NCJ Number
175290
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: May 1998 Pages: 543-548
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Research was conducted on M16, AK-47 (Kalashnikov), and Parabellum cartridges to determine the possibility of detecting latent fingerprints on cartridge cases after the firing process, as well as endurance of such fingerprints.
Abstract
The research used 15 unfired cartridges of each type. One-third of each group was impressed with eccrinic fingerprints; the other two-thirds were impressed with sebaceous fingerprints. The impressed unfired cartridges were then fired from their respective weapons. The ejected cartridge cases were collected during firing into clean paper bags attached to the rifle's ejector port. Several groups of unfired cartridges were shot in the semiautomatic mode, while others were shot automatically. The four procedures used to visualize latent fingerprints on cartridge cases were application of soot, palladium deposition, selenation, and silver deposition. In addition, cartridge cases were initially inspected by a naked eye and a microscope after they were fired. Despite difficulties in visualizing these fingerprints, substantial parts of fingerprints on M16 brass cartridges survived firing under the laboratory conditions. They were optically visible and could be better visualized after vapor-deposited coating with reflecting metals that improved their visibility. Findings suggested a variety of different possible mechanisms responsible for the partial destruction of the fingerprints. Table, figures, and 15 references (Author abstract modified)