NCJ Number
191246
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2001 Pages: 504-515
Date Published
2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article details some of the parameters that researchers should consider when conducting fingerprints studies, both in analytical studies of fingerprint residue and fingerprint reagent trials.
Abstract
The recommended procedures apply only to the collection of latent fingerprint samples under controlled conditions. This does not include fingerprints in contaminants. The procedures cover two of the most common areas of research: analytical studies of fingerprint composition and fingerprint reagent trials. In discussing the rationale for consideration of the parameters, the article discusses the following donor variables: the number of donors used, gender, age, racial origin, smoker/nonsmoker, medication, illness, and diet. The article discussed the following variables relevant to the assessment of the level of material deposited: washing/treatment, time of year, induction of sweating/ambient conditions, pressure/weight applied and contact time, and substrate. Storage variables discussed were temperature, humidity, lighting, pollution/contamination, and aerobic/anaerobic. The authors advised that although these "guidance notes" may not be a comprehensive survey of the parameters that affect fingerprint residue composition, they may provide a platform from which researchers can develop an accepted standard methodology for the production of fingerprint samples. 1 table and 27 references