The proposed project aims to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scientific quality of latent print examinations at the onondaga county center for forensic sciences (CFS) through the…

The proposed project aims to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scientific quality of latent print examinations at the onondaga county center for forensic sciences (CFS) through the implementation of the forensic photonics lift (latent imaging fluorescence technology) system. The project is necessary to modernize existing imaging processes, reduce reliance on consumable development methods, and strengthen the ability of forensic practitioners to capture and preserve high-quality latent print images, particularly from challenging or sensitive substrates. The project will take place within the latent print unit of the CFS, located in syracuse, new york, serving law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial offices throughout onondaga county and the central new york region. Beneficiaries include forensic examiners who will gain access to advanced digital imaging technology, law enforcement partners who depend on timely and reliable forensic results, and the broader community that benefits from strengthened criminal justice outcomes. Project activities will include the acquisition and validation of the lift system, the development of standard operating procedures for its use in laboratory and field applications, and the training of latent print personnel to ensure optimal performance and data integrity. The systems non-destructive, fluorescence-based imaging capabilities will enable the documentation of latent prints prior to chemical processing, improving both evidence preservation and the efficiency of casework. Through this initiative, the CFS will advance its mission to provide high-quality, scientifically defensible forensic services and support the delivery of justice in onondaga county