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conferenceseries.com
Volume 7, Issue 5 (Suppl) J Forensic Res 2016
ISSN: 2157-7145, JFR an open access journal Forensic Research 2016
October 31-November 02, 2016
October 31-November 02, 2016 San Francisco, USA
5th International Conference on
Forensic Research & Technology
Visualization of latent fingerprints on used condoms: Powdering method perspectives
Michael Radford, Kathy Sperry and Paola A Prada
Texas Tech University, USA
Despite emerging DNA techniques, fingerprint evidence remains to be valuable in criminal investigations. Many fingerprinting
techniques have been developed over the years; however, previous forensic work has limited research studies geared at the
examination of fingerprint visualizing methods for the forensic analysis of condoms. Using common fingerprint powdering
techniques, we are attempting to determine the optimal method of visualizing fingerprints on this specific substrate of vital importance
in sexual assault crimes. All of the methods consist of prolonged cyanoacrylate exposure followed by application of black fingerprint
powder, bi-chromatic powder, and phosphorescent powder using the fiberglass brush. Another method consists of cyanoacrylate
exposure followed by application of black magnetic powder using the magnetic wand. Novel approaches being presented in this
study is the handling of the ‘used’ condoms prior to treatment. The samples being analyzed are placed over large plastic tubes after
cyanoacrylate treatment prior to powdering application. This handling procedure has proven to be instrumental in attaining quality
results. Furthermore, the analytical methodology also evaluated four different time variables after fingerprint deposition to assess the
effect of fingerprint aging with respect to the tested powdering techniques. The analytical validation of various fingerprint powdering
techniques for condom substrate samples can improve and further validate the use of this trace evidence and help establish the
availability of fingerprint details that may lead to increased rates of prosecution within the criminal justice system as it relates to
sexual assault crimes.
Biography
Michael Radford is a graduate student at Texas Tech University Institute for Forensic Science. He has a BS degree in Criminal Justice from University of Maryland
University College. He served on active duty in the United States Marring Corps from 2005 to 2009 and is currently employed as a detective at the Lubbock Police
Department.
Michael Radford et al., J Forensic Res 2016, 7:5(Suppl)