NCJ Number
195829
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2002 Pages: 433-438
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Two methods of developing fingerprints on antlers and horns are described: cyanoacrylate fuming techniques followed by the application of dye stains, and leucocrystal violet enhancement of prints in blood.
Abstract
A criminal act that rarely gets the attention of the latent print section of a forensic laboratory is the poaching of big game, namely, deer, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Sometimes between the kill and the transport to a place of storage, the antlers or horns may be handled by a bare hand. During this handling, blood may also be transferred from the animal to the hunter and then back to the animal's antler or horn in the form of a latent print. The initial visual examination involves analysis with a white light at various angles and a handheld magnifying lens, followed by examination with various wavelengths of illumination from a forensic light source. This examination may detect fluorescing prints without the need for chemical development. Additional examinations at the Iowa Division of Criminalistics Laboratory focused on two development methods: vapor phase cyanoacrylate (CA) followed by fluorescent dye staining, and leucocrystal violet (LCV). Since the CA residue may adhere to a bloody print and reduce the sensitivity of the LCV technique, CA is not recommended for use on blood prints. Both the CA and LCV procedures proved to be useful techniques; however, when using the LCV process in direct sunlight, any developed print should be photographed as soon as possible, because photo ionization may result in unwanted background development. Evidence should be packaged in a cardboard box, a brown paper bag, or wrapped in brown paper. It should never be packaged in plastic. Any developed friction ridge skin detail should be assessed in a laboratory setting by an experienced latent print examiner, and prints of value should be photographically preserved. Other evidence that might be collected in a big game wildlife violation is briefly discussed. The CA and LCV techniques are described in detail. 2 figures and 4 references