Inquiry Into the Methodology of Preserving and Developing Latent Prints on Expended Cartridge Casings

• NCJ Number: 140862
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: (January- February 1993) Pages: 4-12
• Author(s): W C Sampson
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A series of experiments, conducted at the facilities of the Metro-Dade (Florida) Police Department Crime Scene Investigation Bureau between August and September 1989 was used to develop new techniques and improve the field application of cyanoacrylate.

Abstract

The object of the research was to determine whether the heat generated by firing a weapon is sufficient to dissipate a latent fingerprint on the casing of the fired cartridge. The experiment specimens included seven brass .45 caliber rounds and seven nickel-plated .38 caliber special rounds. Latent fingerprints were applied to the cartridge casing prior to loading, the rounds were fired, and two rounds were retained as controls. Processing in a fuming container began within an hour of firing. Results for both brass and nickel casings are discussed.