ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 1998
Page Count: 6

Visualization of Sebaceous Fingerprints on Fired Cartridge Cases: A Laboratory Study
Mandler, D
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

Springer, E
Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel National Police Headquarters, Israel

Hocherman, G
Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel National Police Headquarters, Israel

Almog, J
Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel National Police Headquarters, Israel

Migron, Y
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,

(Received 3 July 1997; accepted 20 October 1997)

Abstract

The visualization and endurance of fingerprints on cartridge cases after the firing process have been examined. Cartridges of M16, AK-47 (Kalashnikov) and Parabellum have been tested. Despite difficulties in visualizing these fingerprints, it was found that in some cartridge cases under laboratory conditions—for instance, on M16 brass cartridges—substantial parts of the fingerprints remain intact after shooting. The careful use of illumination after metal vapor deposition enabled visualization. Different possible mechanisms responsible for the partial destruction of the fingerprints are discussed.

Keywords:
forensic science, latent fingerprints, fired cartridge cases

Paper ID: JFS16180J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS16180J
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