NCJ Number
145904
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 1391-1403
Date Published
1993
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a one-step processing technique for obtaining fingerprint evidence from black electrical tape.
Abstract
The process calls for the addition of 0.02 grams of basic fuchsin per 400 mL of Methanol or distilled water, which will produce a fuchsia or deep red-colored solution. The solution is then placed in a glass or metal tray of sufficient size. The tape is immersed in the solution for approximately 50 second to 1 minute and then rinsed under running tap water and allowed to air dry. Once dry, the tape is examined under laser luminescence of an alternate light source with an orange filter. The resultant impressions will fluoresce at the approximate wave length of rhodamine 6G with an absorption maximum of about 500 nm, but with weaker fluorescence. Although weak fluorescence was a problem, particularly with naturally occurring latent deposit, a diligent examination of the impressions revealed good to excellent clarity of ridge detail. The author reports on tests that assessed the effectiveness of various fuchsin products, the clarity of older latent impressions, and the effectiveness of the fuchsin process compared with the traditional gentian violet and cyanoacrylate/Rhodamine 6G tests. The author does not advocate replacing gentian violet with the basic fuchsin process for vinyl adhesive tapes, since additional research is required to develop a suitable fuchsin enhancement agent. 7 tables, 6 figures, and 10 references