NCJ Number
135795
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1992) Pages: 91-95
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Cyanoacrylate fuming has proved to be a practical, inexpensive, and productive advance in the field of forensic identification.
Abstract
Many prints that could have never been developed have been revealed by this technique. In addition, polymerized prints are usually durable and, when required, can withstand repeated attempts at lifting. A standard caution in the use of cyanoacrylate fuming is always to examine processed evidence carefully while using strong, oblique lighting to observe any developed latents. Despite such warming, however, lightly polymerized latents can easily be overlooked. A secondary chemical process to further develop weak impressions may be necessary. Dye staining techniques, with illumination using alternate or laser light sources, are reliable choices when faced with problems of poor contrast, background interference, certain porous surfaces, and faint or nonvisible cyanoacrylate prints. A process known as Ardrox staining has been successful in many cases. Ultraviolet lamps, both long and short wave, have been used extensively and effectively for detecting various trace evidence and with certain fluorescent substances used for evidence processing. Processing and examination techniques associated with Ardrox and ultraviolet lamps are detailed, and photography hints are offered. 4 references and 2 figures