Forensic scientists and detectives already look at tattoos as a way of identifying suspects or finding leads in investigations, but they can easily be changed or removed. A traditional colour camera only picks up what is on the surface of the skin.
But now scientists at the University of Derby say an infra-red digital camera could help determine if a tattoo is original, or if it is a second tattoo covering up an old one.
By using the gadget, researchers were able to see if there were hidden layers or changes to the original tattoo deeper in the skin. A recent experiment on a student's back found a butterfly image had been used to cover up an image of an imp in the original tattoo.
David Bryson, senior lecturer in applied photography and forensic science at the university, said: "Identifying individuals using tattoos has been an established part of forensic science practice for some time, but there can be cover-ups of tattoos.
"It is now possible to take a control photograph and a separate photograph with an infra-red filter to take images of the tattoo, and determine if it is indeed the original or is a cover-up, or altered tattoo on the surface." Mr Bryson is hoping to try out the new technology in police forces as an everyday tool for checking tattoos on suspects.
With news video.
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