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On Some Aspects of Detection and Fixing Traces of Human Skin Cover on Outer Shell of Plant Fruits

https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2025-4-70-78

Abstract

   In the field of practical forensic activities due attention is not given to the examination of human skin cover traces left on the outer shell of plant fruits both while conducting an incident site inspection and during forensic examination. A few scattered publications available predominantly in the foreign forensic literature provide recommendations towards examination of such traces through the use of both conventional physic, physical-chemical methods and technical means for detection and fixation of latent hand traces and non-standard ones (applied to food colourant powders, corn meal powders, cocoa powder etc.). In the course of experimental works latent hand traces were formed on the most commonly encountered fruits and vegetables having different retention times (tomatoes, apples, potatoes, onions, pumpkins, bananas). To detect and fix them there were applied such technical and forensic means as fingerprint powders (magnetic and non-magnetic powders, including luminescent ones), dispersive medium of dark color (analogue of commercial product - small particle reagent), cyanoacrylates. The authors analyzed the obtained experimental material and submitted recommendations towards the detection of hand traces formed on the outer shell of plant fruits.

About the Authors

V. A. Vasilyev
Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Interior of Russia
Russian Federation

Vasily Alexeevich Vasilyev,  Cand. Sc. (Chemistry), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of Department

Forensic Training and Scientific Complex; Traceology and Ballistics Department

400075; Volgograd



T. A. Ermakova
Volgograd State University
Russian Federation

Tatiana Aleksandrovna Ermakova, Cand. Sc. (Chemistry), Associate Professor

400062; Volgograd



Yu. A. Druzhinin
Forensic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Yury Alekseevich Druzhinin, Engineer

Department of Forensic Handwriting and Documents Examinations

125130; Moscow



E. M. Aparina
Forensic Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation for the city of Rostov-on-Don
Russian Federation

Evelina Mikhailovna Aparina, Expert

Police Department No. 3; Department in the Service Area

344103; Rostov-on-Don



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Review

For citations:


Vasilyev V.A., Ermakova T.A., Druzhinin Yu.A., Aparina E.M. On Some Aspects of Detection and Fixing Traces of Human Skin Cover on Outer Shell of Plant Fruits. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2025;20(4):70-78. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2025-4-70-78

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ISSN 1819-2785 (Print)
ISSN 2587-7275 (Online)