JFI Abstracts from 2025

Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2025 

Forgery of Friction Ridge Impressions by Transfer of Undeveloped Residue

Author(s): Recker, Daniel C.
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 1
Abstract: This small scale study looked at the feasibility of transferring undeveloped residue from one non-porous sur-face to another using tape. The transferred residue was then processed using powder to see if a forged latent print resulted. Forged latent prints that were suitable for comparison were developed in 30% of the ten trials.

Interagency Study of Crime Scene Investigation Using Virtual Reality

Author(s): McKay, Jaclynn; Grassel, John; Keyes, Kelly; Hill, Edward; Thomas, Nicholas
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 8
Abstract: To facilitate the development of standards for crime scene investigation (CSI) and to improve the field of forensic science, RTI International conducted a national interagency comparison study on crime scene (CS) processing using virtual reality (VR) scene recreations. The study assessed participants’ performance in CS processing across a variety of individual and agency characteristics. A total of 163 participants completed a sexual assault scene, with 92 of which completing a second scene: overdose or assault. Study findings indicated that prior experience with VR was not necessary to use its capabilities regarding simulated CS processing. Out of the processing variables assessed, swabbing DNA samples, glove use, and number of photos taken had the most significant distributions across the characteristics assessed, indicating these skills may have the biggest variability across crime scene teams or are the most different in the virtual space. Although certain regions performed better than others in certain areas, on the whole larger crime scene units, CSI primary function, more CSI experience, and more scenes worked exhibited better performance. Those at agencies with forensic accreditation demonstrated better performance across all three scenes with regards to glove use. There was a lot of positive feedback regarding processing scenes in the virtual world including being time-efficient, relatively low-cost, and easy-to-use; however, VR is not suitable for all people due to the potential for motion sickness and headaches, and there are some limitations to the technology with regards to demonstrating CSI skills.

Forensic Examination of Fire Accelerants in Waterproofing Bitumen Sheets.

Author(s): Avissar, Yaniv Y.; Rezek, Adam Abu; Grafit, Arnon; Stier, Erez; Kasherman, Yonit
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 103
Abstract: Bitumen, also known as asphalt, are a form of petroleum and are used mainly in waterproofing. Analysis of samples of bitumen sheets in Arson investigations could lead to incorrect interpretations. The importance of data interpretation in arson case investigation is discussed in this work. As no similar studies were found in the literature, several properties of bitumen sheets were studied. Background tests of ten different types of bitumen sheet samples showed presence of flammables compounds at intensities lower than the laboratory’s threshold for accelerant identification. Additionally, the findings from bitumen sheets subjected to diesel or gasoline highlighted the differences between bitumen and inert media. Results indicate fuel that had been in contact with the sheets was still detectable 24 hours after exposure. In addition, no changes were found in the composition of accelerants applied to bitumen media, contrary to what investigators expect to find in residue analyses in arson cases.

Hitting the Mark: A Bespoke Imaging System for the Enhanced Capture of Lifted Marks

Author(s): Marsh, Nick P.; Hart, Andrew J.; Bleay, Stephen; Hall, Lisa J.
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 128
Abstract: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of an agency's existing protocol for scanning transparent lifts of aluminum powder marks using a flatbed scanner to a bespoke in-house photographic alternative. Preliminary testing and an operational trial demonstrated that using a bespoke imaging system improved the quality and clarity of marks that had been previously determined to be unsuitable or borderline for comparison. This, in turn, resulted in more identifications and exclusions being reported. The significance of the findings of this research was such that the bespoke system has been introduced into routine operational casework.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy CLPE Coordinator
Type: Article
Published: 2025, Volume 75, Issue 1, Page 151
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.