Journal of Forensic Research

The Temporal Degradation of Illicit Contaminants in Latent Fingermarks Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging

Abstract

Johnston A

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been shown to be a rapid, non-destructive analytical technique capable of detecting trace amounts of exogenous particulate in fresh latent fingermarks. Fingermarks identified at a crime scene however, are rarely fresh and are likely to have been deposited days or even weeks before forensic analysis, leaving them prone to decomposition.

In this study latent fingermarks were contaminated with trace amounts of the improvised explosive precursor’s ammonium nitrate and sodium chlorate, and the addictive narcotic cocaine. The latent fingermarks where then aged in natural daylight conditions over a 30 day period and intermittently analysed using FTIR spectromicroscopy. Exogenous particulate was identified using spectroscopic imaging of each fingermark, and spectra obtained from the samples were compared to control spectra to confirm the identification of the contaminant. This study demonstrates that these contaminants are detectable within latent fingermarks up to at least 30 days after deposition, with only ammonium nitrate showing signs of decomposition, and that fingermark chemistry has a minimal effect on their molecular integrity. This information has broad implications for the law enforcement community as it suggests that the detection of exogenous particulate within latent fingermarks is possible long after a suspect has handled an illegal substance. This study also confirms the use of spectroscopic imaging to provide a chemical signature for these illicit compounds weeks after deposition, and an image of the fingermark ridge pattern that can then be used for identification purposes.