NCJ Number
211411
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: August/September 2005 Pages: 8-12
Date Published
August 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes successful experiments that used casting materials to preserve fingerprints left on rough surfaces, human skin, and curved surfaces, as well as in blood.
Abstract
Photography is the current choice to record fingerprints on such surfaces; however, poor lighting conditions, type of surface, and a technician's level of photography knowledge are variables that determine the quality and usefulness of the photos. Photographs should always be taken of all fingerprints, but other methods should also be used to preserve fingerprint evidence, especially when photographs fail to provide useful images. The experiments described in this article show that fingerprints that are difficult to lift--such as those on rough surfaces, human skin, blood, and curved surfaces--can be preserved by using magnetic powder and silicone casting. Transparent silicone allows technicians to lift the prints and perform a direct fingerprint comparison without having to reverse the image. The silicone lifts are permanent and will not smear when touched. The use of silicone casting is faster and safer than most chemical applications. Seventeen figures show photographs of the prints obtained from silicone castings on the 4 types of surfaces. 3 references