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The Value of Multiple Lifts
By SUSAN YOUNT Any Latent Print technician who has been in the business for a while knows the value of taking multiple lifts of a latent print. Often, a second or third lifting of a latent tends to remove excess powder and miscellaneous debris present on the substrate on which the latent was developed. In a recent vehicle burglary case I investigated, the victim pointed out that the passenger window was cracked approximately an inch. He mentioned that he regularly leaves it open due to his cigarette smoke. I observed slight smudges on the inside of the glass and processed the area with black powder. The first lift was a blurred image of three fingers pointing downwards, definitely not identifiable. (see photos of lifted prints) (See fig. #1). I repowdered the area and attempted to lift the print again. The next few lifts were not much better than the first. I could see that the images were still present and appeared to be a little clearer. On the fifth lift (see fig. #2), I was able to distinguish pattern type on one of the fingers and several characteristics. I continued to process the rest of the vehicle and obtained one other latent lift, on the outside of the door. Hoping to place the suspect's prints inside of the vehicle, I returned to the window and tried again. I was quite surprised when the sixth lift was very clear and a fourth finger even showed up. (See fig. #3). My assumption is that the heavy cigarette smoke residue in the vehicle was somehow responsible for the results obtained. I would like to end this case study on a positive note, but unfortunately there were no suspects and the latent has not “hit” in A.F.I.S. On the other hand, it did prove to be an interesting lift and a lesson learned on the value of multiple lifting.
This original article was printed in “THE PRINT” |