Journal Published Online: 01 July 1978
Volume 23, Issue 3

Identification of Suitable Plaster for Crime-Scene Casting

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Over the years police literature has generally recommended plaster of Paris [1] or dental plaster [2] to make casts at crime scenes. Even extremely unsophisticated testing indicates that different types of plaster vary considerably in tensile strength, hardness, and setting times under similar environmental conditions. Test studies indicate that plaster of Paris and dental plaster are the least suitable materials for police use because they are the least resistant to breakage and abrasion [3].

Author Information

Vandiver, JV
Senior Warrant Officer Course, Fort Rucker, Alabama
Wolcott, JH
Hypobaric Research Chamber, Division of Aerospace Pathology, Forensic Sciences Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C.
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10713J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10713J