Magnetic Powder

Summary

In this episode of Forensic Education, host Mike McCutcheon explores the use of magnetic powder for evidence processing on textured surfaces. He explains its advantages over traditional fingerprint powder, particularly for new investigators. The video demonstrates the application of fine magnetic powder with a magnetic brush on various textured items like vinyl siding, an orange, and a wooden surface. It also covers the use of different lifting techniques, such as gel tape and Accu trans, to preserve ridge detail on textured surfaces. The summary concludes with the suggestion to practice these techniques for successful fingerprint recovery.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ The video is a forensic education series hosted by Mike McCutcheon, focusing on evidence processing techniques using magnetic powder on textured surfaces.
• 🧲 Mike McCutcheon prefers magnetic powder over traditional fingerprint powder due to its effectiveness on textured surfaces and ease of use for new investigators.
• 🔍 The script compares two types of powders, emphasizing the importance of using the finest powder possible for better fingerprint development.
• 🖌️ Magnetic powder is applied using a magnetic brush with a magnet in the tip, which attracts the powder for application on evidence.
• 🎨 The video uses Lin PV powder, which is available in different colors, including fluorescent, to accommodate various evidence types and surfaces.
• 🍊 The video demonstrates the process of developing fingerprints on textured items like vinyl siding, an orange, wood, and a dark mug, highlighting the importance of selecting the right color powder for visibility.
• 🧤 It is shown that magnetic powder can also be used on plastic and rubber, with a demonstration on the inside of a glove to reveal ridge detail.
• 🔄 The video explains the limitations of using flat tape for lifting prints from textured surfaces and the need for alternative techniques to preserve ridge detail.
• 🔖 The script introduces the use of Diff-Lift tape and Accu-Trans for lifting prints from textured surfaces, emphasizing the improved detail retention compared to standard tape.
• 🔄 Accu-Trans, typically used for latent marks on doors or windows, is also effective for fingerprints on textured surfaces and requires a drying time of two to four minutes.
• 📦 The video concludes with the successful processing of various items and the importance of practice in using magnetic powders and lifting techniques for success in forensics.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the use of magnetic powder for evidence processing, particularly on textured surfaces.

Why does Mike McCutcheon prefer magnetic powder over traditional fingerprint powder?

Mike McCutcheon prefers magnetic powder because it works better on textured surfaces and is easier for new investigators and students to master quickly.

What is the significance of the powder's texture in fingerprinting?

The finer the powder, the better the fingerprint will be, as it is the powder that actually touches the print, ensuring a clearer and more detailed impression.

How is magnetic powder applied in the process?

Magnetic powder is applied with a magnetic brush that has a magnet in the tip, attracting the powder onto the brush, which is then brushed onto the evidence to develop the print.

What is the purpose of the plunger in the magnetic brush?

The plunger in the magnetic brush is used to release the powder back into its receptacle after use, allowing for cleanup and reuse.

What type of powder is used in the video demonstration?

The video uses Lin PV powder for the demonstration on textured items.

Why is it problematic to lift prints from textured surfaces using regular hinge lifters or flat tape?

Using regular hinge lifters or flat tape on textured surfaces can result in missing a lot of ridge detail because these methods do not get into the grooves of the textured items.

What alternative lifting technique is suggested for textured surfaces in the video?

The video suggests using gel tape, specifically diff lift tape, which can be pushed into the grooves of the textured surface to capture more ridge detail.

What is Accu trans and how is it used in fingerprinting?

Accu trans is a technique normally used to capture marks impressions from pried open doors or windows, but it can also be used for fingerprints by moving it around on the print to ensure it gets into all the grooves of a textured surface.

Can magnetic powder be used on smooth surfaces as well?

Yes, magnetic powder can be used on smooth surfaces, and in such cases, regular standard tape or a hinge lifter can be used for lifting the prints.

What advice does Mike McCutcheon give for successful fingerprint processing?

Mike McCutcheon advises to practice using magnetic powders and different lifting techniques to achieve success in fingerprint processing.

How can viewers get more tips and tricks on fingerprint processing?

Viewers can get more tips and tricks by visiting the Lin PV comm website or by emailing Mike McCutcheon directly.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to Magnetic Powder Fingerprint Processing

In the introductory paragraph, Mike McCutcheon, the host of the forensic education series, welcomes viewers and introduces the topic of using magnetic powder for processing fingerprints on textured surfaces. He explains his preference for magnetic powder over traditional fingerprint powder due to its effectiveness on textured surfaces and ease of use for new investigators. Mike also compares different powders, emphasizing the importance of using the finest powder for better fingerprint development. He demonstrates the application of magnetic powder using a magnetic brush and explains the process of developing and cleaning up after fingerprinting various textured items, such as vinyl siding, an orange, a piece of wood, and a mug.

05:16

🎨 Advanced Techniques for Developing and Lifting Prints

This paragraph delves into advanced techniques for developing and lifting fingerprints using magnetic powder on different surfaces. Mike demonstrates how to apply magnetic powder to the inside of a glove to reveal ridge detail and discusses the limitations of using flat tape on textured surfaces, which can result in losing ridge detail. To overcome this, he introduces the use of gel tape, specifically diff lift tape, which can be pressed into the grooves of a surface to capture more detail. Another technique showcased is the use of Accu trans, typically used for tool marks but also effective for fingerprints on textured surfaces. Mike illustrates how to apply Accu trans and emphasizes the importance of allowing it to dry properly to capture ridge detail effectively.

10:16

📋 Conclusion and Advice on Fingerprint Processing

In the concluding paragraph, Mike wraps up the video by summarizing the techniques discussed for processing fingerprints using magnetic powder and different lifting methods. He advises viewers to practice these techniques to achieve success in fingerprint processing. Mike also invites viewers to visit the Lin PV website for more tips and tricks and offers to answer any questions via email. The paragraph ends with a reminder that the techniques shown are not only applicable to textured surfaces but also to smooth surfaces, highlighting the versatility of magnetic powder in forensic evidence collection.

Keywords

💡Forensic Education

Forensic Education refers to the teaching and learning process in the field of forensic science, which is the application of science to investigate and establish facts in the context of law. In the video, the host Mike McCutcheon is providing an educational series on forensic evidence processing techniques, making this a central theme of the video.

💡Magnetic Powder

Magnetic powder is a fine, iron-based powder used in forensic science to develop latent fingerprints on various surfaces. The video focuses on the use of magnetic powder on textured surfaces, emphasizing its effectiveness over traditional fingerprint powders and its ease of use for new investigators.

💡Textured Surfaces

Textured surfaces are those with a rough or uneven structure, which can make it difficult to lift fingerprints using conventional methods. The video script discusses how magnetic powder works better on such surfaces, providing examples like vinyl siding, an orange, and the inside of a glove.

💡Fingerprint Powder

Fingerprint powder is a substance used to make latent fingerprints visible on surfaces. The script contrasts magnetic powder with traditional fingerprint powder, noting that the former is finer and thus better for developing prints, as it can adhere to the intricate details of the print.

💡Magnetic Brush

A magnetic brush is a tool used in conjunction with magnetic powder. It contains a magnet at the tip that attracts the powder, allowing for precise application onto evidence. The script describes the process of using the magnetic brush to apply powder and develop prints.

💡Lin PV Powder

Lin PV powder, mentioned in the script, is a specific type of magnetic powder used for fingerprint development. It comes in different colors to accommodate various surfaces and is highlighted as the powder of choice for the demonstration in the video.

💡Ridge Detail

Ridge detail refers to the intricate patterns found in the lines and whorls of fingerprints. The script emphasizes the importance of capturing ridge detail when lifting prints, especially from textured surfaces, and how certain techniques and tools can help preserve this detail.

💡Diff Lift Tape

Diff lift tape, also known as gel tape, is a type of lifting medium used to capture fingerprints from textured surfaces. The script illustrates its use by pushing it into the grooves of a surface to ensure that the ridge detail of the fingerprint is fully captured, unlike with regular flat tape.

💡Accu Trans

Accu Trans is a lifting technique or medium typically used for capturing marks or impressions, such as those left by a pry on a door or window. The script mentions its alternative use for lifting fingerprints, especially on textured surfaces like an orange, to ensure capturing the full ridge detail.

💡Practice

Practice is emphasized in the script as a key to success in mastering the use of magnetic powders and lifting techniques. The host encourages viewers to practice to improve their skills in forensic evidence processing, which is crucial for developing and lifting high-quality fingerprints.

Highlights

Introduction to the use of magnetic powder on textured surfaces for evidence processing.

Magnetic powder is preferred over traditional fingerprint powder for textured surfaces and is easier for new investigators to master.

The importance of using the finest powder possible for better fingerprint quality.

Magnetic powder is applied with a magnetic brush, which attracts the powder to the brush tip for application.

Different techniques for lifting prints from textured surfaces to avoid missing ridge detail.

The use of Lin PV powder for processing textured items like vinyl siding, an orange, and a piece of wood.

Magnetic powders are available in different colors to suit various evidence surfaces.

Demonstration of developing a fingerprint on a textured orange using magnetic powder.

The use of grey magnetic powder for developing prints on dark-colored objects like a mug.

Magnetic powder can also be used on plastic and rubber surfaces, demonstrated with a glove.

Different lifting techniques for textured surfaces, emphasizing the limitations of flat tape.

Introduction of gel tape or diff lift tape for better ridge detail recovery from textured surfaces.

The use of Accu trans for lifting prints from textured surfaces, such as an orange or vinyl siding.

The drying time for Accu trans and the resulting ridge detail after peeling it off.

Magnetic powder can also be effectively used on smooth surfaces, demonstrated with a mug.

The use of standard tape or hinge lifters for lifting prints from smooth surfaces.

Advice on practicing with magnetic powders and lifting techniques for success in evidence processing.

Encouragement to visit Lin PV comm for more tips and tricks, and contact information for further questions.

Transcripts

hi welcome back to forensic education

series I'm Mike McCutcheon and I'm going

to be your host today in this episode

we're going to cover one of my favorite

evidence processing techniques using

magnetic powder on textured surfaces and

so you asked why do I like magnetic

powder

well magnetic powder work better on

textured surfaces than traditional

fingerprint powder

I've also find with new investigators

and students that it's easier to master

the skills of magnetic powder quicker

than using traditional fingerprint

powder now before we begin I'm going to

compare two different powders because

powders aren't created equal if you look

at the difference of these two powders

this powder here is much more coarse the

powder here is much finer the finer the

powder the better your fingerprint is

going to be because it's going to be the

powder that's actually touching your

print so we want to make sure that we

use the finest powder possible now

magnetic powder is applied with a

magnetic brush the magnetic brush has a

magnet in the tip and when brought

towards the magnetic powder it's going

to attract the powder onto the tip of

the brush and then you would brush it on

your evidence to develop your print when

you're done you're going to pull the

plunger to let the powder fall back into

its receptacle go back and clean up and

there you have your print now the prop

the powder that we're going to use today

is going to be a Lin PV powder and I

have some textured items here that we're

going to process the problem with using

textured items is when you lift those

prints if you use regular hinge lifters

or flat tape you're going to miss a lot

of your Ridge detail now the items that

I have here are textured

products so we have some vinyl siding we

have an orange we have a piece of wood

and we also have a smooth object a mug

just like regular traditional

fingerprint powders magnetic powders

come in different colors so I'm going to

start with our vinyl siding put the

applicator to the powder I'm going to

brush over our items now I'm going to do

this more than once because I'm going to

show you some different techniques to

lift these once we've developed I'm

going to go back and do our cleanup

so now we're going to try to develop a

print on an orange it's a textured

surface there's lots of grooves in it

we're going to try with our magnetic

powder

oK we've processed our orange then we'll

go back and clean up

now we also have the mug the mug here is

dark-colored so we're not going to want

to use our black powder so we're going

to use a grey powder magnetic power

comes in all different colors it comes

in the fluorescent so you would need

your alternative light source to view it

but we're just going to use a grey

powder to develop our prints on our dark

mug lightly brush now we see that our

print is developed do our cleanup and we

have our print now I've also found that

you can use magnetic powder on plastic

in rubber so what we're going to do is

we're going to try to develop a print on

the inside of a glove so we'll take our

scissors I'm going to cut our glove

so that the inside is exposed we're

going to take our magnetic powder going

to apply it to the inside of the glove

just as we would any other object

we'll go back and do our cleanup now you

can see the ridge detail in the glove

here and in the glove here now that

we've developed our prints on different

objects we're going to use different

techniques to lift them now if you use a

flat regular tape to try to lift a print

off a textured surface you're going to

miss a lot of that Ridge detail I'll

show you what I mean so this is our

regular tape we have our print here on

the siding I'm going to lift it I'm

going to place it on the backing now

what you'll see is we left a lot of our

finger print on the vinyl siding because

it didn't get down into the grooves of

the siding so we left a lot of our

evidence behind the solution to that is

we're going to use a gel tape this is

diff lift tape so instead of just laying

on top of the fingerprint we're going to

be able to push this into the grooves of

the tape I'm going to cut our piece now

it's important when we're putting our

different because once we push this onto

our backing card you want to make sure

that there's enough adhesive I still

left on the tape to stick to your

backing card so we're going to push that

into the grooves I'm going to stick that

to our backing card

now you can see the difference between

the DIF tape and how much detail we have

compared to using a flat standard tape

now another technique that you could use

either on the siding or on the orange is

we're going to use the Accu trans now a

cue trans is you normally use to get to

marks impressions off of a door or a

window that's been pried open but you

can also use it for fingerprints so

we're going to put our tip on and today

I'm just using a white so we're going to

locate our fingerprint you're going to

move it around on your on your

fingerprint to make sure it gets into

those grooves and orange is very

textured so there's lots of dips and

grooves you can also use it on the vinyl

siding and we're going to do the same

I'm going to make sure we're moving it

around not touching the print button

sharing that it's getting into all the

grooves

now the active trans is going to take

about two to four minutes to dry I have

one here that we've already dried that I

put on before we started I'm going to

peel that back and now you can see the

ridge detail that's left now as I've

stated before you can use your magnetic

powder on smooth surfaces as well we did

our cup here with the lighter gray

powder instead of the black it's a

smooth surface so that you can use a

regular standard tape or a hinge lifter

so now we've processed our products

we're ready to send them to the lab we

use different techniques using the diff

lift tape and using the Accu trans the

best advice I can give is to practice

practice using your magnetic powders and

your different techniques of lifting and

you will be successful you can catch

more tips and tricks on Lin PV comm and

if you have any other questions you can

email me at M McCutchen at Londonderry

NH org thank you