The enhancement of friction ridge detail on brass ammunition casings using cold patination fluid. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: James, Richard Michael; Altamimi, Mohamad Jamal
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 257(2015)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Forensic science -- Fingerprint -- Friction ridge -- Brass ammunition -- Patination fluid -- Enhancement -- Firearm; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: Fingerprint development occurs when using cold patination fluid on brass ammunition. High success rate achieved for development on live ammunition. Development on spent casings has to an extent also been possible. Sebaceous marks produce better definition and contrast than eccrine marks. Timescale between deposition and enhancement effects the development of eccrine marks. Abstract: Brass ammunition is commonly found at firearms related crime scenes. For this reason, many studies have focused on evidence that can be obtained from brass ammunition such as DNA, gunshot residue and fingerprints. Latent fingerprints on ammunition can provide good forensic evidence, however; fingerprint development on ammunition casings has proven to be difficult. A method using cold patination fluid is described as a potential tool to enhance friction ridge detail on brass ammunition casings. Current latent fingerprint development methods for brass ammunition have either failed to provide the necessary quality of friction ridge detail or can be very time consuming and require expensive equipment. In this study, the enhancement of fingerprints on live ammunition has been achieved with a good level of detail whilst the development on spent casings has to an extent also been possible. Development with cold patination fluid has proven to be a quick, simple and cost-effective method for fingerprint development on brass ammunition that can be easily implemented for routine police work.