Citation

Lévesque S, Bond JW. J. Forensic Sci. 2011; 56(5): 1283-1284.

Affiliation

Forensic Technology WAI Inc., 5757 Cavendish Blvd., Suite 200 Côte St-Luc, QC H4W 2W8, Canada. Scientific Support Unit, Northamptonshire Police, Wootton Hall, Northampton NN4 0JQ, U.K. Forensic Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7EA, U.K.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, American Society for Testing and Materials, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01815.x

PMID

21595699

Abstract

  Visualization of fingerprint corrosion on spent brass cartridge cases by the application of a high electrical potential and conducting carbon powder is becoming an accepted method of fingerprint enhancement. However, to date, no examination has been made of any effect this technique has on ballistic identification. To resolve this, images of the breech face and firing pin marks were captured on six plated nickel and six brass primer cup spent cartridge cases. Three nickel and three brass cases were then subjected to the application of a potential of +2500 V for a period of 1 min. The remaining cases were additionally subjected to the application of carbon powder. These latter cases were then washed to remove all traces of powder. Each case was recaptured with the same ballistic identification apparatus and imaging procedure. None of the twelve cases showed any visual difference after the application of the potential or conducting powder.

Language: en