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Removing interfering contaminations from gelatin lifters.
Yaron Shor1, Tsadok Tsach, Sarena Wiesner
1Toolmarks and Materials Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police National Headquarters, Jerusalem 91906, Israel. simanim@police.gov.il
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|December 31, 2005
Summary
A new method uses adhesive lifters to clean gelatin lifters, improving dusty shoeprint recovery at crime scenes. This technique removes interfering fibers without damaging the latent print.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Material Science
Background:
- Gelatin lifters are standard for recovering shoeprints from crime scenes.
- Loose fibers from substrates like paper, cloth, or plasterboard can obscure latent shoeprints on gelatin lifters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel technique for cleaning contaminated gelatin lifters.
- To improve the visualization and recovery of latent shoeprints obscured by foreign material.
Main Methods:
- A new cleaning method utilizing adhesive lifters was developed.
- Adhesive lifters were applied and instantly removed from the gelatin lifter surface.
- The process was repeated as needed, with optimal applications varying by substrate.
Main Results:
- The adhesive lifter technique successfully removed upper layers of contaminating material.
- Visualization quality of latent shoeprints was significantly improved after cleaning.
- The core shoeprint dust particles remained adhered to the gelatin lifter despite the adhesive force.
Conclusions:
- The adhesive lifter method offers an effective way to clean gelatin lifters, enhancing latent shoeprint recovery.
- While risks of image degradation exist with excessive use, the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.