Ultraviolet: Providing Evidence with Forensic Odontology

Rachael Riggs

National American University

Ultraviolet: Providing Evidence with Forensic Odontology

The use of Ultraviolet lighting systems has proved to provide many benefits to law enforcement in a multitude of ways, some of which include the use of ultraviolet to detect fibers, hairs, substances, stains, powders, fraud, and narcotic detection, crime scene investigation, and ultraviolet photography are just a few. While many cases that involve the use of ultraviolet technology are worth exploring, the benefits concerning violent rape crimes are unmatched.

Many sexual assaults go unreported; the reasons behind this likely involve the victim not wanting to be face-to-face with the perpetrator and having minimal physical evidence to ensure their arrest. According to Rainn.org, out of 1000 rapes, 995 perpetrators will walk free. (Rainn.Org, 2019) Considering that most rapists are repeat offenders, having the ability to find sound evidence against them is crucial to a case. One way to obtain that evidence is by using ultraviolet systems to detect bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, and blood as possible evidence against a perpetrator.

In the instance of many violent rapes, the perpetrator will bite the victim. Odontology is the study of the anatomy and growth of the teeth, and combining forensic odontology with ultraviolet lighting can provide invaluable evidence. (Gray-Ray, Hensley, & Brennan, 1997) By photographing an area of the skin using UV light, the camera can capture bite marks and bruises under the skin or on the skin in a more defined manner, allowing one to compare the dental impressions to gain evidence against the perpetrator. (Averril, 2011)

The facility to provide evidence in favor of the victim using ultraviolet lighting systems can help ensure that fewer of these crimes go unreported and help victims feel that they have a fighting chance. The most effective way to prevent these crimes is by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and UV light sources to eliminate the possibility of repeat offenses.

References

Averril, D. (2011, May 15). https://forensicdental.wordpress.com/tag/uv-photography/. Retrieved from WordPress: https://forensicdental.wordpress.com/tag/uv-photography/

Gray-Ray, P., Hensley, C., & Brennan, E. (1997, Fall 00). Violent rape and bite marks: the use of forensic odontology and ultraviolet lighting. Policing; Bradford, 20(2), p. 223. doi:211235656

Rainn.Org. (2019). The Criminal Justice System: Statistics . Retrieved from Www.Rainn.Org: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system

References

Averril, D. (2011, May 15). https://forensicdental.wordpress.com/tag/uv-photography/. Retrieved from WordPress: https://forensicdental.wordpress.com/tag/uv-photography/

Gray-Ray, P., Hensley, C., & Brennan, E. (1997, Fall 00). Violent rape and bite marks: the use of forensic odontology and ultraviolet lighting. Policing; Bradford, 20(2), p. 223. doi:211235656

Rainn.Org. (2019). The Criminal Justice System: Statistics . Retrieved from Www.Rainn.Org: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system