Processing of Abnormal Surfaces Made Easier

Some people hold the belief that irregular surfaces cannot be processed in a way that yields useful results. Well, Dick Warrington, researcher and crime scene consultant, is here to challenge that belief. Dick explains that all surfaces can be processed as long as the appropriate method is used. He goes so far as to say, “…the only ‘surfaces’ where you can’t get prints are air and water…”. Right away, he launches in to offer some possible processing techniques for the most difficult surface – multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces. A tool resembling a caulking gun called AccuTrans can be used on this type of surface to create casts of impressions and lift prints. This tool produces better results than other methods because it mixes its chemicals for you. Another instrument that can be used to process multi-contoured surfaces is polyethylene tape to lift prints. This works well because it can conform to the shape of the surface hosting the print. Another device that can be used on this type of surface that is worth mention is DIFF-Lift tape. Because it is so much stronger than traditional lifting tape, DFF-Lift tape can lift a print from very textured surfaces. Besides multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces, there are also adhesive, dust and wet surfaces that seem difficult to process. An adhesive side powder can be used to lift prints from an adhesive surface. Electrostatic dust lifters such as PathFinder allow prints to be lifted from dusty surfaces. Finally, a small particles reagent can be used on wet surfaces to retrieve prints. Provided with just these examples, it is evident that surfaces of all types can be processed successfully – as long as the correct technology is utilized.

 

For further detail on these processing methods, be sure to read the full article here

 

Source: forensicmag.com

 

Citation:

Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/08/tools-trade-dealing-unusual-surfaces#.UjFK_mTBK7N

[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]