ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 2003
Page Count: 6

The Effects of Latent Print Processing on Questioned Documents Produced by Office Machine Systems Utilizing Inkjet Technology and Toner
(Received 10 October 2002; accepted 3 December 2002)

Abstract

Counterfeiting of currency and identity documents, death threats, illegitimate business transactions, and terrorist-related activities are some examples of the types of crimes that often involve documents produced from printers and copiers. Although standard protocol typically requires a questioned document (QD) examination prior to latent print (LP) processing, occasionally, items of evidence may be submitted for a QD examination following the application of a series chemicals utilized in the development of latent fingerprints. In such cases, the forensic examiner must take into account any previous treatments prior to initiating an examination on documents produced with a printer or copier. This study was devised to examine the effects of a latent print development technique [ninhydrin, physical developer, and a bleach enhancer] on the physical and chemical examination of documents produced from copiers and printers.

Keywords:
forensic science, questioned documents, thin layer chromatography, inkjet printing, electrophotography, toner, ink analysis, latent print development, counterfeiting

Paper ID: JFS2002342
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002342
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