NCJ Number
151436
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 44 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1994) Pages: 530-541
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Several cases have been reported in which laterally reversed latent fingerprints were recovered; one such case was encountered by the Massachusetts State Police.
Abstract
In the reported Massachusetts case, a narcotics case was submitted to the police laboratory for latent fingerprint examination. The case involved the hydroponic cultivation of marijuana in a residential basement. A cabinet used to germinate seedlings was seized as evidence. Cabinet panels were visually examined and then subjected to cyanoacrylate or superglue processing. Once subjected to cyanoacrylate fuming, panels were then processed with magnetic powder. Several latent fingerprints were developed on the panels and on several other pieces of evidence, and the latent fingerprints were identified as the suspect's. Further experimentation revealed latent fingerprints in the laterally reversed position. Electronically reverse-imaging these fingerprints provided additional identifying information on the suspect. Frosted cellophane tape appeared to be the best transfer medium, yielding an identifiable latent fingerprint on every surface tested. The author concludes that investigators should entertain the possibility of laterally reversed latent fingerprints when processing evidence. 6 references, 1 table, and 6 figures