Evaluation of Fingerprint Content for Forensic Crime Scene Analysis and Drug Metabolite Detection
出版項
2019
說明
1 online resource (152 pages)
文字
text
無媒介
computer
成冊
online resource
附註
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 80-09(E), Section: B
Adviser: Jan Halamek
Thesis (Ph.D.)--State University of New York at Albany, 2019
Includes bibliographical references
With respect to criminal investigations, one key piece of evidence that often gets overlooked are fingerprints. For years, fingerprint samples have been believed to be useful only for matching purposes using their unique ridges, shapes, and sizes. With the rapid growth of forensic science, it has become evident that the development of fingerprint analysis has been stagnant. The traditional approach has been advantageous for the identification of many individuals; however, many fingerprint samples have been labeled "unusable" due to smudging, smearing, or any one of a myriad of reasons that could cause inconclusive matches. These samples can, however, still be of value using a newly established method for the analysis of the fingerprint content itself
Because fingerprints are such a small biological sample compared to blood, semen or other body fluids, little to no DNA can be obtained from them. Additionally, they are very rarely whole or in pristine condition. However, with these methods they can only identify an individual if the image can be seen, if DNA is found, and/or only if there is a matching image or DNA profile already in the system. In such cases where images cannot be made or matches are not found, it would be beneficial for law enforcement to have information about their suspects, even if it is not the exact identification
The ultimate goal of the first half of the research described here was to identify originator attributes---specifically sex---using chemical analysis methods. Additionally, the time since deposition of the fingerprint in conjunction with sex identification was investigated. The systems presented here are designed to be versatile and adjustable in order to produce easily interpretable results, making it possible for all members of law enforcement to use and understand the results regardless of the level of scientific knowledge or specialized training. One day, the goal would be to have these systems adapted to a field-deployable system so that the analyses can be performed directly on-site. However, the development of such a system is beyond the scope of the research presented here
The second half of the research described here focuses on drug metabolite detection. The sudden increase in states legalizing marijuana has forced law enforcement into a situation where the use/consumption is legal, but there are no limitations for what is acceptable for driving or operating machinery. As a result, there is still a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving and operating machinery---unlike alcohol which has very clear legal limits. Marijuana---which contains Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) as its active compound---is a drug that is used mainly for its psychoactive properties. When looking to get high, people take this drug by smoking or ingesting it. Medicinally, it can relieve pain for those with chronic illnesses or disorders. In many states, marijuana is illegal for recreational use and is tightly monitored for medicinal use. When it comes to alcohol use, law enforcement have clear guidelines and the breathalyzer as their means of detecting the amount of alcohol in a person's system as determining their ability to drive. Currently, there is no such device for marijuana use nor are there any quantity guidelines
When marijuana is used, the active compound Delta9-THC is converted to several metabolites such as 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC (THC-COOH). As a metabolite, this compound is reportedly released by the body via blood, sweat or urine. However, based on the experience garnered from literature and previous research, it was anticipated that THC-COOH would mirror other metabolites and be found in the sweat secretions of fingerprints. As such, the focus of this research was to develop and optimize a novel, non-invasive approach to THC-COOH detection using a person's fingerprints. Ultimately competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the THC-COOH in the fingerprint sample. Ideally, law enforcement would be able to use this on the roadside in a similar manner to how the sex identification methods could be applied on-site at crime scenes. The methodology used for this research is straightforward and can easily be modified for additional illicit drugs and their metabolites
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest, 2019
