NCJ Number
172645
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1998) Pages: 279-290
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article describes a method for developing latent fingerprints.
Abstract
The method described in this article is based on the fact that ruthenium tetroxide fumes react promptly with various organic compounds, particularly fatty oils or fats contained in sebaceous contaminants in latent print residue, producing brownish black or black ruthenium dioxide. Ruthenium tetroxide is a yellow, volatile crystal (melting point 25.5 degrees Centigrade, boiling point 100.8 degrees Centigrade) at room temperature. Conventional methods using RTX have been impractical due to its strong oxidizability and because, in the two-liquid method, it is troublesome to produce the fumes when needed and in the necessary amounts. In the method described in this article, the difficulty was overcome by using a saturated hydrocarbon halogenid solution of RTX. Advantages of this method include: (1) It can develop latent fingerprints from substrates previously considered difficult to develop; (2) Fingerprint edges have sharp detail; (3) The device is easy to carry and operate; (4) Method sensitivity is high; (5) Developed prints can be preserved for a long time; and (6) After this method is used, other methods can also be used. Notes, figures, references