Processing techniques using amino acid sensitive chemical reagents on US banknotes to develop latent prints of evidentiary value
Loading...
Authors
Trejo, Sara M.
Issue Date
2009
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate processing sequences and techniques for the greatest development of latent prints on U.S. banknotes. To explore this topic various chemical reagents noted for successful latent print development on porous surfaces were used individually and in various sequences on banknotes. Additionally, to determine the effects of the banknotes physical condition, processing techniques were utilized on previously circulated and uncirculated banknotes. After use of each reagent, developed impressions were preserved and scored using quantitative and qualitative friction ridge analysis. The results were compared with those published by various authors through-out the forensic community. It was concluded that the physical condition of the banknote plays an intricate role in successful latent print development. Also, depending on the availability of an alternate light source, processing with a single reagent may provide the optimal latent print development on banknotes. In the future this research should be repeated using multiple banknote denominations, a larger sample size, numerous formulas for each reagent, natural print deposit, finally aging of the reagents and deposits.