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Dna Fingerprint Evidence At A Crime Scene

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The first step in processing fingerprint evidence at a crime scene begins with documentation through the use of photography, sketches and detailed notes on the condition and disposition of the evidence. Often, latent prints can be used to establish the identity of a suspect or victim at a crime scene and can be considered as one of the most valuable forms of physical evidence. Processing evidence at a crime scene is a long, tedious process to ensure that delicate evidence, such as fingerprints can be preserved. When processing fingerprints, the location and condition of the print should be identified to determine the most appropriate technique for processing. There are two primary types of surfaces: porous and non-porous. Porous surfaces absorb fingerprint residue like paper, cardboard or unfinished wood. Conventional chemical techniques used on these types of surfaces include Silver Nitrate, Iodine Fuming, Ninhydrin and SuperGlue Fuming. Non-porous surfaces consist of plastics, glass, and metal. These prints are usually lifted with the powder dusting technique; however, caution should be used while processing latent print residue on non-porous surfaces as they can easily smear. Powdered latent prints are then lifted with tape. (Lee, & Gaesslen, 2001)
Upon the arrival to a local homicide scene at a convenience store/gas station, several items to be processed for fingerprint evidence were identified to include, a Lottery Ticket on the counter with a bloody, smeared print on

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