Dr Philip Maynard

Jackson, F.M., Maynard, P.J., Cavanagh-Steer, K.L., Dusting, T. & Roux, C.P. 2013, 'A survey of glass found on the headwear and head hair of a random population vs. people working with glass', Forensic Science International, vol. 226, no. 1-3, pp. 125-131.
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Chadwick, S.R., Maynard, P.J., Kirkbride, K.P., Lennard, C.J., McDonagh, A.M., Spindler, X. & Roux, C.P. 2012, 'Styryl dye coated metal oxide powders for the detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces', Forensic Science International, vol. 219, no. 1-3, pp. 208-214.
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Conventional fingermark powders rely on contrast induced by absorption/reflection (e.g. black powder) or luminescence in the visible region (e.g. Blitz Green-«). In most cases, these powders provide sufficient contrast; however, in some circumstances surface characteristics can interfere with the visualisation of powdered fingermarks. Visualisation in the near infra-red (NIR) region, however, has been shown to eliminate interferences commonly encountered in the visible region. In this study, a mixture of rhodamine 6G and the NIR laser dye styryl 11 (STaR 11) was coated onto an aluminium oxide nanopowder and then mixed with silver magnetic powder to develop and visualise fingermarks in the NIR. When compared to Blitz Green-«, it was determined that the STaR 11 magnetic powder was better suited for marks deposited on textured surfaces and for older marks, whereas Blitz Green-« performed better on smooth glossy surfaces. The ability of the STaR 11 mixed dye formulation to be visualised in both the visible and NIR regions also provides a significant advantage over conventional luminescent fingermark powders.

Ma, R., Shimmon, R., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2012, 'Fingermark detection on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces using YVO4:Er,Yb luminescent upconverting particles', Forensic Science International, vol. 217, no. 1-3, pp. e23-e26.
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This article describes the use of an anti-Stokes luminescent material (upconverter), yttrium vanadate doped with ytterbium and erbium (YVO4:Er,Yb), for the development of latent fingermarks on a range of non-porous surfaces. Anti-Stokes luminescent materials emit light at shorter wavelengths than the excitation wavelength. This property is unusual in both natural and artificial materials commonly found as exhibits in forensic science casework. As a result, fingermark detection techniques based on anti-Stokes luminescence are potentially extremely sensitive and selective. Latent fingermarks on non-luminescent and inherently luminescent substrates, including Australian polymer banknotes (a well-known 'difficult' surface), were developed with YVO4:Er,Yb by dry powder and wet powder techniques. The effectiveness of YVO4:Er,Yb for fingermark detection was compared with that of cyanoacrylate fuming and of sodium yttrium tetrafluoride doped with ytterbium and erbium (NaYF4:Er,Yb). The results illustrate some benefit of luminescent up-converting phosphors over traditional luminescence techniques for the detection of latent fingermarks.

Montgomery, L.N., Spindler, X., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2012, 'Pre-treatment strategies for the improved cyanoacrylate development of dry latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces', Journal of Forensic Identification, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 517-542.
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Cyanoacrylate fuming is a popular technique commonly used by evidence examiners for the development of latent fingermarks on nonporous surfaces. The process involves the preferential formation of hard, white polycyanoacrylate along the ridgelines of the fingerprint as opposed to the substrate background. This preferential deposition results in contrast between the fingerprint and substrate. This contrast may be further enhanced through the use of staining techniques such as rhodamine 6G. Because the cyanoacrylate mechanism is believed to be initiated by fingerprint constituents and catalyzed by moisture, ii follows that fingerprints subjected to harsh conditions (e.g., heat, low humidity, or CV light) often produce poorly developed results. This study aimed to further investigate and validate the use of 10% w/v methylamine as a pretreatment strategy to overcome the limitations associated with the cyanoacrylate development of dry fingerprints and to compare the results with those obtained using previously proposed pretreatment solutions. The effectiveness of this treatment was demonstrated on samples similar to those encountered in casework, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the treated fingerprints con- firmed the rejuvenation of the dry latent deposits through a qualitative assessment of the polymer morphology.

Wood, M., Maynard, P.J., Spindler, X., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2012, 'Visualization of latent fingermarks using an aptamer-based reagent', Angewandte Chemie International Edition, vol. 124, no. 0, pp. 12438-12440.
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Don't touch! Aptamers selected against lysozyme are transformed into aptamer-based reagents, with which latent fingermarks can be developed with high selectivity and sensitivity. The design of aptamers targeting components of latent fingermarks opens up a new range of detection methods that previously have not been explored.

Chadwick, S.R., Maynard, P.J., Kirkbride, K.P., Lennard, C.J., Spindler, X. & Roux, C.P. 2011, 'Use of Styryl 11 and STaR 11 for the luminescence enhancement of cyanoacrylate-developed fingermarks in the visible and near-infrared regions', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 56, no. 6, pp. 1505-1513.
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In current casework, most post-cyanoacrylate stains rely on luminescence emission in the visible region (400-700 nm). While traditional stains such as rhodamine 6G work well under most circumstances, some surfaces may generate background luminescence under the same conditions. Detection in the near-infrared region (NIR > 700 nm) has shown to be effective in minimizing the interferences from such surfaces. The laser dye styryl 11 generated strongly luminescent fingermarks when applied after cyanoacrylate fuming on all surfaces tested. When compared to rhodamine 6G, the dye was superior only when viewed in the NIR. Styryl 11 was subsequently combined with rhodamine 6G, and the mixed stain formulation (named StaR 11 by the authors) induced stronger luminescence compared with styryl 11 alone with an ability to visualize in both the visible and NIR regions. Reliable and consistent results were obtained when using either styryl 11 alone or the STaR 11 mixture. The enhancement achieved did not otherwise vary depending on the source of the fingermark secretions. With visualization possible in both the visible and NIR regions, the styryl 11/rhodamine 6G mixture showed significant potential as a post-cyanoacrylate stain.

Fung, T.C., Grimwood, K.M., Shimmon, R., Spindler, X., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2011, 'Investigation of hydrogen cyanide generation from the cyanoacrylate fuming process used for latent fingermark detection', Forensic Science International, vol. 212, no. 1-3, pp. 143-149.
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Cyanoacrylate fuming is one of the most common techniques employed for the detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces such as plastic and glass. The technique is generally applied by exposing items of interest to the vapours generated by heating a suitable quantity of commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive. In this study, the potential for highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to be generated from the overheating of cyanoacrylate was investigated. Two commercial cyanoacrylate adhesives and two quantitative methods for the determination of HCN were employed: (i) the sodium picrate method; and (ii) the picrate+resorcinol method. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis was used to confirm the presence of cyanide. In addition, the thermal decomposition of cyanoacrylate was studied using simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA+DTA). It was determined that detectable and quantifiable amounts of HCN were generated from the thermal decomposition of cyanoacrylate monomer and polymer at temperatures as low as 200 8C. Using an optimised picrate+resorcinol method, it was shown that around 10 mg of HCN could be generated from the heating of 1 g of cyanoacrylate monomer at 200 8C. For one of the adhesives tested, this increased to above 100 mg of HCN when 1 g of cyanoacrylate monomer was heated at 280 8C. Recommendations are provided that, if followed, should ensure that the cyanoacrylate fuming process can be safely applied with minimal risk to the operator.

Ma, R., Bullock, E.A., Maynard, P.J., Reedy, B.J., Shimmon, R., Lennard, C.J., Roux, C.P. & McDonagh, A.M. 2011, 'Fingermark Detection On Non-Porous And Semi-Porous Surfaces Using Nayf(4):Er,Yb Up-Converter Particles', Forensic Science International, vol. 207, no. 1-Mar, pp. 145-149.
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This article describes the first use of an anti-Stokes material, or up-converter, for the development of latent fingermarks on a range of non-porous surfaces. Anti-Stokes materials can absorb long-wavelength light and emit light at a shorter wavelength. This property is unusual in both natural and artificial materials and so fingermark detection techniques based on anti-Stokes luminescence are potentially sensitive and selective. Latent fingermarks on luminescent and non-luminescent substrates, including Australian polymer banknotes (a well-known `difficult+ surface), were developed with sodium yttrium tetrafluoride doped with erbium and ytterbium (NaYF4:Er,Yb) by dry powder, wet powder, and cyanoacrylate staining techniques. This study illustrates the potential of up-converter phosphors for the detection of latent fingermarks.

Benson, S.J., Lennard, C.J., Hill, D.E., Maynard, P.J. & Roux, C.P. 2010, 'Forensic Analysis Of Explosives Using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (Irms)-Part 1: Instrument Validation Of The Deltaplusxp Irms For Bulk Nitrogen Isotope Ratio Measurements', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 193-204.
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A significant amount of research has been conducted into the use of stable isotopes to assist in determining the origin of various materials. The research conducted in the forensic field shows the potential of isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to pr

Benson, S.J., Lennard, C.J., Maynard, P.J., Hill, D.E., Andrew, A.S., Neal, K., Stuart-williams, H., Hope, J., Walker, G.S. & Roux, C.P. 2010, 'Forensic Analysis Of Explosives Using Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (Irms)-Part 2: Forensic Inter-Laboratory Trial: Bulk Carbon And Nitrogen Stable Isotopes In A Range Of Chemical Compounds (Australia And New Zealand)', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 55, no. 1, pp. 205-212.
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Comparability of data over time and between laboratories is a key issue for consideration in the development of global databases, and more broadly for quality assurance in general. One mechanism that can be utilized for evaluating traceability is an inte

Chan, J.H., Shimmon, R., Spindler, X., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J., Roux, C.P. & Stuart, B.H. 2010, 'An investigation of isatin as a potential reagent for latent fingermark detection on porous surfaces', Journal of Forensic Identification, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 320-336.
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This study investigated isatin as a potential fingermark enhancement reagent for use on porous surfaces. A number of parameters were investigated, including concentration, solvent system, pH of the solution, and optimization of the development conditions. It was determined that isatin at a concentration of 0.05% (w/v) provided the optimum balance between the luminescence of the fingermark ridges and background. A carrier solvent of dioxane mixed with acetone [12.5% (v/v)] produced the most intense luminescence. It was determined that the optimum pH for the development of fingermarks was 5.0 and that this could be reached by the addition of 4% (vlv) sodium carbonate buffer. The use of a dry heat press at 180¦C for 10 s provided optimal development conditions.

Benson, S.J., lennard, c., Maynard, P.J., Hill, D., Andrews, A. & Roux, C.P. 2009, 'Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - Discrimination of ammonium nitrate sources', Science & Justice, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 73-80.
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An evaluation was undertaken to determine if isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) could assist in the investigation of complex forensic cases by providing a level of discrimination not achievable utilising traditional forensic techniques. The focus of the research was on ammonium nitrate (AN), a common oxidiser used in improvised explosive mixtures. The potential value of IRMS to attribute Australian AN samples to the manufacturing source was demonstrated through the development of a preliminary AN classi´¼ cation scheme based on nitrogen isotopes. Although the discrimination utilising nitrogen isotopes alone was limited and only relevant to samples from the three Australian manufacturers during the evaluated time period, the classi´¼ cation scheme has potential as an investigative aid. Combining oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope values permitted the differentiation of AN prills from three different Australian manufacturers. Samples from ´¼ ve different overseas sources could be differentiated utilising a combination of the nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen isotope values. Limited differentiation between Australian and overseas prills was achieved for the samples analysed. The comparison of nitrogen isotope values from intact AN prill samples with those from post-blast AN prill residues highlighted that the nitrogen isotopic composition of the prills was not maintained post-blast; hence, limiting the technique to analysis of un-reacted explosive material.

Benson, S.J., lennard, c., Maynard, P.J., Andrews, A., Hill, D. & Roux, C.P. 2009, 'Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - Preliminary study on TATP and PETN', Science & Justice, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 81-86.
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The application of isotopic techniques to investigations requiring the provision of evidence to a Court is limited. The objective of this research was to investigate the application of light stable isotopes and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to solve complex forensic cases by providing a level of discrimination not achievable utilising traditional forensic techniques. Due to the current threat of organic peroxide explosives, such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), research was undertaken to determine the potential of IRMS to differentiate samples of TATP that had been manufactured utilising different starting materials and/or manufacturing processes. In addition, due to the prevalence of pentaerythritoltetranitrate (PETN) in detonators, detonating cord, and boosters, the potential of the IRMS technique to differentiate PETN samples from different sources was also investigated. Carbon isotope values were measured in fourteen TATP samples, with three de´¼ nite groups appearing in the initial sample set based on the carbon data alone. Four additional TATP samples (in a second set of samples) were distinguishable utilising the carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions individually, and also in combination with the oxygen isotope values. The 3D plot of the carbon, oxygen and hydrogen data demonstrated the clear discrimination of the four samples of TATP. The carbon and nitrogen isotope values measured from ´¼ fteen PETN samples, allowed samples from different sources to be readily discriminated. This paper demonstrates the successful application of IRMS to the analysis of explosives of forensic interest to assist in discriminating samples from different sources. This research represents a preliminary evaluation of the IRMS technique for the measurement of stable isotope values in TATP and PETN samples, and supports the dedication of resources for a full evaluation of this application in order to achieve Court reportable IRMS results.

Maynard, P.J., Jenkins, J., Edey, c., Payne, G.L., Lennard, C.J., McDonagh, A.M. & Roux, C.P. 2009, 'Near infrared imaging for the improved detection of fingermarks on difficult surfaces', Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 43-62.
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The near infrared spectral region offers advantages over the visible region in the detection of latent fingermarks due to increased contrast and decreased background luminescence. In this work, a chemical imaging system was used to image latent fingermarks in the near-infrared (NIR) region. A variety of porous, non-porous and semi-porous surfaces were tested using standard chemical and physical enhancement techniques. NIR dyes were also used to enhance latent marks. Both absorption and luminescence properties of the treated marks were examined over the spectral range 650-1100 nm. Significant NIR absorption was found for ninhydrin, iodine/benzoflavone, physical developer, and powdering. NIR luminescence emission was found for DFO, ninhydrin with zinc salt post treatment, 1,2-indanedione and genipin. Significant NIR luminescence emission was found for cyanoacrylate fuming followed by staining with NIR dyes. In addition, metal oxide powders coated with NIR dyes were able to enhance fingermarks on a patterned and highly luminescent surface.

Choi, M., McBean, K.E., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2008, 'An evaluation of nanostructured zinc oxide as a fluorescent powder for fingerprint detection', Journal of Materials Science, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 732-737.
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Zinc oxide is evaluated as a fluorescent powder for the detection of fingermarks on non-porous surfaces. Pure and lithium-doped nanostructured zinc oxide powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The zinc oxide powders were applied to fresh and aged fingermarks deposited on non-porous surfaces such as glass, polyethylene and aluminium foil. Zinc oxide was found to produce clear fluorescent impressions of the latent fingermarks when illuminated with long-wave UV light

Choi, M., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J. & Roux, C.P. 2008, 'Metal-containing Nanoparticles and Nano-structured Particles in Fingermark Detection', Forensic Science International, vol. 179, no. 2-3, pp. 87-97.
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This article reviews the application of metal-containing nanoparticles and nano-structured particles to fingermark detection. This area of research is attracting significant interest as advances in nanoscience are being incorporated into the field of forensic fingermark detection. Although more research is needed before some of the techniques presented can be implemented in routine casework, nanotechnology is likely to play a major role in the future to deliver more selective and more sensitive ways to detect and enhance fingermarks.

Choi, M., Smoother, T., Martin, A.A., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2007, 'Fluorescent TiO2 powders prepared using a new perylene diimide dye: Applications in latent fingermark detection', Forensic Science International, vol. 173, no. 2, pp. 154-160.
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A new, highly fluorescent dye was synthesised using oleylamine combined with a perylene dianhydride compound. The new dye was characterised by H-1 NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as quantum yield. The dye was absorbed onto

Stuart, B.H., Notter, S.J., Langlois, N.E., Maynard, P.J., Ray, A.S. & Berkahn, M.B. 2007, 'Characterization of the triacylglycerol crystal formation in adipose tissue during a vehicle collision', Journal Of Forensic Sciences, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 938-942.
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The unusual appearance of crystalline fat structures was observed during the postmortem examination of a motor vehicle accident victim. The crystal structures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffractometry. The

Benson, S.J., Lennard, C.J., Maynard, P.J. & Roux, C.P. 2006, 'Forensic applications of isotope ratio mass spectrometry - A review', Forensic Science International, vol. 157, no. 1, pp. 1-22.
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The key role of a forensic scientist is to assist in determining whether a crime has been committed, and if so, assist in the identification of the offender. Many people hold the belief that a particular item can be conclusively linked to a specific pers

Choi, M., McBean, K.E., Wuhrer, R., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2006, 'Investigation into the binding of gold nanoparticles to fingermarks using scanning electron microscopy', Journal of Forensic identification, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 24-32.
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For the first time, scanning electron microscopy has been used to investigate the binding of gold nanoparticles to fingermarks placed on nanoporous surfaces. The results show that gold nanoparticles, under standard MMDII conditions, bind preferentially to latent fingermark ridges on nonporous surfaces. Variation in surfactant concentration influences background development but does not affect the binding of gold nanoparticles to the ridges, while pH variation influences the binding to ridges but leaves valley regions unaffected.

Choi, M., McDonagh, A.M., Maynard, P.J., Wuhrer, R., Lennard, C.J. & Roux, C.P. 2006, 'Preparation and evaluation of metal nanopowders for the detection of fingermarks on nonporous surfaces', Journal of Forensic identification, vol. 56, no. 5, pp. 756-768.
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gold and silver nanoparticles using oleylamine as a stabilizer have been formulated for developing latent fingermarks on nonporous surfaces. These nanopowders are compared with conventional powders such as black powder, black magnetic powder, aluminium powder and white powder. Gold nanopowder produced sharp and clear development of latent fingermarks without background staining. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that particles were concentrated inthe fingermark ridge areas, with only minor amounts located in the valley regions.

Burger, F.J., Dawson, M., Roux, C.P., Maynard, P.J., Doble, P.A. & Kirkbride, K.P. 2005, 'Forensic analysis of condom and personal lubricants by capillary electrophoresis', Talanta, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 368-376.
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Condoms may offer sexual assailants a simple and relatively effective means by which they may remove and dispose of the biological evidence of their contact with the victim. Without this valuable probative evidence, the investigator may need to turn to s

Schiemer, C.E., Lennard, C.J., Maynard, P.J. & Roux, C.P. 2005, 'Evaluation of techniques for the detection and enhancement of latent fingermarks on black electrical tape', Journal of Forensic Identification, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 215-236.
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Bojko, K.L., Maynard, P.J., Du Pasquier, E., Lennard, C.J., Stoilovic, M. & Roux, C.P. 2004, 'Evaluation of iodine-benzoflavone and Ruthenium Tetroxide spray reagents for the detection of latent fingermarks at the crime scene', Journal of Forensic Science, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 1-9.
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Langdon, S.M., Maynard, P.J., Robertson, J. & Roux, C.P. 2003, 'An evaluation of the Maxcan fibre finder version 3.3 on cotton fibres', Forensic Science International, vol. 135, no. 2, pp. 137-145.
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The Maxcan fibre finder system is a product of Cox Analytical Systems, Sweden, and has been developed for the primary purpose of searching for fibres on tape lifts. This paper evaluates the ability of the Maxcan system to search for different fibre types and colours under varying conditions. The system performed effectively in most situations, although it did have problems with some search combinations that a human operator would also find difficult in a manual search. The Maxcan system has the added advantages of being objective, consistent and able to do large batch searches unattended. These attributes make it very useful where a large number of tapes need to be searched in casework and also in research where large quantities of data need to be gathered within a reasonable time.

Cantrell, S., Roux, C.P., Maynard, P.J. & Robertson, J. 2001, 'A Textile Fibre Survey as an Aid to the Interpretation of Fibre Evidence in the Sydney Region', Forensic Science International, vol. 123, pp. 48-53.
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Frequency figures of the fibre population on textile cinema seats were measured in Sydney, Australia, in winter. Sixteen seats were analysed from a very popular cinema complex, with 3025 fibres classified according to colour, generic class and fluorescence properties (100 grey black cotton fibres only). The recovered fibres were mostly natural fibres (84%) with cotton the most common generic type (70%). On the contrary, man made fibres were relatively rare (15%) with rayon constituting the majority of these (51%). The most common colour/generic class combinations were grey black cotton (33%) and blue cotton (30%) accounting for 63% of the total population. All other frequencies were below 5%, most below 1% using only the two properties of colour and generic class. Fluorescence properties were found to be very discriminating as far as grey black cotton fibres were concerned. These features are considered and discussed and in particular, to emphasise the significance of fibres as evidence of contact.

Kher, A., Mulholland, M., Reedy, B.J. & Maynard, P.J. 2001, 'Classification of Document Papers by Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Statistical Techniques', Applied Spectrocopy, vol. 55, no. 9, pp. 1192-1198.
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Infrared (IR) spectra of different varieties of document papers were collected with the use of attenuated total reflectance (ATR, 4000-650 cm-1, eight paper varieties) and diffuse reflectance (DRIFTS, 9000-2500 cm-1, six paper varieties) techniques. The spectral data were classified by the application of soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA), using principal components analysis (PCA) to estimate the distance of separation between the different classes of paper samples and discriminant analysis (DA) to obtain a probabilistic classification. The use of DA on spectral data needed a preliminary data reduction step, either by PCA-decomposition of spectra or the selection of discrete spectral features having maximum discriminating ability. The aim of this research was to evaluate these data-reduction techniques and compare the discriminating power of these two spectral techniques (DRIFTS and ATR) by the application of PCA and DA. The use of PCA scores as DA variables provided the best resolution (100% correct classification) for the DRIFTS spectra, while PCA on the ATR spectra resulted in the best discrimination, separating 67.86% paper pairs completely with the use of cross-validation. The results of this study reemphasize that infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical methods of analysis could provide a powerful discriminating tool for the forensic questioned document examiner.

Maynard, P.J., Allwell, K., Roux, C.P., Dawson, M. & Royds, D. 2001, 'A Protocol for the Forensic Analysis of Condom and Personal Lubricants Found in Sexual Assault Cases', Forensic Science International, vol. 124, pp. 140-156.
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Maynard, P.J., Gates, K., Roux, C.P. & Lennard, C.J. 2001, 'Adhesive Tape Analysis: Establishing th Evidential Value of Specific Techniques', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 280-287.
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This study investigated the evidential value of specific methods of analysis for packaging tapes and clear adhesive tapes available in Australia. Fifty-eight adhesive tapes were analyzed using a wide range of optical, physical, and chemical techniques. The results were collated for the purpose of creating an Australian database of adhesive tapes, which would be of assistance in criminal investigation. Each technique was evaluated for its discriminating power, both for comparative purposes and for the identification of adhesive tapes by comparing unknown samples with the database. The combined discriminating power of the techniques applied is very high. It is possible to individually identify the source of an unknown adhesive tape sample in many instances by searching the database. It is also possible to form an opinion on the significance of a failure-to-discriminate result in comparative casework. Further work is still needed to expand and update the database, as well as compiling data on the relative market share of various products.

Maynard, P.J., Gates, K., Roux, C.P., Lennard, C.J. 2000, 'Adhesive Taper Analysis: Establishing the Evidential Value of Specific Techniques', Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 280-287.