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Fingermark recovery from riot debris: Bricks and stones
1Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom.
Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
|March 11, 2015
Summary
Forensic scientists can now develop latent fingermarks on bricks and stones using fluorescent fingerprint powder, silver nitrate, and superglue. These methods enhance previously undeveloped prints, aiding criminal identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bricks and stones were used as weapons and for illegal entry during the 2011 UK riots.
- Effective methods for developing latent fingermarks on these porous surfaces are needed for criminal investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate suitable chemical treatments for developing latent fingermarks on common building materials like bricks, limestone, and sandstone.
- To identify reliable techniques for enhancing fingermarks on challenging porous substrates.
Main Methods:
- Testing current fingermark development techniques, including ninhydrin and fluorescence-based methods.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of fluorescent fingerprint powder, silver nitrate, superglue, and Isomark T-1 Rapid Grey High Resolution Forensic Impression Material.
- Applying techniques to common house bricks, limestone, and sandstone.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent fingerprint powder, silver nitrate, and superglue demonstrated significant success in enhancing latent fingermarks.
- These methods enabled the development of fingermarks that were previously unrecoverable.
- Isomark T-1 Rapid Grey High Resolution Forensic Impression Material proved effective for recovering prints developed with fluorescent powder.
Conclusions:
- It is now possible to develop latent fingermarks on bricks and stones using specific chemical treatments.
- Advanced forensic techniques improve the identification of individuals involved in criminal activities using porous materials.
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