Homework: Processing Porous and Non-Porous Surfaces
Part I
For this homework, you will process a variety of porous and nonporous items for latent prints using black fingerprint powder or crushed charcoal. Choose between 5 to 10 different types of surfaces (porous and nonporous). It is very important to pick a variety of different surfaces for this Homework. Some types of surfaces that you would expect to find fingerprints on include:
i. Microwave, Oven
ii. Door knob, window, sliding-glass door
iii. Bathroom mirror, toilet seat,
iv. Paper items around the house (at least two)
v. Cars
vi. Soda cans
vii. Bowls and dishes, glasses, etc.
Describe your experience in a 300-500-word essay, addressing the following questions:
i. How many different prints or partial prints did you locate?
ii. What types of objects did you lift the prints from? Where were they located?
iii. What supplies did you use? What technique did you use to apply the powder?
iv. Did you expect to find more prints, or fewer?
v. Can you identify the prints as different from one another? How?
vi. Identify which items are porous, and which are non-porous.
Provide as many details about your successes and failures as you can.
Part II
In this part of the homework you will determine the effects of water on latent prints.
i. Take a drinking glass and handle it, making sure to leave fingerprint impressions on it.
ii. Immerse the glass in water for several hours.
iii. After a significant length of time, visually examine the glass and see if you can still see your fingerprints.
iv. Attempt this in a variety of conditions such as hot water, cold water, soapy water, or salt water.
v. Keep notes on your results under each condition.
vi. Hypothesize reasons for similar and dissimilar results under the varying conditions.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.