NCJ Number
233776
Journal
Identification Canada Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2007 Pages: 125-162
Editor(s)
Della Wilkinson
Date Published
December 2007
Length
38 pages
Annotation
The featured articles in this issue discuss the use of group networking in forensic fingerprint analysis and decisionmaking and report on a case of an arson/homicide in which blood patterns were revealed with the use of BlueStar, a product that undergoes a chemiluminescent reaction with blood.
Abstract
In discussing the use of group networking as a means of improving the reliability of fingerprint analysis, the author focuses on the development of group dynamics that facilitate the production of trustworthy, verifiable results in fingerprint analysis. The model proposed for such an effort was developed by Kurt Lewin, one of the founders of the movement to study groups scientifically. Lewin's model for building effective group decisionmaking is called "Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing," which describes each of the four phases of molding a network of professionals to produce decisionmaking superior to that made by individuals. This group-building model is described in detail. In the case study presented in the second article, an apartment was set on fire by a person or persons after robbing and beating the apartment resident. The bedroom where the body was found had been fully engulfed in flames, and the burned mattress had left a sticky creosote-type soot throughout the apartment, making fingerprint examinations useless. In addition, the fire-fighting personnel had walked all through the creosote-type residue. A solution of BlueStar, however, successfully produced a positive reaction with bloody footprints observed as a blue glow through the creosote-type residue. This led to the identification of a suspect. In addition to these featured articles, this issue also provides information on upcoming forensic training programs and reports on recent activities of the Canadian Identification Society.