Periodically we’ll highlight current research relevant to crime scene professionals. This month there are two items of interest: Fingerprint Grading and GSR/Explosives “Forensic Finger”.
A team at Penn State developed inexpensive computer technologies to grade a fingerprint for the availability of ridgeline detail for subsequent identification. This computerized grading can provide a finer level of grading than humans are capable of. Subsequent research will explore the potential for false detail as a result of the development technique.
A solid-state “forensic finger” has been developed for “the rapid and reliable identification of gunshot residue (GSR) and nitroaromatic explosive compounds.” Future enhancements may include wireless transmission of information.