Detection of firearms imprints on hands of suspects: Study of the PDT- based field test

Joseph Almog*, Baruch Glattstein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The results of a multifaceted research project towards the optimization of the visualization process of firearms contact marks on hands are reported. Latent imprints that are formed by the close contact between the metallic parts of the weapons and the palms were visualized by the application of the PDT iron (II) reagent. Various factors affecting the quality of the marks were studied. Also PDT analogues were synthesized and their performance compared with that of the original compound. Some of the analogues show slight advantages over PDT in contrast and sensitivity, but PDT in acetone solution, such as in the commercial preparations Ferroprint or Fecrotrace seems to be the formulation of choice for reasons of availability and cost. It can visualize latent firearms impressions on the hands several hours after the contact.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)993-996
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 3- (2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine
  • Criminalistics
  • Ferrorprint
  • Ferrotrace
  • Field tests
  • Firearms
  • Forensic science
  • Latent imprints

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