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Cyanoacrylate Fuming of Latent Prints: Vacuum Versus Heat/Humidity

NCJ Number
151437
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 44 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1994) Pages: 545-556
Author(s)
J E Watkin; D A Wilkinson; A H Misner; A B Yamashita
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Fingerprints were developed on several different surfaces using cyanoacrylate in either a heat and humidity cabinet or a vacuum chamber; the resulting latent fingerprints were compared in a blind test by 54 forensic identification specialists.
Abstract
Good latent impressions were placed on eight different surfaces chosen by surveying forensic identification specialists in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Latent fingerprints were split into groups, to be treated in either a heat and humidity chamber or a vacuum cyanoacrylate chamber. Exhibits from the two chambers were paired up according to surface. Results showed that, in most cases, vacuum chamber results equaled or exceeded those from the heat and humidity chamber. Further comparison of the two chambers is recommended to verify the benefits of each in latent fingerprint identification. 17 references, 1 table, and 4 figures