Enhancement of Aged and Denatured Fingerprints Using the Cyanoacrylate Fuming Technique Following Dusting with Amino Acid-Containing Powders

• NCJ Number: 246070
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 508-512
• Author(s): Carly Nixon, M.Sc.; Matthew J. Almond, D.Phil.; John V. Baum, Ph.D.; John W. Bond, D.Phil.
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study carried out experiments to investigate the aging of latent fingerprints deposited on black PVC over a period of 4-15 weeks.

Abstract

The researchers have carried out experiments to investigate the aging of latent fingerprints deposited on black PVC over a period of 4-15 weeks. A thumbprint was used in each case and before deposition of the print the donor rubbed their thumb around their nose to add sebaceous deposits. The researchers have studied the effect of heat, light, and moisture and they found that moisture was the most significant factor in the degradation of the latent print. The researchers have attempted to enhance these latent prints by dusting with valine powder or powders composed of valine mixed with gold or red fluorescent commercial fingerprint powders. To make a direct comparison between treated and untreated prints, the prints were cut in half with one-half being treated and one-half not. The researchers studies show the best results being obtained when powders of valine and red fluorescent powders are applied prior to cyanoacrylate fuming. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.