Forensic expert outlines video enhancement protocols during Delbert hearing

The trial of State vs. McIntyre continued on April 4, 2025, in the 187th District Court, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd. A significant focus of the proceedings was the testimony of a forensic image processing expert regarding the enhancement of video evidence.

The expert outlined the protocols followed when enhancing images and videos, emphasizing that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. The process begins with a request from law enforcement, which specifies the desired enhancements, often related to identifying objects or individuals in the footage. The expert confirmed that they do not independently determine if an image is flawed; rather, they act on requests that indicate a need for enhancement.

During the questioning, the expert described the forensic image processing framework they adhere to, which includes file preparation, analysis, and enhancement techniques. They explained that enhancements may involve correcting distortions caused by camera lenses, adjusting brightness and contrast, and cropping irrelevant parts of the image. The expert acknowledged that many of the tools used for these enhancements are also available in common software like Photoshop, raising questions about the uniqueness and scientific validity of their methods.

The court also explored the expert's qualifications, noting that their training was primarily on-the-job, with no formal background in photography. This led to discussions about the scientific principles underlying their work and the reliability of the software used for enhancements, specifically AMP 5. The expert asserted that AMP 5 is designed for forensic applications and provides reproducible results, although the defense questioned whether similar outcomes could be achieved with more widely available software.

As the hearing progressed, the judge reminded the parties to focus on the expert's qualifications and the scientific basis of their testimony, indicating that the court would ultimately decide on the admissibility of the expert's evidence. The proceedings highlighted the complexities involved in forensic image enhancement and the critical role of expert testimony in legal contexts.