Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

JANUARY 2007

Welcome to the January 2007 Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

Using Small Particle Reagent To Obtain
Latent Fingerprints From the
Adhesive Side of Clear Plastic Tape

H.W. “Rus” Ruslander, MS, SCSA
Forensic Supervisor
Palm Beach County (FL) Medical Examiners Office

Recently, I was contacted by a former student who now works for a municipal police department. She was having difficulty in processing some evidence from a home invasion robbery case she was working. Her problem was that she had tape that had been used by the suspects to bind the victim. This tape was about 2 inches wide and clear like scotch tape. It is usually used for sealing boxes. This tape, when held up to the light, revealed a very good quality latent fingerprint. Her quandary was how to process the tape to enhance the latent fingerprint so the latent print examiners could compare it to the suspects.

Using a roll of tape she purchased at a local store, she tried using sticky-side powder and gentian violet to enhance prints she had deposited on the test roll of tape. She was unable to achieve the desired results in developing the latent prints to the degree necessary for comparison.

I suggested that she try using Small Particle Reagent. “SPR” is usually used when processing wet surfaces and it adheres to the print. Once dry, it can be lifted off the surface using fingerprint lift tape and put on a lift card. With the tape, it can be sprayed right on the adhesive side of the tape and handled in several different ways. The first, and best method, is to spray the tape and place it directly onto the latent print card. Using a sponge or paper towel, squeegee over the tape and it will adhere to the card. The resulting latent print is of extremely good quality.

The second method is to spray the “SPR” onto the adhesive side of the tape and then rinse it off under running water. The tape is again placed on the lift card and squeezed to allow it to stick to the card. The result is somewhat disappointing.

The third method is the same as method number 2 with the exception that after the initial rinse, “SPR” is sprayed on the tape again. After letting sit for a few seconds, re-rinse and place on the lift card and squeegee as before...

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Forensic Technician I, II, or Senior | Santa Barbara County, California Sheriff Department
Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $3,288 to $5,805 per month
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Forensic Scientist I - Firearms and Toolmarks | Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Final Filing Date: January 31, 2007
Salary: $54,916 - $81,286 per year
This is the apprentice level class in the Forensic Scientist series. This class is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist II by the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in a forensic laboratory. Employees are assigned to this class after successful completion of the training requirements of the Forensic Scientist Trainee class, or selected from a Forensic Scientist I eligibility list. Employees learn and perform scientific analyses in a specialty area of the Forensic Laboratory. If hired at the I level, employees are expected to progress to the II level upon successful completion of probation plus an additional one year of performing functions associated with the class. Positions in the Forensic Scientist series are assigned to one of the specialty disciplines in forensic science. These specialty disciplines include Biology/DNA, Controlled Substance Analysis, Toxicology, Trace Evidence Analysis, Document Examination, Firearms and Toolmarks, and Latent Print Examination. Receives general supervision from higher level staff.
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Forensic Technician | Franklin County, Ohio Coroner’s Office
Final Filing Date: February 1, 2007
Salary: $15.54 per hour
The Forensic Technician performs duties including medicolegal death investigations, receive and release decedents and assisting Pathologist during autopsies
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Criminalistics Supervisor | Lakewood, Colorado Police Department
Final Filing Date: Open until filled
Salary: $66,393.60 - $93,308.80 per year
This position is a "working" supervisor, in that, the incumbent will perform routine duties and have an expertise in at least one discipline within the team for which they supervise. Will supervise the Forensic Identification team of Latent Print Examiners, Criminal History Technicians and the Offender Registrar. Performs responsibilities of work group assignments as well as supervisory duties. Supervisor may continue to be on-call for crime scene analysis, if necessary. Analyzes work needs and allocates resources accordingly, develops work schedules and makes personnel assignments; reviews staffing deployment to ensure an efficient and effective utilization of resources; provides direct guidance on field and/or administrative matters. Assists in formulating section goals and objectives; sets goals and objectives for employees and follows up on the attainment of same; meets with subordinates to identify ways to improve section/team effectiveness; evaluates employee job performance, both orally and in writing. Routinely meets with subordinates to resolve conflicts, develop plans, clarify procedures and to provide positive reinforcement. Coordinates work with other supervisors; meets with other supervisors to resolve problems; assists in overseeing the purchase of equipment and supplies; performs research and provides service on committees when needed. Establishes and maintains constant lines of communication with internal and external elements of the department; completes special projects, assignments, research and investigations as assigned and keeps manager appraised as to matters of significance. Testifies in court as an expert in forensic identification matters; oversees investigations; coordinates complex investigations, technical evidence examination or other major incident responses. Supervises and participates in the technical functions of the Crime Laboratory, crime scene investigations and/or criminal identification activities. Prepares and authors detailed and comprehensive written reports of field or laboratory examinations.
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