Investigation Into the Use of a Portable Cyanoacrylate Fuming System (SUPERfume) and Aluminum Powder for the Development of Latent Fingermarks

• NCJ Number: 236881
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2011 Pages: 1514-1520
• Author(s): Sarah J. Fieldhouse, Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the International Conference on Forensic Science, Nov. 25–26, 2009, in Réduit, Mauritius.

Annotation

The effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming using the SUPERfume and dusting with aluminum powder for latent fingermark development on several nonporous surfaces, stored in various temperature environments for time periods up to 52 weeks, was investigated.

Abstract

Few techniques offer "in situ" methods of friction ridge skin mark development. "In situ" development reduces mark transportation, degradation, and often cost. The effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming using the SUPERfume and dusting with aluminum powder for latent fingermark development on several nonporous surfaces, stored in various temperature environments for time periods up to 52 weeks, was investigated. Five thousand and four hundred latent fingermarks were deposited under controlled conditions and graded. The results suggested that cyanoacrylate fuming (SUPERfume, Foster and Freeman, U.K.) was more effective at developing latent fingermarks on textured and smooth plastic surfaces and for marks stored in temperatures of 37 degrees C, whereas aluminum powder was more effective on glass, enameled metal paint, and varnished wood, and for storage temperatures below 20 degrees C. There were no significant benefits to using either technique for marks older than 24 h, but it was possible to develop fingermarks following 52 weeks of storage using both techniques. (Published Abstract)