Environmental effects on magnetic fluorescent powder development of fingermarks on bird of prey feathers
A comparison study of the effects of environmental conditions on the development of latent fingermarks on raptor feathers using green magnetic fluorescent powder was undertaken using both sebaceous loaded and natural fingermark deposits. Sparrowhawk feathers were stored in indoor conditions for 60 days (Study 1), and buzzard feathers were left exposed to two different environmental conditions (hidden and visible) for 21 days (Study 2), with developments made at regular ageing periods. In Study 1, latent fingermarks were successfully developed (Grade 1–4) on the indoor feathers up to 60 days after deposition – 98.6% of the loaded deposits and 85.3% for natural deposits.
Source: Science and Justice - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: H. McMorris, K. Sturrock, D. Gentles, B.J. Jones, K.J. Farrugia Source Type: research