SPUR Project

2010 winner (12 of 19)

Development of a standard operating procedure for research and forensic analysis of glove marks

Supervisors: Emma Jelbert, Dr Jason Birkett (Chemistry and Forensics)

In order to continue research into glove marks in a forensic context then a standard operating procedure (SOP) needs to be developed to ensure that all work uses the same method of image or imprint capture so results are then comparable. The project will involve an investigation into the use of different pressures used in deposition so that a range can be established and then a suitable depletion type series can be determined. A grading system for marks will also be created to allow for quantitative assessment which then allows for quantitative comparison. Student tasks will include conducting a literature review into related work looking into pressure measurement, methodology in fingerprint research and other areas that are seen as relevant and devising a system of measuring applied pressure with a set of ranges that can be used as a standard. The student will examine methods of creating an imprint or image of gloves and design and will carry out experiments to establish best practice and produce a standard operating procedure. The work will then be utilized by the police and Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) to help proceed with their work into development of marks and their recovery from crime scenes.