Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

November 2009

Welcome to the November 2009 Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

A Comparison of Cyanoacrylate Fuming
in a Vacuum Cabinet to a
Humidity Fuming Chamber

Carl W. Bessman, Elizabeth Nelson, Robert J. Lipert,
Shelley Coldiron and Terrance R. Herrman

From the Journal of Forensic Identification
Vol. 55, No. 1, January/February 2005*

Abstract: Two new types of cabinets for cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming were constructed and tested to determine whether either would develop better latent prints than a CA fuming cabinet using a heating element. The first type, a humidity cabinet, consisted of a glove box modified to provide precise control of both the CA vaporization temperature and the humidity level in the cabinet. The second cabinet was a vacuum chamber in which the pressure could be controlled over a wide pressure range (from atmospheric pressure down to < 0.1 torr). The operating conditions and fuming methods that gave the best results with various types of substrates were determined for each cabinet. Prints developed with the optimized methods were compared to results obtained using a normal cabinet (i.e., a cabinet with no pressure or humidity control using a single hot plate for CA heating). Thirteen different substrates were tested to determine which cabinet produced the best prints for each type of surface. Particular attention was paid to determining whether either cabinet would lessen the background discoloration often found after performing CA fuming in a normal cabinet. Less background enhances the contrast between the ridges and the substrate, making the ridges easier to analyze and evaluate. It was determined that both the humidity and the vacuum cabinets produced better results (e.g., less background coloring and sharper, clearer ridge detail) on most substrates than prints developed in the normal cabinet.

Introduction
Forensic science is an applied science in a state of constant development, with new techniques being discovered and refined to achieve better, more reliable, and more efficient results. As forensic scientists have looked for better techniques to develop latent fingerprints, cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming has gained notice. CA fuming is one of many ways to develop latent prints and has been in use for many years. Fuming with CA results in the formation of a cyanoacrylate polymer on the fingerprint through the polymerization of cyanoacrylate ester vapors, initiated by anionic components in the fingerprint residue. Once developed, the visibility of the prints can be enhanced using a fluorescent dye stain or fluorescent powder, and a forensic light source. Prints can be developed on most smooth, nonporous (and even some slightly porous) substances, including skin. Nevertheless, newer CA fuming methods are being explored to further improve the development of latent prints. These improvements include expanding the types of substrates that can be successfully fumed and improving the quality of the developed latent prints by reducing the degree of background deposition that is commonly encountered and may obscure the prints. Two new methods being used for CA fuming are a humidity cabinet and a vacuum cabinet.

< read the complete article and view example photographs. >

*From the Journal of Forensic Identification Vol. 55, No. 1, January/February 2005.
The Official Publication of the International Association for Identification "Reproduction of the Journal of Forensic Identification, in whole or in part, for noncommercial, educational use is permitted provided proper citation of the source is noted."

In This Issue
New CSI and Forensic Job Announcements

CSI In The News

Resources on the
Crime Scene Investigator Network Website

Learn How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

New CSI and Forensic Job Announcements

To be notified of job openings as they are posted, follow us on Twitter: <Receive Job Opening Alerts via Twitter>

Latent Print Examiner | City of Henderson, Nevada
Final Filing Date: November 18, 2009
Salary: $28.26 - $44.51 per hour
Under general supervision, conducts scientific examination and comparisons of latent and inked fingerprints, processes physical evidence; and performs related duties as assigned.
<View complete job listing>

Forensic Drug Analyst | Jefferson Parish, LA Sheriff's Office
Final Filing Date: November 30, 2009
Salary: Negotiable and based on experience and qualifications
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: examination of evidence for the presence or absence of controlled dangerous substances using preliminary and confirmatory tests; obtain weights utilizing balances; perform color and crystal tests; conduct microscopic examination of evidence; perform extractions; utilize instrumentation including gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, perform fire debris analysis; respond to crime scenes and subsequently assist in the processing of those scenes; collecting and/or transporting evidence; preparing scientific reports and visual aids; utilize computer applications as they relate to laboratory procedures; testifying in courts of law.
<View complete job listing>

Criminalist I | Department of Public Safety, Arizona
Final Filing Date: Continuous
Salary: $48,429 anually/$23.2833 hourly
Utilizes chemical, microscopic, chromatographic, and comparative techniques and instrumentation to examine, identify and evaluate physical evidence which may include: controlled dangerous substances; blood, urine, and other biological specimens; firearms; questioned documents; latent prints; trace evidence; and other items of evidentiary value. Prepares technical reports; provides expert testimony in court; and performs related tasks as required. Supervision is received from a Supervising Criminalist.
<View complete job listing>

Lab Director/Chief Science Officer | Massachusetts State Police, Forensic Services Group
Final Filing Date: Not stated
Salary: Not stated
The Lab Director/Chief Science Officer oversees all scientific operations of the FSG, including its staff and facilities. As Chief Science Officer, s/he will be the final authority on science for the Forensic Sciences Group. The Lab Director/Chief Science Officer will also play a leadership role in coordinating other providers of forensic science in the Commonwealth, including the Boston Police Crime Lab, the Department of Public Health, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In addition, the Lab Director collaborates with the Undersecretary for Forensic Science and Technology and serves as the key advisor and contributor to the Forensic Science Advisory Board's efforts to guide the state's forensic sciences program.
<View complete job listing>

Computer Forensics Examiner | BAE Systems
Final Filing Date: Not stated
Salary: Not stated
The candidate will be required to perform comprehensive technical analyses of computer-related evidence such as magnetic media storage devices (floppy disks, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and memory cards), network data, and various other sources. The candidate will write full, detailed, written reports regarding the processes used and the resulting analysis for each examination. Examinations may occur as an individual effort or in combination with subject matter experts, linguists, and other examiners. Additionally, the candidate may be required from time to time to provide an assessment of the results in a presentation to other examiners or other interested parties.
<View complete job listing>

Biometric Examiner | Harding Security Associates, Inc., Clarksburg, WV
Final Filing Date: Not stated
Salary: Not stated
The Biometric Examiner performs technical and analytical tasks in the documentation, collection, preservation, and processing of latent prints. Scientifically assesses materials of evidentiary value to determine the best methodology for developing, enhancing and preserving latent prints. Analyses, compares and evaluates known and latent prints to determine positive identification or non-identification of the friction ridge detail. Knowledge of AFIS database operations and exposure to Universal Latent Workstation (ULW) preferred but not required.
<View complete job listing>

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CSI In The News

<Forensic Nurses Week - Debut Year>
While many people think the solution to violence occurs in police stations and courtrooms, there is a dedicated group of nurses who understand "Violence is a Health Care Problem". During the week of November 9-13, 2009 the International Association of Forensic Nurses will celebrate Forensic Nurses Week. Forensic Nurses are on the front line making sure victims of crime receive compassionate health care, while vital forensic evidence is collected and preserved.
Earthtimes.org - November 4, 2009

<Digital Forensics Magazine Launched 1st November>
Digital Forensics Magazine, new online resource for the digital forensics specialist, supporting the professional computer security industry, launched its premier edition, 1st November 2009. Its publishers, TR Media, welcome readers to the new online magazine which can be found at http://content.yudu.com/A1gr30/Issue1/
PR.com - November 3, 2009

<Crime Fighting Is Getting A New Take On Crime Scene Cleaning>
His Cardigan based company Ultima Cleaning already offers an extensive range of services covering pest control, commercial kitchen cleaning, carpet cleaning, fire and flood damage cleaning, hypodermic needle collection and office cleaning. But crime scene cleaning is providing Ben with a niche market opportunity enabling him to expand the business considerably after winning contracts from police authorities around the UK. This service can range from clearing up after road traffic accidents or murder scenes, to extensive cleaning and sanitising operations following natural deaths when the body may have decomposed.
The Gov Monitor - November 1, 2009

<Mercyhurst College unveils human anatomy and forensics lab in North East>
Mercyhurst College opened a new anatomy and forensics laboratory, including the college's first cadaver lab, on Friday. Pennsylvania's only board-certified forensic anthropologists are on staff at Mercyhurst and teach undergraduate- and graduate-level programs in forensic anthropology, the scientific collection, processing and analysis of human remains. Dennis Dirkmaat and Steven Symes, with help from students, handle an average of 100 forensic cases each year, including high-profile murder investigations. They recovered victims from the crash of Continental Connections Flight 3407 near Buffalo in February.
GoErie.com - by Valerie Myers - October 31, 2009

<Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Could Start Charging For Crime Lab Use>
State budget cuts have reached law enforcement. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation wants to start charging local police departments to test crime scene evidence. It could cost local governments tens of thousands of dollars.
NewsChannel5.com - October 30, 2009

<Texas Department of Public Safety to hire more workers for computer forensics>
The Texas Department of Public Safety will hire more employees to help trim a backlog of computer-related investigations. A statement today from DPS says the goal is to decrease the time it takes to conduct forensic computer examinations, especially involving alleged child pornography.
The Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX - October 28, 2009

Read more "CSI In The News"
<CSI and Forensics in the News>

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