CLPEX Chat Board

Has anyone seen any research on the effects of methamphetamine on latent prints? I have never heard of any nor do I suspect that meth accelerates the deterioration of latent prints, but a prosecutor for a case coming up wanted to ask “Does methamphetamine affect whether a surface retains finger or palm prints?”. When asked about the question he had said that it was believed in the legal circles that meth affected latents more so than if it were another substance. I know that a layer of meth or any substance that obstructs contact with a surface will inhibit latents being left, I am just wondering if there is any research out there that specifically relates to meth compared to everything else.
Thanks for any help.

I have processed paper items from Meth Lab scenes that turned completely purple on contact with ninhydrin. Obviously, there is some chemical reaction going on there.

From what I've heard anecdotally, it is not so much the meth that affects the latent fingerprints, but rather the burning of the friction ridge skin by holding a hot meth pipe while smoking as well as the itching/picking habit that many meth addicts pick up. (Similiar reason for why they tend to have scabs and sores on various parts of their body, from the scratching/picking.)

We've seen many standards that have ring like structures over the ridge detail or large drop like voids in the prints. I'm sure that latents would pick up these same sort of damages/irregularities that should/would be temporary damage.

It would be interesting if they could be used as 3rd level details to help individualize if you knew that the latents were laid down in a very short time frame as to when the standard was created...

I don't know of any studies of the effects of meth on latent prints. I believe the carriers used in cooking meth (acetone, ethyl alcohol and the like) and some of the compounds (drain cleaner, acids and such ) are detrimental to deposited latent prints. I have been successful in getting prints from glassware and empty containers from componets. Very rarely have I developed prints on baggies and bindles used to contain the finished product.