NCJ Number
90270
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses where latent fingerprints may be found at an arson scene, techniques for developing the prints, and other procedures for developing prints as evidence.
Abstract
The development of a suspect's latent fingerprints at the crime scene has been overlooked by many arson investigators, because it is assumed that the fire has destroyed all prints. This is not true, however, since even items subjected to heat may have the suspect's fingerprints baked on because of the fire's intensity. Places where latent prints may be developed include door knobs and door posts; wallpaper near doors and window; window sills; light bulbs; match boxes, match books, and cigarette lighters; accelerant containers; bottles; documents; weapons; fatal fire victims; and any articles or furniture which appear to have been moved. Techniques for developing the prints include the use of (1) powders, which can be used on a variety of surfaces such as door knobs, wood, paper, and metal; (2) fuming, which can be used on paper products, although with limited success on newspapers; (3) immersion in silver nitrate in the laboratory, which is effective with paper products and some types of clothing; (4) soot, which is often successful in developing prints off burned and scorched objects rinsed with low-pressure water; and (5) charing, which has been used to develop prints from paper products but is not as practical as other methods. Research is also in the process of developing the use of the laser and a common household glue for enhancing latent prints. Latent footwear impressions should also be developed, they must be photographed, their position documented at the arson scene. Further, once prints have been developed, they must be photographed, their position documented and then properly entered into evidence. Nine footnotes are provided.