, to its pivotal role in immigration and border security, the VSC plays a vital role in ensuring document authenticity and preventing fraud.

The intersection of technology and art conservation is another remarkable chapter in the VSC’s story. Its contribution to digitizing historical artefacts, such as the Beowulf manuscript, demonstrates the impact of this technology in revealing hidden details and preserving cultural heritage.

As we look back at the 40-year journey of the VSC, we recognize not only its technological evolution but also its significant contributions to diverse fields. From crime investigation to art restoration, the VSC stands as a symbol of precision, reliability, and innovation in the world of forensic technology. foster+freeman’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible has truly made the VSC the premier choice for professionals worldwide seeking the highest standards in questioned document examination.

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VSC900 Document Examination System

VSC® 900

The complete solution for hybrid document interrogations

Introducing a new VSC workstation for the hybrid physical and digital inspection of travel and identity documents, designed to meet the complex demands of immigration/border security applications.


The first in a new generation of hybrid VSC document examination systems, the VSC 900 provides examiners with a comprehensive suite of traditional and advanced tools for the interrogation and verification of passports, ID cards, visas, residence permits, and other questioned documents.

View Product Page

VSC® 8000/HS

For the expert analysis of questioned documents

Our most advanced QDE workstation to date, the VSC 8000/HS combines sophisticated digital imaging and multi-wavelength illumination technology with a clear and efficient software interface, to provide a complete solution to the examination of all questioned documents.

Cutting-edge examination techniques including, multi-spectral imaging (from UV through the visible to IR); 3D topographical imaging; hyper-spectral imaging; and full-spectrum color analysis; may all be used to authenticate questioned documents, detect evidence of tampering, and to identify counterfeits and frauds.

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VSC 8000HS Questioned Document Forensic Examining Tool.
Airport
Airport

RELATED WEBINAR

New Frontiers in Document Examination

In this webinar, we will explore the latest techniques and technology used by immigration staff and questioned document examiners to forensically analyze travel and identity documents.

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/vsc-premiere-range-qde/feed/ 0 CBRNE Forensics: The Military and Defence Applications of Forensic Technology https://fosterfreeman.com/cbrne-forensics/ https://fosterfreeman.com/cbrne-forensics/#respond Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:02:28 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/why-use-a-forensic-light-source-copy/ One area of forensics that is ever expanding and growing is that of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, and explosive crime scene investigation – CBRNe CSI for short. This is a fascinating topic in the world of forensics that, unfortunately, keeps growing each year.

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foster+freeman BLOG

CBRNE Forensics

One area of forensics that is ever expanding and growing is that of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, and explosive crime scene investigation – CBRNe CSI for short. This is a fascinating topic in the world of forensics that, unfortunately, keeps growing each year.

Processing crime scenes suspected to involve CBRN or other potentially hazardous materials requires using specialist equipment and techniques designed to visualise, capture, and recover forensic evidence under challenging conditions.

Much like forensic science and crime scene investigation, the world of CBRNe is complex and ever-evolving. Scientists, engineers, and policymakers work together to protect us from the threat of highly destructive and non-conventional weapons.

Searching for evidence

CSI Vs CBRN

Traditional CSI versus CBRN investigation

Much like forensic science and crime scene investigation, the world of CBRNe is complex and ever-evolving. Scientists, engineers, and policymakers work together to protect us from the threat of highly destructive and non-conventional weapons.

Typically, CBRNe examiners are highly trained professionals from police or military backgrounds who use specialised equipment and techniques to safely collect, analyse, and interpret evidence in extremely hazardous environments.

It is necessary to compare the difference between normal CSI and CBRNE CSI officers to identify the procedures and SOPs needed when dealing with hazardous materials. In a traditional CSI environment, the priority is to secure the scene and preserve any evidence within that scene; within the potential CBRN environment, the health and safety of the CSI must be considered along with this. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) guidelines state one of the main objectives of the protection of the crime scene and its evidence is to ensure appropriate anti-contamination measures in such a way as to protect the integrity of the identified evidence. Identifying, securing and recovering evidence from crime scenes represent a challenging part of the investigation. It requires intensive work by investigators and spending time performing the duties.

So, what are the differences between traditional CSI and CBRN CSI?

The added danger of a CBRN scene makes the crime scene investigation process very complicated and time-consuming compared to your standard CSI setting. One of the key differences is that CBRN scenes typically contain hazardous materials that can affect the health and safety of the investigators and may affect the evidence validity; these can be anything from chemicals, narcotics, explosives or radioactive substances. Don’t assume that because of its hazardous nature, CBRN scenes only occur in certain environments; they can be anywhere: inside a factory, in a forest, in a house or a car. Therefore, CBRN investigators must be versatile with the type of scene they respond to, just like your average crime scene.

Crime-lite PRO Range

Next Generation of forensic light sources

With the requirement to meet the highest possible standards in mind, foster+freeman set about designing the Crime-lite PRO range of forensic light sources.

Built on the existing Crime-lite 82S technology, the Crime-lite PRO provides examiners with what we’re confident is the absolute best-in-class handheld forensic light source currently available.

Available in a full selection of illumination wavelengths, with some subtle hardware improvements and equipped with a new range of PRO VISION examination accessories, Crime-lite PRO raises the bar for forensic light source examination at the crime scene.

Most traditional forensic examiners will use the standard Crime-lite PRO, which includes an internal cooling fan. However, in a CBRNe environment, the risk of dangerous chemicals being disturbed or becoming airborne may be considered unacceptable. We also manufacture a fanless option that uses passive cooling to maintain the optimum running temperature for these situations.

The light sources, or at least predecessors in the Crime-lite family, are used worldwide by forensic investigators to search for and detect evidence – their build quality is unquestionable, and their ability to detect evidence is unmatched.

Optical Detection of Fourth-Generation Agents

Research paper by CBRN Defence Center Korneuberg, Austria

In 2023, the CBRN defence centre published a paper in Korneuberg, Austria, exploring the Optical Detection of Fourth-Generation Agents (FGAs) Using Handheld Forensic Light Sources. They tested Crime-lite forensic light sources to detect fourth-generation neurotoxins and nerve agents, including the Novichok chemical that was used during the Skripal incident.

Based at the ABC Defence Training Centre in Korneuburg, Austria, a team of researchers led by chemical weapons expert Gerald Bauer used a selection of Crime-lite light sources to induce fluorescence in the Novichok family of substances.

“Based on handheld forensic light sources, surface contamination with FGAs could be visualized. Simple and fast on-scene management for suspected FGA incidents is enabled for the first time, and CBRN consequence management can be expedited. This procedure allows surfaces to be screened rapidly to visualize the contamination by an FGA. Instead of investigating the whole area, only particular parts of surfaces showing a light response need to be examined by CBRN identification and sampling processes. Forensic traces without detection response could be handled and exploited with reduced or even without CBRN safety precautions.”

Crime Scene Novichok—Optical Detection of
Fourth-Generation Agents (FGAs) Using Handheld Forensic
Light Sources

Experts in the field are excited by this breakthrough in detection primarily because until now, nerve agents and warfare agents from the Novichok group had been notoriously difficult to detect, proving to be virtually undetectable with gas detectors and requiring examiners to perform the time-consuming and costly exercise of swabbing samples to be sent for laboratory testing – which is fine for a few samples but impractical when searching a larger area.

The research, in combination with exposure at convergence training events, has opened the door for a whole new generation of forensic CBRNe technologies and exposed the need for cross-training between the two disciplines.

accellerants

Read the paper here.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear, and Explosive Crime Scene Investigation is a critical area of the broader field of forensic science. As our world grapples with the increasing threat of unconventional weapons and hazardous materials, the need for specialized CBRNe investigators has become paramount. The complexity of CBRN crime scenes demands a meticulous approach, differentiating it significantly from traditional Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).

The divergence between traditional CSI and CBRNe CSI is evident in the unique challenges posed by hazardous materials in CBRN scenes. From chemicals and narcotics to explosives and radioactive substances, the health and safety of investigators have become a primary concern. The meticulous identification, securing, and recovery of evidence in CBRN environments require specialised equipment and a comprehensive understanding of anti-contamination measures.

The breakthrough that crime-lites can effectively detect and identify nerve agents like Novichok presents a significant stride in CBRNe technology. The ability to visualize surface contamination rapidly, particularly with nerve agents like Novichok, revolutionizes on-scene management and accelerates CBRN consequence management. This breakthrough enhances detection capabilities and underscores the necessity for cross-training between traditional forensic disciplines and CBRNe experts.

In a world where incidents like the Skripal poisoning highlight the urgency of CBRNe expertise, the collaboration between scientists, engineers, and policymakers remains crucial. The dedication to refining techniques, advancing technology, and ensuring the safety of investigators reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding communities from the threats posed by highly destructive and non-conventional weapons.

As the field of CBRNe CSI continues to evolve, this specialized branch of forensic science protects against potential dangers and sets a precedent for interdisciplinary cooperation. In facing the ever-expanding challenges of CBRN crime, the collaboration between traditional CSI and CBRNe experts becomes indispensable for a safer and more secure future.

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Crime-lite® 82S PRO

Detect more evidence using Crime-lite 82S PRO light sources, a powerful upgrade to our best-in-class forensic search tools.

Used and trusted by law enforcement, military, and clinical forensic examiners worldwide, Crime-lite 82S light sources can be relied upon to provide the high-intensity narrow bandwidth illumination required to detect even the smallest traces of forensic evidence.

Now, the Crime-lite 82S PRO range builds upon that time-proven technology, providing CSIs and forensic examiners with the illumination they need to Detect More Evidence.

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Crime-lite® AUTO

A Compact and Portable Solution for Multispectral Examination

Forensic imaging technology meets powerful multi-spectral illumination in this complete solution to multispectral imaging. Features include:

  • Complete all-in-one search and imaging device
  • Full-spectrum UV/Vis/IR camera
  • 55x illumination wavebands
  • Automatic filter selection
  • Autofocus image/video capture
  • Simple touch panel interface
  • Intuitive software and companion app

View product page

Crime-lite AUTO forensic light source, ideal for forensic multispectral imaging in art and cultural heritage applications

RELATED WEBINAR

CBRNE x CSI

In this webinar we will explore forensic technology’s military and defence applications. We will look at how forensic technology can be used in the military. We will discuss the different applications of forensic technologies for defence purposes.

We will look at the theory behind why forensic technology is used in defence and demonstrate how our products can help in military and defence.

Watch Now

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