NCJ Number
230584
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 43-45
Date Published
February 2010
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines a technique for collecting tool mark impression evidence.
Abstract
This article describes a modified technique for obtaining tool mark impressions utilizing polyvinylsiloxane impression material. These impression techniques now have been successfully utilized at crime scenes by investigators with the Canyon County Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Team in Caldwell, Idaho. Advantages of the polyvinylsiloxane materials include ease of use, accuracy, and dimensional stability over time while disadvantages include cost of material and slow setting times at lower temperatures. Utilized successfully by the dental profession for many years for crown and bridge impressions, denture impressions, bite mark impression, and other applications, the technique was found to be both practical and accurate for most tool mark applications. Since research regarding the effects that Mizzy silicone emulsion spray could have on potential DNA evidence has not been located; therefore, the proper collection of potential DNA evidence from the area on or near the tool mark prior to the application of silicone emulsion spray is imperative. Figures