Evidence Collection

Magnetic Latent Print Powders

Magnetic powders are designed to work on both porous surfaces and non-porous surfaces including plastics, Styrofoam, and rubber. Technicians using magnetic powders develop latent prints without the need of a brush. A magnet embedded inside a plastic or non-ferrous metal wand attracts the magnetic filings and creates a clump or ball of powder. Wrapped around each of the iron filings is the colorant. The iron filings then “rub” over the surface, depositing the colorant where it comes into contact with the oily residues. This process develops the image with little or no abrasive contact with the residues, unlike using fiber or hair brushes.

Magnetic wands can be used in many situations. However, upside-down processing does pose a unique problem. The magnet does a fine job of managing the powder when the wand is held in a normal magnet-down position, but loses its effectiveness when used upside down. Magnetic powder is easy to clean. As a surface is processed, small bits of the iron filings will dislodge from the wand and remain on a horizontal surface. To clean up these bits, simply pass the wand over the filings to collect for reuse or deposit them back into the jar. It is important to remember that as the filings are returned to the jar and reused over time, the associated colorant will eventually diminish leaving only iron filings in the jar.

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