NCJ Number
113367
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1988) Pages: 7-24
Date Published
1988
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article details how glove prints obtained at a crime scene can be individualized to identify suspects.
Abstract
Constant handling of objects such as door knobs, bannisters, shop doors, and handrails transfers grease and dirt to gloves, which in turn is deposited when the gloves touch objects. As with fingerprints, glove deposits can be made visible by the skillful application of a fingerprint search powder. Gloves can also be differentiated on the basis of materials composition, assembly methods, creases and contours formed through wear, and accidental damage caused by the wearer. Some or all of these characteristics can be revealed in a glove impression left at a crime scene. This article details the individualization process for leather gloves, vinyl gloves, fabric gloves, and domestic rubber gloves. Case illustrations demonstrate how glove print individualization has been used as evidence in actual cases. 18 figures.