NCJ Number
144690
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 43 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1993) Pages: 449-456
Date Published
1993
Length
8 pages
Annotation
As a useful tool to mark possessions for subsequent identification, the Trace Mark microstamp can be employed in several forensic applications, such as identifying evidence or discouraging component substitution.
Abstract
Crime scenes are usually examined for evidence of tool mark impressions from various weapons or objects. The Trace Mark microstamp may be useful at crime scenes, since it can be provided with both alpha and numeric characteristics, specific font styles, foreign languages, logos, or art work. The size of the die and impressions range from 0.25 mm to 1.0 mm, depending on the requirements. Two versions of the microstamp are available, a curved roll-on type and a flat head-on stamp. Marking procedures should be carefully entered into a laboratory notebook. The object of interest should be photographed in its entirety and the microstamp image accurately recorded. Upon recovery of evidence, the positioning and clarity of the image becomes an excellent tamper indicator. The presence or absence of the micromarking determines its authenticity. The Trace Mark microstamp offers unique capabilities to forensic scientists and the law enforcement community. Minimal training is required, and the equipment is inexpensive and simple to use and maintain. 1 reference and 5 figures