Visualization of Latent Fingerprints by Aqueous Electrolytes: New Developments

Abstract

Aqueous electrolytes have recently been introduced as a new chemical technique for development of latent fingermarks on various sur- faces. The electrolyte solution was prepared based on the electronegativity series of the elements. The application methods such as immersion, spray, drop and gel (based) methods were applied, and the latent fingermarks were found to develop in few minutes and were permanent in nature on metal surfaces. The study was further extended to develop an aqueous electrolyte reagent (AER) which could develop latent fingermarks on different types of porous, semi-porous and non-porous surfaces. The surface independency and permanent nature of the developed fingermarks were the main advan- tages of this technique.

Keywords

• criminology, fingerprint, crime scene

References

1. Atkins, P. and de Paula, J. (2006). Atkins’ Physical Chemistry, Eighth Edition, Oxford University Press, New York, pp. 791-822.
2. Bourne. G. H., Danielli. J. F., Eldik, L. J. V., Zendegui, J. G., Marshak, D. R. and Watterson D. M. (1982). Calcium-Binding Proteins and the Molecular Basis of Calcium Action. International Review of Cytology, 77, pp. 1-66.
3. Bowman, V., Editor, (2004) Manual of fingerprint development techniques, Second Edition, (second revision), Home Office: Police Scientific Development Branch, Sandridge, UK.
4. Charng, T. and Lansing, F. (1982). Review of corrosion causes and corrosion control in a technical facility. NASA technical report. TDA progress report pp. 42-69.
5. Jasuja, O. P., Singh, G. and Almog, J. (2011). Development of latent fingermarks by aqueous electrolytes. Forensic Science International. 207, pp. 215–222.
6. Jasuja, O. P., Singh, K., Kumar, P. and Singh, G. (2015). Development of latent fingermarks by aqueous electrolytes on metallic surfaces- further studies. Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal. 48 (3), pp.122-136.
7. Jasuja, O. P., Singh, K. (2019). The next level aqueous electrolyte reagent (AER) for development of latent fingermarks. Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal. 52(1), pp.33-52.
8. Koryta, J. Dvorak, J. and Kavan, L. (1993). Principles of electrochemistry, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, England.

9. Osipow, L. I. (1962). Surface chemistry, Theory and industrial applications, Reinhold publishing corporation, New York.
10. Silberberg MS. (2003). Chemistry: the molecular nature of matter and change, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, pp. 158–162
11. Singh K. (2017). Studies on the application of electrolytes for the development of latent fingermarks, PhD thesis (unpublished).