Latent Fingerprint Development on Adhesive Surfaces After Application to Fabric
Date
2020-04
Authors
Boarts, Jason
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Abstract
One of the many items of evidence found at a crime scene that can yield breakthrough clues if handled and processed appropriately is adhesive tape. Through fracture matching and DNA analysis, a person can be linked to the tape and, therefore, the scene of the crime. Another way adhesive tape can link a person to the crime is with development of latent fingerprints. Thorough research and real-life case work have proven latent fingerprints can be developed from adhesive surfaces through a variety of processing techniques. A search of extant literature shows this to be true, but there is little information found on the ability to develop comparative latent fingerprints from adhesive surfaces after they have been applied to fabrics. This study adds to the literature through the deposition of simulant laden latent fingerprints on tan packing tape, clear packing tape and grey duct tape, then applying the tape to denim, polyester, and cotton fabric samples. The tape was processed utilizing crystal violet, black wet powder and small particle reagent. Careful processing and analysis of 135 samples of adhesives and 405 latent fingerprints determined adhesive and fabric types coupled with processing methods play a role in the ability to develop latent fingerprints from adhesive surfaces that have been applied to fabrics. The results of the study fill an apparent gap in the literature and provides investigators and lab analysts another means of potentially identifying persons of interest in criminal investigations.
Description
Keywords
Fingerprint, Forensics, Latent fingerprints
Citation
Boarts, Jason D., (2020), Latent Fingerprint Development on Adhesive Surfaces After Application to Fabric.