Instructions
Materials required for Experiment 1:
SIRCHIE Latent Print Value Kit (http://www.sirchie.com/products/latent-print-development/latent-print-kits.html?cat=191)
OR
Pulverized and powdered charcoal
OR
Dark colored makeup powder/rouge
OR
Cocoa powder
A mirror
OR
A smooth, non-porous surface (clear or light-colored glass or metal)
White paper
A roll of clear Scotch tape
OR
A roll of clear mylar packing tape
A clean brush (for powder makeup, water color, or acrylic painting)
A ruler or measuring tape
Camera (cell phone or digital)
Experiment 1—Developing and lifting a latent print:
Place a fingerprint on the mirror or smooth surface (rub your finger on your forehead first to ensure there is sufficient oil on your finger).
Brush a fine coat of powder (item 1 above) over the surface to develop the print.
Photograph the print with and without the scale (ruler or measuring tape).
Take a close-up photo with the scale so you fill the frame with the fingerprint and the scale.
Apply tape and lift the print, being careful to avoid air bubbles.
Place the lifted print on the paper.
Draw a rough sketch of location on the mirror or other surface that you lifted the fingerprint from.
Write the name of the CSI (you), case number (invent), date, time, and ID or Badge number (invent) on the paper and the sketch.
Photograph the paper and the sketch.
Materials Required for Experiment 2:
SIRCHIE Latent Print Value Kit (http://www.sirchie.com/products/latent-print-development/latent-print-kits.html?cat=191)
OR
Pulverized and powdered charcoal
OR
Dark colored makeup powder/rouge
OR
Cocoa powder
A cotton ball
Baking soda (about a teaspoon)
A plastic zipper sandwich type bag
A small, non-porous, smooth item that will fit in the bag (bottle cap, old lens from glasses/sunglasses, etc.—use your imagination, but use something that is disposable)
A tube of Super Glue (or similar type glue–MUST contains cyanoacrylate)
2 small blocks of wood or plastic (about the size of Lego) large enough to keep the side of the bag from touching item 4 above, but small enough to allow the bag to be closed (use something disposable) or lightly crumple 2 pieces of foil, if you don’t have wood scraps.
A ruler or measuring tape
Camera (cell phone or digital)
Experiment 2– Simulate a cyanoacrylate fuming chamber:
Place the two small props into the bag.
Gently press your finger on the small item.
Place the item in the bag, making sure the surface with the print does not touch the sides of the bag.
Put the baking soda on a small plate. Roll the cotton ball in the baking soda until the cotton ball is covered.
Place the cotton ball inside the bag. Do not allow the cotton ball to contact the item. Carefully squeeze glue onto the cotton ball, saturating it. Begin sealing the bag but leave enough of an opening to quickly exhale into the bag, then finish sealing the bag. Be careful not to inhale the super glue fumes inside the bag. See the attached photo for clarification.
Wait 20 minutes to see if the print you left on the item becomes white and easily visible.
Photograph the item with and without a scale.
Documentation:
Explain the experiments and present your findings in a PowerPoint presentation with slide notes. If you’re unsure of how to do slide notes, please let me know or use Google to find instructions (they should be pretty easy). The presentation should be 8-12 slides in length, excluding the title and reference slides (required). The presentation needs the following:
Present photos of all developed prints.
Present photos of the lifted print.
Present photo of the sketch.
Describe your experience in developing and lifting the prints in both experiments, including the processes you used.
Explain or describe where the lifted print came from.
Evaluate the fingerprints and identify your fingerprint pattern.
Upload your presentation to the appropriate dropbox. Your file should be named LastName Fingerprint.
NOTE: If you have very dry skin, try rubbing your finger on your forehead to pick up some oil before pressing your finger on the items. Or, ask a friend or family member to deposit their prints on the two items.
Superglue Fuming
