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Casting, Another Means of Identification

NCJ Number
95668
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1984) Pages: 1212-1222
Author(s)
A C McGraw
Date Published
1984
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Casting with plaster and silicone is an invaluable tool in identifying victims as well as perpetrators of a crime.
Abstract
Plaster is used for making foot, shoe, and tire impressions. It is excellent for casting bite marks and wounds. Plaster is ideal for making positive impressions of the fingers and palms of deceased persons who are so badly decomposed that inked impressions cannot be made. Silicone is used for casting toolmarks, and to make negative impressions of fingers and palms of deceased persons. It is also outstanding for lifting latent prints from doorknobs, bottlenecks, and other odd shaped items where it would be impossible to use tape without wrinkling, thereby, destroying the print. (Author abstract)