NCJ Number
233538
Journal
Identification Canada Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2010 Pages: 44-65
Date Published
June 2010
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study investigated a methodology to enhance polymerization of aged prints.
Abstract
Cyanoacrylate fuming enables latent print detection on non-porous surfaces by polymerization with initiators in the fingerprint matrix, forming a visible coating. However, initiator degradation with aging restricts its applicability. Although the recovery of aged prints can be crucial to investigations, few studies have addressed this issue. In this study, the authors investigate a proposed methodology to enhance polymerization of aged prints using acetic acid or ammonia prior to fuming. As each acts via different mechanisms, the combination might further augment cyanoacrylate deposition. A split-depletion fingerprint series was used to compare enhanced vs. regular fuming. The authors also analyzed how aging prints under different relative humidity's affect print development. After aging, prints were fumed in a 'heat-and-humidity' cyanoacrylate chamber, and then analyzed with a comprehensive quantitative-qualitative scale. Prints treated with acetic acid exhibit significantly greater fingerprint ridge thickness and detail. (Published Abstract) Table, figures, and references