JFI Abstracts from 2023

Issue 1: Apr - Jun 2023 

AMYG: Not Just Another Palmar Formation

Author(s): Schroeder, Corey
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 2, Page 113
Abstract: The hypothenar region of human palmar friction ridge skin can have numerous formations, one of which has not been adequately defined to allow an examiner to reliably analyze and describe the formation: the amygdaloid pattern. This research into amygdaloid patterns in the hypothenar gives a scientific definition (geometric shape) that describes this pattern type. After the analysis of thousands of palmprint impressions, the author provides a definition identifying this pattern.

From RAM to RhoMMeOH: Chemical Modification of the Cyanoacrylate Dye Stain RAM for Visualization of Latent Prints

Author(s): Mills, Dawn M.; Richard, Adam H.; Ahmadi, Armin; Roh, Kyung-Ho
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 2, Page 123
Abstract: RAM is a combination cyanoacrylate dye stain used to visualize latent prints based on the luminescence properties of three fluorescent dyes: rhodamine 6G (R6G), Ardrox P133D, and 7-(p-methoxybenzylamino)-4-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (MBD). This study investigates the chemical formulation of RAM in an effort to address the partitioning of its components due to a combination of immiscible solvents in order to enhance the overall performance of the cyanoacrylate dye stain solution. The solvent type, concentration of fluorescent dyes, and absorption and fluorescent characteristics were investigated to maximize performance. The modification of RAM resulted in a combination of R6G and MBD in methanol (RhoMMeOH). RhoMMeOH and RAM were applied to cyanoacrylate-fumed latent prints (split in half) collected from 11 donors in depletion series and aged at different time frames before processing (24 hrs to 8 weeks). Qualified latent print examiners evaluated the ridge detail in order to rate the latent prints based on performance of each dye stain solution. RhoMMeOH demonstrated an enhanced performance (up to 21% of the prints were evaluated to have improved visualization) due to its improved chemical formulation on a variety of substrates while reducing expenses and resources for latent print visualization.

Transfer of Latent Prints on Duct Tape

Author(s): Anderson, Elizabeth
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 2, Page 143
Abstract: This research studied the transfer of latent prints from the adhesive side to the nonadhesive side of duct tape and vice versa. Initial trials were done to observe how easily this transfer occurs on an inexpensive type of duct tape and on a more expensive duct tape. The study was then expanded to include time trials and tape separation methods. Time trials tested transfer at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Separation methods of tape included a freezer separation method and un-du (an adhesive neutralizer). The samples were processed for latent prints using cyanoacrylate fuming and a dye stain on the nonadhesive side of the tape and a powder suspension method on the adhesive side. Results showed that transfer occurred in both directions in most trials. This research illustrates that the comparison of latent prints from either side of duct tape should be conducted as the prints were observed and as laterally reversed images.

Improving CSI Response: An Early Roadmap for the Increased Quality and Effectiveness of Crime Scene Investigations

Author(s): Joe C. Treviño III, Joe C.; Kessler, Michael P.
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 2, Page 169
Abstract: The Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction Subcommittee within the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) has highlighted the need for empirical research on adequate crime scene investigator (CSI) staffing levels via crime scene response. A study was designed to investigate what CSIs considered adequate response via a survey with questions that targeted the factors affecting the quality and effectiveness of an investigation, what is feasible to handle alone without sacrificing quality and effectiveness, when extra staffing is needed, the barriers to hiring more personnel, and what the amount of extra staffing needed is within the focus established by the OSAC CSI Subcommittee. The survey was taken by both investigators and managers across many levels of government and in different areas of the United States. With few exceptions, there was consensus between investigator and manager responses throughout the study.

Employers and policymakers can use these data to address staffing or response according to agency-specific needs, thereby increasing the quality and effectiveness of crime scene investigations at a customizable scale.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy, CLPE
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 2, Page 232
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.

Issue 1: Jan - Mar 2023 

Letter to the Editor

Author(s): Kent, Terry
Type: Letter to the Editor
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 001

Dermatoglyphic Patterns in Monozygotic Twins with Zimmermann-Laband Syndrome

Author(s): Schwarz, Martin; Kanich, Ondřej; Berka, Miroslav; Havlovicová, Markéta; Drahanský, Martin
Type: Case Report
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 003
Abstract: Zimmermann-Laband syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. Patients show multiple phenotypic abnormalities, including skeletal abnormalities of fingers and toes and hypoplasia or aplasia of nails. We studied a pair of monozygotic twins with this syndrome, confirmed at the molecular level, and performed a dermatoglyphic analysis. The analysis showed unusually simple patterning on all fingertips of both individuals: all patterns were arches. There were additional anomalies on the palms. The observed anomalies most likely reflect disharmony in the development of mesodermal structures of the hand caused by the syndrome. Because dermatoglyphs are complex traits, more research is warranted to unravel the relationship between involved genes and palmar patterns.

Using Footwear Impressions to Link Crime Scenes

Author(s): Pertsev, Roman; Levi, Aviad; Daniel, Orit
Type: Case Report
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 014
Abstract: Linking seemingly unrelated crime scenes through forensic data analysis can contribute to more effective case investigations. This case report discusses how investigators were able to solve a series of burglaries in central Israel. Twelve crime scenes were linked based on an impression of a specific shoe model collected at nine of the sites.

pH Dependency of Powder Suspensions on the Development of Fingermarks on the Sticky Side of Adhesive Tapes

Author(s): Schwarz, Lothar; Klenke, Inga; Engel, Klara
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 021
Abstract: The use of common powder suspension is a well-proven method for developing fingermarks deposited on the sticky side of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The starting point of this study was the question of whether the pH value of the type of powder suspension commonly used in Germany (i.e., a suspension of lamp black powder and ether sulfate) has an influence on the quality of the fingermarks developed.

The answer to this question is, yes. Optimum development was achieved at pH values ranging between pH 3 and pH 4. In this study, we present an improved powder suspension that is capable of developing fingermarks with good clarity and contrast and without background discoloration. By using citric acid for pH adjustment, the preparation of the suspension is simple and affordable. Moreover, using this natural acid has a positive effect on workplace safety and environmental protection.

POSME - New Powder Suspension to Increase the Effectiveness of Powders in Aged Fingerprint Development

Author(s): Claveria, Sergi; Fernández, Patricia; Clares, Néstor; Heredia, Roger; Pomerol, Mar
Type: Technical Note
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 033
Abstract: The development of fingerprints with powders is one of the techniques most used by forensic teams for latent print detection at crime scenes on objects that cannot be collected and transported to the laboratory. The success of this fingerprint development is conditioned, among other factors, by the age of the latent fingerprint residues.

Our study shows that it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the development of aged fingerprints with powders by subsequently applying an iron oxide-based powder suspension. The application of this product resulted in a 26.5% increase in effectiveness in the development of 45-day-old fingerprints on five different nonporous surfaces.

The Effect of Time When Using Recover Latent Fingerprint Technology to Develop Fingerprints on Brass Cartridge Cases

Author(s): Wong, Yin-Fai Ian; Slaney, Jaclyn; Power, Cameron ; Oliverio, Mary
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 048
Abstract: This research looked at determining whether fingerprints would continue to develop over time after Recover Latent Fingerprint Technology (Recover LFT) treatment on brass cartridge cases. The research also aimed to determine whether the fingerprint deposition time prior to firing would affect the quality and quantity of fingerprints developed using Recover LFT. The research demonstrated that after development, the quality of fingerprints changed over time. Three time intervals after treatment were researched: immediate, 48 hours, and 7 days. In the first trial, 22 fingerprints (18.3%) increased in quality after 48 hours, and 35 fingerprints (29.2%) increased in quality after 7 days when compared to the initial examination. In the second trial, 23 fingerprints (19.2%) increased in quality after 48 hours, and 22 fingerprints (18.3%) increased in quality after 7 days when compared to the initial examination. Fingerprint deposition time prior to firing also proved to greatly affect the quality of developed fingerprints. In the first trial, fingerprints were deposited 24 hours prior to firing and 15 fingerprints (12.5%) were suitable for identification immediately after processing with Recover LFT. In the second trial, fingerprints were deposited 1 hour prior to firing. In this case, only 4 fingerprints (3.3%) were suitable for identification immediately after Recover LFT treatment.

Analyzing Fingerprint Distortion as it Appears in Developed Eccrine and Sebaceous Impressions

Author(s): Fagert, Michael
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 071
Abstract: Variability in multiple impressions of the same finger can be attributed to various factors (e.g., the pliability of the skin, the type and amount of fingerprint matrix that is present, substrate type, deposition pressure, movement of the finger or hand during deposit). The way these factors manifest in developed latent impressions is referred to as distortion. Previous efforts have been directed towards describing the elasticity of the skin, characterizing how distortion appears in latent impressions, and modeling fingerprint distortion for matching algorithms. This study expands upon previous research by analyzing distortion as it appears in ninhydrin-developed eccrine impressions under various deposition pressures, shearing stress, and torque movements. The distortion characteristics that were observed under these conditions were then compared to those that were observed in powder-developed sebaceous impressions. General trends and characteristics were shared between the two types of impressions; some differences arose from the matrix-substrate interactions.

Back to Basics

Author(s): Siegel, Sandy, CLPE
Type: Article
Published: 2023, Volume 73, Issue 1, Page 112
Abstract: Funny finds from all over in their own words.