FILM-LIFT TECHNIQUES FOR COLLECTING GUNSHOT RESIDUES AS A FORENSIC EVIDENCE

• NCJ Number: 15559
• Author(s): K K S PILLAY
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 12 pages
• Corporate Author: Pennsylvania State University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE PREPARATION AND USE OF FILM-LIFT KITS IS DESCRIBED, AND A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS DEMONSTRATING THE VARIOUS STAGES IN PROPER APPLICATION OF FILM-LIFT KITS IS INCLUDED.

Abstract

THIS SYSTEM, CURRENTLY IN ROUTINE USE BY THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE, IS USED TO COLLECT TRACE ELEMENTS CHARACTERISTIC OF GUNSHOT RESIDUES FOR FORENSIC ANALYSIS. THE THREE BASIC CONSTITUENTS OF THIS PREPARATION ARE HIGHLY PURIFIED CELLULOSE ESTER, A VOLATILE SOLVENT AND A PLASTICIZER. THE EVIDENCE COLLECTED USING FILM-LIFT KITS HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE ANALYZABLE BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION METHODS, AS WELL AS X-RAY FLUORESCENCE PROCEDURES. CONTENTS OF THE FILM-LIFT KIT AND METHODS FOR APPLYING THE SOLUTION TO HUMAN BODY SURFACES ARE ILLUSTRATED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)