NCJ Number
112652
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (November-December 1988) Pages: 292-294
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In two cases, latent fingerprints on plastic bags were found to be lateral reversals of the prints of the identified suspects.
Abstract
It was speculated that the latents had been transferred to the plastic from a latent print on some other object. To test this theory, a latent print was placed on a smooth metal object and a piece of plastic was firmly pressed against the latent. After the plastic was removed and processed with super glue, a latent print that was the mirror image of the initial print was developed. In the second case, it was speculated that the reversal on plastic bags had occurred when individuals in a narcotics case had sealed and stacked them. Transferred and original latents both respond to super glue treatment. Additional experimentation indicates that they also can be developed on plastic with Magna-powder, without super glue treatment. The process of checking latent prints in both the usual and the laterally reversed position is most easily accomplished by using transparent backing cards. The dual comparison also can be accomplished by photographing the print and viewing the negative in the positive and reversed positions. Examiners should be aware of the possibility of laterally reversed, transferred latents when conducting examinations lest cases that should have been declared identifications are eliminated. 1 reference and 3 figures.