NCJ Number
240679
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 62 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2012 Pages: 488-516
Date Published
October 2012
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This stydy examined the effects of blast damage to latent fingerprints deposited on items within the vehicles and on vehicle surfaces were developed and recorded.
Abstract
Following the detonation of explosives to simulate two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), the effects of blast damage to latent fingerprints deposited on items within the vehicles and on vehicle surfaces were developed and recorded. Metallic-based fingerprint powders were selected and small particle reagent (SPR) formulation were prepared by the author and evaluated as suitable development techniques in recovering the test latent impressions during these experiments. A reflected ultraviolet imaging system (RUVIS) and superglue fuming (and subsequent dye staining) were also used to develop test latent impressions. Latent fingerprints with clear friction ridge detail were developed on both VBIED experimental vehicles. Although some test latent impressions were obliterated, a large number of test impressions remained unaffected by these blast effects. The results achieved with the use of the RUVIS imager, the author's silver-gray SPR formulation, and the use of gold and copper metallic powders demonstrate the suitability of these development techniques in post-blast latent fingerprint recovery. (Published Abstract)