An innovative approach to latent fingerprint development at crime scenes: The cyanoacrylate spraying methodology

Abstract

The methods employed to detect latent fingerprints during crime scene investigations are continually refined and enhanced. The implementation of dusting techniques on surfaces that are unfeasible for laboratory transport often yields a lower percentage of identifiable fingerprints. This issue is predominantly due to the inherent properties of these surfaces and their respective levels of contamination. Furthermore, the application of laboratory procedures, typically designated for the cyanoacrylate fuming method, is of paramount importance for efficient fingerprint development in field conditions. In this study, five donors (three males and two females) deposited natural fingerprints on readily available materials in day-to-day life, such as microscope slides, both rough and smooth mica, and galvanized sheet metal. The analysis of fingerprints was conducted at seven distinct time intervals: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Each of the 280 fingerprints used was divided into two equal parts, resulting in a total of 560 fingerprint segments for examination. The findings of the current study showed that 52.9% of fingerprints suitable for identification were developed with the dusting method, 89.3% with the cyanoacrylate fuming method, and 95% especially with the cyanoacrylate spraying method. These results underscore the potential significance of the cyanoacrylate spraying method as an essential scientific technique in the resolution of criminal cases.