Comparison of vacuum metal deposition (VMD) and powder method for developing latent fingerprint on plastic envelope surface

Abstract

Vacuum metal deposition (VIVID) is effective to develop latent fingerprints on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces. VIVID can be used in cases when fingerprints that can not be developed by generalized techniques or deposited on difficult surfaces. The recommended surfaces for VIVID techniques include vinyl, polymer bills, magnetic coated tickets, etc. In this study, the minimum amount of gold input was explored for developing fingerprints from at least 12 hours to up to 28 days after deposit fingerprint on the pink high density polyethylene envelope (HDPE) and low density polyethylene envelope (LDPE), which are mainly used as delivery envelopes. And the results were compared with the effects of black powder and fluorescent powder. In addition, delivery envelopes used for delivery were collected, then classified as HDPE and LDPE and pseudo-operation test was performed. As a result, VIVID method developed good quality of fingerprints.