Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2007

Welcome to the November 2007 Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

Electrostatic Dust Lifting on Metallic Surfaces
Using Automotive Window Tinting Film
as a Nonconductive Barrier

Thomas W. Adair
Westminster Police Department, Westminster, CO

From the Journal of Forensic Identification
Vol. 55, No. 5, September/October 2005*

Abstract: Electrostatic devices use a high-voltage electrical current to charge a surface and attract dust particles left from shoe outsoles and other objects to a metallic film. Placing this film in direct contact with a conductive substrate, such as a metal vehicle, can cause damage to the film and increases the risk of injury to the analyst and damage to property. The use of a nonconductive film barrier allows for the use of the metallic film and the electrostatic dust lifter in obtaining shoe impressions from metal surfaces such as automobiles and countertops.

Introduction

Electrostatic dust print lifters are useful devices for lifting dusty shoe impressions from a variety of surfaces including carpeting, fabric, wood, and human skin (personal observation). These devices use a high-voltage power unit to charge a metallic film, which is placed over the suspected impression. The electrostatic charge causes the impression to adhere to the black-colored metallic film, giving the impression the best possible contrast. Documenting shoe impressions on vehicles, however, can be challenging. Automobiles can present curved surfaces with limited surface area, making tripod setup for photography difficult. Photography can also be difficult in daylight or adverse weather conditions. Moving vehicles to an indoor processing garage can also damage impressions during transport. For these reasons and others, the use of an electrostatic dust print lifter is ideal for recovering shoe impressions from automobile surfaces.

Figure 1
Photograph of dusty shoe impression on automotive window tinting film.
Materials

Two different electrostatic devices were used to lift impressions in both casework and research. A Kinderprint (model 3C, 120v/60hz) unit with attached cable probes and a Sirchie (model ESP900) unit with enclosed probe connectors both produced excellent and comparable results. Axius window tinting film (#53010 in “Limo Dark” shading) was used as a nonconductive film barrier (Figure 1).

< read the complete article and view the illustrations >

*From the Journal of Forensic Identification Vol. 55, No. 5, Sept/Oct 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."

Learn How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator

T-Shirts from ForensicWear.com

New CSI and Forensic Job Announcements

Digital Forensics Specialist | Durham, North Carolina Police Department
Final Filing Date: November 23, 2007
Salary: $40,914 - $61,671 per year
This is a non-sworn position that will be responsible for a variety of highly specialized forensic examinations on seized digital evidence in computer related investigations; collects, processes, preserves, analyzes, present and archive computer-related evidence including data retrieval, password recovery, and finding deleted and/or hidden information; executes verification tests of forensic software and hardware, and methods to independently validate functionality; generates reports of findings to use in the prosecution of criminal offenses; testifies in court on cases involving computer-related evidence. Individual operates in a multi-jurisdictional environment at the local, state and federal level in cooperation with investigators in other departments. Gathers evidence utilizing video capture and maintenance of the video capture equipment/software. Provides training and performs general technical duties in support of the Durham Police Department. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Forensic Supervisor.
<View complete job listing>

TenPrint Examiner | King County, Washington, Sheriff’s Office
Final Filing Date: November 30, 2007
Salary: $43,160.00 - $54,704.00 annually
The responsibilities of this classification include identifying fingerprints by conducting a through examination, researching fingerprints and related files to make identifications; storing and retrieving criminal information using specialized computer applications; communicating with law enforcement agencies on matters relating to criminal information; and fingerprinting and photographing sex offenders as they register with the King County Sheriff's Office.
<View complete job listing>

Latent Print Examiner II | Oakland, California Police Department
Final Filing Date: December 14, 2007
Salary: $5,736 - $7,042 per month
This is the journey level classification in the Latent Print series. Candidates are responsible for development, comparison and identification of latent prints, including use of fingerprint related databases.
<View complete job listing>

Firearm/Tool Mark Examiner | Saint Lucie County, FL Sheriff’s Office
Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
Responsible for the examination of firearm and tool mark evidence related to criminal investigations. Duties include examining firearms for operational capabilities, characterizations and comparisons of ammunition components, gunshot residue/shot pattern analysis, tool mark examinations, serial number restorations, operation of the NIBIN/IBIS computer, interpretation of laboratory analyses and results, preparation of written reports, and the ability to testify as an expert witness. Knowledge of ASCLD/LAB accreditation requirements is also essential.
<View complete job listing>

Forensic Technician | Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office
Final Filing Date: October 29, 2007
Salary: $49,427.55 -- $74,504.00 per year
Employees in this classification perform highly specialized technical and scientific work which requires the accurate completion of a variety of standardized analytical tests, examinations, and procedures which may be complex in nature, but generally do not require interpretation of results. Position is responsible for the preparation, labeling, inventory, and maintenance of chemicals and equipment to ensure and protect the integrity of the testing procedures.
<View complete job listing>

Crime Scene Analyst I | Lakewood, Colorado Police Department
Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled
Salary: $22.48 -- $31.48 per hour
Performs crime scene investigations for the Police Department, collects evidence, provides testimony in court, performs various laboratory examinations of evidence, and other duties as assigned. Responds to the scene of field investigations to perform the technical investigation of criminal and non-criminal scenes related to the identification, documentation, collection, preservation and utilization of physical evidence. Performs laboratory examinations of evidence, including specialized processing involving physical, chemical, optical and digital techniques. Obtains non-testimonial evidence, including hairs, fibers, saliva, blood and other items from victims, suspects and dead bodies. Prepares digital composite likenesses for criminal investigations. May prepare graphic representations and scale drawings for criminal and non-criminal investigations. Prepares detailed reports of activities performed during laboratory and scene investigations. Will attend post-mortem examinations to collect desired evidence. Performs aerial and forensic imagery, as assigned. Provides testimony on forensic investigation and laboratory techniques in legal and administrative hearings. Will be scheduled as criminalist on-call for the unit (24 hours per day, usually one week at a time) and will be asked, on occasion, to respond to investigations while off duty and not on-call.
<View complete job listing>

Search for more job listings in Crime Scene Investigations and Forensics
<Crime Scene Investigator Network Employment Listings>

Featured Forensic Program

Clean up the streets by working in the lab.

With a Masters in Forensic Science, you'll use psychology, pathology, medicine and other techniques to fight crime. Enter this exciting career at National University, where you can study online, at your own pace, day or night. Get details: National University

CSI In The News

<FBI's Forensic Test Full of Holes>
Hundreds of defendants sitting in prisons nationwide have been convicted with the help of an FBI forensic tool that was discarded more than two years ago. But the FBI lab has yet to take steps to alert the affected defendants or courts, even as the window for appealing convictions is closing, a joint investigation by The Washington Post and "60 Minutes" has found. The science, known as comparative bullet-lead analysis, was first used after President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. The technique used chemistry to link crime-scene bullets to ones possessed by suspects on the theory that each batch of lead had a unique elemental makeup.
Washington Post, by John Solomon

<Texas A&M University Offers State's First Forensic and Investigative Sciences Degree >
The first bachelor's of science degree in forensic and investigative sciences in the state will be offered at Texas A&M University through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This includes teaching technical skills, problem-solving and the ability to interpret information independently, said Dr. Kevin Heinz, head of the department of entomology.
AgNews, TX, by Edith Chenault

<Gift Strengthens WVU Forensics >
West Virginia University and its forensic and investigative science program have received gifts and in-kind donations totaling more than $5.5 million from California businessman and philanthropist Ming Hsieh. The university announced the donations at a Nov. 14 dedication at which a new classroom building on the downtown campus was named Ming Hsieh Hall.
State Journal, Charleston, WV, by Pam Kasey

<Salinas (CA) Police Unveil CSI Van >
On Tuesday afternoon, Salinas city leaders got their first glimpse of the police department's new crime scene investigation unit. The new van is a souped-up black-and-white Ford F-550 truck with portable and stadium lights and a white awning. "People have been nicknaming it the 'taco wagon,'" said crime scene investigation head Mark Babione at the unveiling in front of City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave. It has a 20-kilowatt generator, stainless steel evidence compartments, three laptops dedicated to processing scene photos and a pull-out evidence processing work station. The truck can also function as a mobile command unit and assist the department's accident reconstruction team.
The Salinas Californian, Salinas, CA, by Sunita Vijayan

Other Resources on the Crime Scene Investigator Network Website

To Unsubscribe

To unsubscribe from future e-mail newsletters, please click here: {UNSUBSCRIBE "unsubscribe"}.

Crime Scene Investigator Network
PO Box 1043
Wildomar, CA 92595-1043

To ensure future delivery of Crime Scene Investigator Network newsletters to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders) please add our "from" address newsletter@crime-scene-investigator.net to your address book or e-mail whitelist.
{UNSUBSCRIBE "unsubscribe"}