NCJ Number
150466
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 44 Issue: 4 Dated: (July- August 1994) Pages: 364-374
Date Published
1994
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Tools commonly referred to as electrostatic dust lifting devices are marketed to law enforcement agencies for the detection and recovery of dust or nonvisible footwear tracks, as well as latent prints in dust.
Abstract
These devices can be priced anywhere from $500 to $900. This author contends that, for $70 to $120, police agencies should use the NOVA Technologies line of electronic restraint devices, commonly known as the NOVA stun gun. This study compared the NOVA stun gun and the Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter in terms of practicality and feasibility in lifting footwear tracks and latent prints. The performance of the NOVA stun gun was comparable to the electrostatic device. In order to maximize field performance, police officers should follow several simple techniques: carry spare, charged batteries; use care to avoid self-inflicted wounds; use the stun gun within .25-inch of the edge of the lifting film; allow the charge to dissipate before handling the lifting film; and take appropriate containers to store and protect the lifting film. In addition to substantial cost savings, the stun gun offers the advantages of being lightweight, emitting only three to four milliamps, and requiring only a 9-volt cadmium rechargeable battery. 12 figures