NCJ Number
139415
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 237-244
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This description and analysis of techniques for analyzing the presence of black shoe polish on clothing concludes that appearance, solubility and microscopic characteristics, dye components, and heat volatile compounds are all features that can be used to identify this evidence.
Abstract
In two recent cases, the defendants claimed that they had experienced excessive force during arrest. As part of the investigation of these claims, the authors were asked to examine the defendants' clothing for the presence of shoe polish. However, the footwear that may have been involved in making these marks were not available for analysis. The dyes were examined by ultraviolet/visible light spectrophotometry and thin layer chromotography. The insoluble materials were examined microscopically, and the heat volatile components of the matrix analyzed by gas chromatography. In both cases, findings revealed evidence that the marks on the clothing were made by shoe polish. The study is now being extended to identify features that can be used to determine the agents causing other stains on fabrics. Figures, tables, and 3 references