NCJ Number
135796
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1992) Pages: 96-100
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The glass recovery investigative technique (GRIT) is based on the concept that glass is one of the best surfaces from which to develop and recover latent fingerprints.
Abstract
GRIT is similar to procedures commonly used with the Magna brush-Kromekote technique; that is, the latent is first transferred to the glass by pressing it to the skin and the glass is then examined for transferred latents. In experiments to evaluate GRIT, 37 persons wiped their brow with three fingers of their right hand and placed latent prints on the inner side of their forearm. Latent print deposits were transferred to the glass, but the impressions contained no ridge detail. These results appeared to have been due to the particular body chemistry of the individuals involved. Seventeen other volunteers had latents placed on their forearms in the same manner but by persons other than themselves. Ten identifiable latent lifts were transferred to glass; six lifts transferred ridge detail to glass that was of no value for identification purposes, and one lift contained an impression without ridge detail. The glass was cleaned thoroughly with a paper towel and then pressed lightly against the skin surface where a controlled latent print had been placed. Latent prints were processed and examined quickly for success or failure in terms of skin condition, age of the person touched, age of the person doing the touching, presence of contaminates on fingers, ambient temperature, and time span since deposit. Experimental results demonstrated that a second glass lift of the skin area within 5 minutes of the initial lift was of value. 4 figures