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.