Development of Latent Fingermarks from Rocks and Stones |
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Authors: | Ido Hefetz M.Sc. Amit Cohen M.Sc. Yaron Cohen M.Sc. Alan Chaikovsky B.Sc. |
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Affiliation: | 1. Fingerprint Identification Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, , Jerusalem, 91906 Israel;2. Mobile Laboratory for Serious Crime Scenes, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, , 8424305 Israel;3. Latent Fingerprint Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, , Jerusalem, 91906 Israel;4. Digital Evidence Laboratory, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, , Jerusalem, 91906 Israel |
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Abstract: | Since the beginning of recorded history, stones have been used in the commission of crimes due to their widespread availability. Stones can be used as a lethal weapon that sometimes might be the only evidence in a serious case. The common perception, even in professional fingermark circles, is that stones do not yield identifiable latent fingermarks. The authors of this research paper examined the feasibility of developing fingermarks from seven types of stones using three latent fingermark techniques: magnetic powder, cyanoacrylate fuming, and ninhydrin. The paper will demonstrate that by classifying stones and rocks according to their natural properties (porosity, permeability, and the nature of surface area), even application of the simplest development techniques can produce good results. In conclusion, chert and limestone yielded the most qualitative and quantitative results using magnetic powder. The time factor is also important in recovering latent fingermarks on stones and rocks. |
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Keywords: | forensic science latent fingerprints stone rock cyanoacrylate ninhydrin porosity |
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