Crime Scene Research Articles

Forensic Discrimination of White Architectural Paints via ATR FT-IR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

The present work entailed the comparative examination and discrimination of white architectural paint samples of different brands/manufacturers. The analysis of this evidence can facilitate exhibiting a linkage between the victim, and the crime scene and assist in the reconstruction of the crime scene. Architectural paint traces have evidential value, especially in cases of burglary, acts of vandalism, property crimes, etc. In the present study, a total of 102 samples of 34 distinct brands (3 samples of each brand) of white commercially available architectural paints were purchased and analysed using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and multivariate analytical tools. The use of visual analysis of FTIR spectral data resulted in 12 undifferentiated/ indistinguishable sample pairs with a discrimination power of 97.86%. Adding PCA and PLS-DA in concert with visual analysis of FTIR spectra resulted in 99.4% (3 sample pairs undifferentiated) and 100% discrimination power, respectively. In conclusion, samples of each brand were completely differentiated using ATR FT-IR spectra subjected to the PLS-DA model. To assess the impact of different substrates on the examination of paint chips, simulated samples were produced on different substrates and the obtained results from the substrates study have been summarized. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy therefore suggests an objective and rapid approach for the discrimination of white architectural paints for forensic purposes.

Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic treatments on bloodstain patterns of drip stains on knitted cotton and polyester fabrics

ABSTRACT Textiles are one of the most frequently collected items at crime scenes. Even so, the mechanisms that create bloodstains on textiles are not well understood. This is likely due to the wide range of textiles and the many surface treatments given to them to enhance their performance. In this study, the final appearance of 50 μl passive drip stains on four in-house knitted apparel textiles (scoured cotton, hydrophobic cotton, hydrophilic polyester and hydrophobic polyester) was investigated. The yarns used to make the knits were 167 dTex polyester filament and 342 dTex cotton staple yarns. They were knitted on the same knitting machine under nominally identical conditions. The area of bloodstains on the scoured cotton knit fabrics was 46 mm2 and 30 mm2 on the hydrophobic cotton. i.e. the stains on the hydrophilic cotton were 50% larger than on the hydrophobic cotton. The bloodstains on hydrophobic polyester were only 15.6 mm2, but were 242 mm2 on hydrophilic polyester, i.e. 15 times larger. The stain areas on the polyester were both smaller (hydrophobic finish) and larger (hydrophilic finish) than on the cotton fabrics. It is shown that these typical chemical treatments play a much more important role on bloodstain areas than fibre type or fabric construction.

A Lateral Flow Biosensor Based on Isothermal Amplification for Visual Identification of Species and Sex from Bloodstain.

The prompt species identification from biological samples at a crime scene can rapidly filter out truly valuable biometric information for subsequent personal identification. Meanwhile, early sex determination can assist in narrowing the pool of suspects. However, the current methods for forensic DNA analysis, particularly in point-of-care scenarios, are often limited by the intricate equipment for signal generation and the laborious procedure for DNA purification. The present study introduces a novel portable lateral flow biosensor that possesses extraction-free and anti-aerosol characteristics for on-site determination of species and sex. The bloodstain can be directly submitted to loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the analysis of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. The incorporation of a lateral flow device with gold magnetic nanoparticle probes allows for visual interpretation of results through colorimetric signals while also preventing interference on result judgment from pigments such as hemoglobin. Carryover contamination, which is a disharmonious factor in LAMP, especially as the inherent contradiction derived from uncapping in the lateral flow strategy, has been effectively addressed through the integration of uracil DNA glycosylase without compromising the isothermy throughout the process. As a proof-of-concept experiment, species and sex can be accurately identified within 40 min from trace bloodstains amidst significant background interference by targeting cytochrome b and Y-chromosomal amelogenin. Furthermore, the single-blind study revealed a concordance rate of up to 100% in both simulative degraded and true dated bloodstains. This suggests that this biosensor has the potential to be utilized in forensic DNA analysis at crime scenes.

Hungarian legislation regarding implementing a forensic DNA elimination database

The inception of forensic DNA elimination database represents a pivotal advancement in forensic science, aiming to streamline the process of distinguishing between DNA found at crime scenes and that of individuals involved in the investigation process, such as law enforcement personnel and forensic lab staff. In subsequent phases, once familiarity with the database is achieved by its administrators and other stakeholders, and they have accrued sufficient experience, the possibility of expanding the database to encompass first responders—including firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency services personnel—can be contemplated. Key challenges in managing these databases encompass the grounds for collecting samples, ensuring the integrity of both samples and profiles, along with the duration of retention, access to the database, and the protocols to follow when a match is found in the database. This paper outlines the conceptual and detailed legislative framework in Hungary, where the forensic DNA elimination database was introduced in 2022.

Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Powder-Treated Fingermarks on Forensic Gelatin Lifters and its Application for Separating Overlapping Fingermarks.

Fingermarks are frequently collected at crime scenes by using gelatin lifters for preservation and transport of the marks to a forensic laboratory for inspection. The gelatin lifters preserve both the imprint of the fingermark pattern necessary for identification purposes and the chemical residue of the mark potentially useful for profiling the person who left the fingermark. The fingermark patterns are traditionally recorded using photography/optical imaging, but methods for chemical analysis of fingermark residues on gelatin lifters are scarce. Here we report the first method for the chemical analysis of fingermarks on gelatin lifters using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging. The imaging can be done directly on the gelatin support without any sample preparation, supporting immediate operational use of the method for fingermarks collected at crime scenes. Operational use of the method is further supported by successful chemical imaging of fingermarks enhanced by traditional dusting with forensic powders and lifted off different surfaces (glass, stainless steel, painted aluminum, polystyrene, cardboard, and plastic) as well as fingermarks lifted multiple times. We also demonstrate that the present method can be used to visually separate natural overlapping powder-treated fingermarks, and the chemical composition of the fingermarks can be analyzed on the gelatin support by DESI-MS/MS. The presented method has potential for integration into the traditional workflow for fingermark analysis, and will allow more fingermarks collected at crime scenes to be evaluated both visually and chemically.

Worth a Thousand Words: Crime Scenes Represented by Photojournalists and Forensic Photographers in Brazil

ABSTRACT This article compares how crime scenes are represented by photojournalists and forensic photographers in the city of Brasília. It starts from the premise that crime scene photography adheres to the social and professional contexts of the professional group that is taking it who, in turn, determines its identities, practices and conventions. The methodology consists of an analysis of 168 photos taken of three cases of femicide that occurred between 2016 and 2019, and in-depth interviews conducted with three photojournalists and three forensic photographers. News photographs place their importance on the selection of information that is going to be shown to their audience, usually choosing people and elements that evoke emotions. Forensic photographers emphasize documentation and control, using high-angle shots to capture everything. Both fields claim objectivity in their production, but in opposite ways, as forensic photography attempts to prove what is shown, and news photography hides and distorts elements to appeal to its audience. This paper looks at the role photography plays in building social reality, showing the same scene from the same incident and how its representation may differ according to who makes the image, the protocols they follow, and also who these images are taken for.

Estimation of Time-Since-Deposition of bloodstains on different surfaces using ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics.

Blood is commonly discovered at crime scenes in various forms, including stains, dried residue, pools, and fingerprints on assorted surfaces. Estimating the age of bloodstains is a crucial aspect of reconstructing crime scenes. This research aimed to investigate how the nature of different surfaces affects the estimation of bloodstain age, utilizing a reliable and non-destructive approach. The study employed ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in conjunction with Chemometric techniques such as PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and OPLSR (Orthogonal Signal Correction Partial Least Square Regression Analysis) to analyze spectral data and develop regression models for estimating bloodstain age on cement, metal, and wooden surfaces for up to eleven days. The chemometric models for bloodstains on all three substrates demonstrated strong performance, with predictive Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values ranging from 1.1 to 1.43 and R2 values from 0.84 to 0.89. Notably, the model developed for metal surfaces was found to be the most accurate with minimal prediction error. The findings of the study showed that the porosity of the substrates upon which bloodstains were found had a discernible influence on the age-related transformations observed in bloodstains; the majority of which occured within the spectral range of 2800cm- 1 to 3500cm- 1.

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction – Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics Aspects in North Macedonia

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction – Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics Aspects in North Macedonia

Development of a multiplex PCR assay and quantification of microbial markers by ddPCR for identification of saliva and vaginal fluid

The identification of biological fluids at crime scenes contributes to crime scene reconstruction and provides investigative leads. Traditional methods for body fluid identification are limited in terms of sensitivity and are mostly presumptive. Emerging methods based on mRNA and DNA methylation require high quality template source. An exploitable characteristic of body fluids is their distinct microbial profiles allowing for the discrimination of body fluids based on microbiome content. Microbial DNA is highly abundant within the body, robust and stable and can persist in the environment long after human DNA has degraded. 16S rRNA sequencing is the gold standard for microbial analysis; however, NGS is costly, and requires intricate workflows and interpretation. Also, species level resolution is not always achievable. Based on the current challenges, the first objective of this study was to develop a multiplex conventional PCR assay to identify vaginal fluid and saliva by targeting species-specific 16S rRNA microbial markers. The second objective was to employ droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) as a novel approach to quantify bacterial species alone and in a mixture of body fluids. Lactobacillus crispatus and Streptococcus salivarius were selected because of high abundance within vaginal fluid and saliva respectively. While Fusobacterium nucleatum and Gardnerella vaginalis, though present in healthy humans, are also frequently found in oral and vaginal infections, respectively. The multiplex PCR assay detected L. crispatus and G. vaginalis in vaginal fluid while F. nucleatum and S. salivarius was detected in saliva. Multiplex PCR detected F. nucleatum, S. salivarius and L. crispatus in mixed body fluid samples while, G. vaginalis was undetected in mixtures containing vaginal fluid. For samples exposed at room temperature for 65 days, L. crispatus and G. vaginalis were detected in vaginal swabs while only S. salivarius was detected in saliva swabs. The limit of detection was 0.06 copies/µl for F. nucleatum (2.5 ×10−9 ng/µl) and S. salivarius (2.5 ×10−6 ng/µl). L. crispatus and G. vaginalis had detection limits of 0.16 copies/µl (2.5 ×10−4 ng/µl) and 0.48 copies/µl (2.5 ×10−7 ng/µl). All 4 bacterial species were detected in mixtures and aged samples by ddPCR. No significant differences were observed in quantity of bacterial markers in saliva and vaginal fluid. The present research reports for the first time the combination of the above four bacterial markers for the detection of saliva and vaginal fluid and highlights the sensitivity of ddPCR for bacterial quantification in pure and mixed body fluids.

Perseverance reduces whereas impulsivity increases the risk of reoffending

By law, every criminal verdict describes the norm violation in question. To date, the use of this information for prognostic purposes has been standardized only for sex offenses. This study presents a content-analytic approach to the material. A theory-based coding system allows for systematic tracing of the offender’s affective and regulatory processing during norm violation, targeting the entire action sequence: initial activation affect (positive vs. negative), impulsivity vs. intentionality, affect regulation, and coping with intention-implementation difficulties. In a sample of N = 304 males convicted of violent and/or sexual offenses, the processing variables were investigated with respect to (a) objective measurability, (b) relationships with established reoffending risk markers, and (c) their (incremental) performance in predicting reoffending. With respect to objectivity (a), the inter-rater agreement (n = 111) varied widely among the variables (intraclass correlation range 0.03–0.62). Regarding risk markers (b), significant associations were found with the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R) subscales criminal history, alcohol/drugs, emotional/personal, and attitudes/orientation. The Crime Scene Behavior Risk Measure for sexual offenses (n = 106) correlated with psychological processing variables for the items multiple juvenile offenders and male victim. Two variables emerged as relevant for predicting recidivism (c): negatively motivated impulsivity predicted violent reoffending, while persistence when coping with implementation difficulties negatively predicted sexual and general reoffending. These relationships statistically mediated the predictive contribution of actuarial risk tools (LSI-R/crime scene behavior risk). Psychological processes during norm violation as reported in verdicts appear to represent underexploited information within risk assessment and beyond.

An efficient image classification and segmentation method for crime investigation applications

AbstractThe field of forensic science is experiencing significant growth, largely driven by the increasing integration of holographic and immersive technologies, along with their associated head-mounted displays. These immersive systems have become increasingly vital in resolving critical crimes as they facilitate communication, interaction, and collaboration. Given the sensitive nature of their work, crime investigators require substantial technical support. There is a pressing need for accurate documentation and archiving of crime scenes, which can be addressed by leveraging 3D scanned scenes to accurately represent evidence and expected scenarios. This study aims to develop an enhanced AR. system that can be deployed on hologram facilities such as the Microsoft HoloLens. The proposed system encompasses two main approaches, namely image classification and image segmentation. Image classification utilizes various deep learning models, including lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and convolutional Long-Short Term Memory (ConvLSTM). Additionally, the image segmentation approach is based on the fuzzy active contour model (FACM). The effectiveness of the proposed system was evaluated for both classification and segmentation tasks, utilizing metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and F1 score. The simulation results indicate that the proposed system achieved a 99% accuracy rate in classification and segmentation tasks, positioning it as an effective solution for detecting bloodstain patterns in AR applications.

Determination of ABO blood group based on secretors or non-secretors analysis in body fluids

Criminal acts often leave traces analyzed by law enforcement, especially by the Indonesian National Police (POLRI). Sometimes, various items were found and analyzed to link the victim and the perpetrator. Blood, the most abundant body fluid, found in crime scenes, consists of cellular and liquid elements. The forensic focuses on red blood, which can be wet or dried at the crime scene. Sometimes, there was no blood or bloodstains found, but objects related to other body fluids, such as: condoms, toothbrushes, the mouth of glass cups, straws, etc, could be found. Blood group analysis could still be carried out based on secretor gene (Se) considering that 80% of the population was of the secretor group. There are two chromosomes related to blood regulation, namely: chromosomes no. 9 and 19. The former relates to the ABO blood group and the latter relates to the secretory phenotype. The basic principle of secretors was antigens found on the surface of red blood cells and all body fluids, except cerebrospinal fluid. The pattern of inheritance on chromosomes 9 and 19 is based on the probability law by Mendell. It stated that all of genotypes (homozygous dominant-recessive or heterozygous) would be passed on to their offspring.

Combined analysis of the microbiome and metabolome to reveal the characteristics of saliva from different diets: a comparison among vegans, seafood-based omnivores, and red meat (beef and lamb) omnivores.

Revealing individual characteristics is supportive for identifying individuals in forensic crime. As saliva is one of the most common biological samples used in crime scenes, it is important to make full use of the rich individual information contained in saliva. The aim of this study was to explore the application of the microbiome in forensic science by analysing differences in the salivary microbiome and metabolome of healthy individuals with different dietary habits. We performed 16S rDNA sequencing analysis based on oral saliva samples collected from 12 vegetarians, 12 seafood omnivores and 12 beef and lamb omnivores. Non-targeted metabolomics analyses were also performed based on saliva samples from healthy individuals. The results showed that the dominant flora of vegetarians was dominated by Neisseria (belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria), while seafood omnivores and beef and lamb omnivores were dominated by Streptococcus (belonging to the phylum Firmicutes). NDMS-based and cluster analyses showed that vegetarian dieters were significantly differentiated from meat dieters (seafood omnivores and beef and lamb omnivores), which may be related to the fact that high-fiber diets can create a different salivary flora structure. Variants were also detected in salivary metabolic pathways, including positive correlations with Lipid metabolism, Amino acid metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, and Nucleotide metabolism in vegetarians, and correlations in seafood omnivores. In order to select salivary microorganisms and metabolic markers that can distinguish different dietary profiles, a random forest classifier model was constructed in this study, and the results showed that individuals with different dietary profiles could be successfully distinguished based on the core genera and metabolites such as Streptococcus, Histidinyl-Valine. Our study provides a supportive basis for the application of salivary polyomics in order to reveal the dietary characteristics of individuals for forensic investigation and crime solving.

Forensic stability evaluation of selected miRNA and circRNA markers in human bloodstained samples exposed to different environmental conditions

Recently, RNA markers have been used to identify tissue origins of different kinds of body fluids. Herein, circRNA and miRNA markers were carried out to examine the presence or absence of peripheral blood (PB) in bloodstained samples exposed to different external environmental conditions, which mimicked PB samples left at the crime scenes. PB samples were placed on sterile swabs and then exposed to different high temperatures (37°C, 55°C and 95°C) and ultraviolet light irradiation for 0 d, 0.5 d, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d, ultra-low and low temperatures (-80°C, −20°C, and 4°C) for 30 d, 180 d and 365 d and different kinds of disinfectants. Total RNA was extracted from bloodstained samples under the above different conditions, and the expressions of target RNAs (including miR16–5p, miR451a, circ0000095, and two reference genes RNU6b and 18 S rRNA) were detected by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. Results showed that these selected RNA markers could be successfully measured at all observation points with their unique degradation rates, which exhibited relative stability in degraded bloodstained samples exposed to different environmental conditions. This study provides insights into the applications of these studied miRNA and circRNA markers in forensic science.

Revealing microbial community characteristics in healthy human, cat and canine salivas and looking for species-specific microbes.

As two kinds of increasingly popular pets, the saliva of cat or canine is most likely to be left at the crime scene compared with the common types of body fluids in forensics. Accurately identifying the species of saliva samples found at the crime scene involving pets will help the investigators find available testing materials, reduce the consumption of reagents and save the investigative time of the case. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the characteristics and differences of saliva microbiomes of cat, canine and human. In this study, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technology was used to reveal microbial communities of saliva samples of healthy human, cat, and canine. Alpha diversity analyses indicated that canine saliva demonstrated the highest microbial diversity, followed by cat saliva, whereas human saliva microbial diversity was the lowest. The saliva samples of the three species all had their own unique microbial community compositions, and the dominant phyla of canine and cat salivas were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidete, while the dominant phyla of human saliva were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. There was no significant statistical difference in the salivary microbiota obtained by the two collection methods (cotton swab and liquid saliva). The gender of cats and canines might have no effect on the salivary microbiota, but the different breeds had an impact on their saliva microbiomes. Principal coordinates analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and random forest analysis all indicated significant differences in microbial community structures among the three species, allowing inference on the species sources of saliva samples by microbiome method. Differential microbial biomarkers for the salivas of three species were screened out using a variety of bioinformatics analyses, and the results demonstrated that Prevotella melaninogenica, Veillonella parvula, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae could be used as species-specific microbial biomarkers of human saliva. The detections of human species-specific microbes provide a potential method for determining human saliva.

Estimation of age and sex from fingernail clippings by using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric interpretation.

Fingernails can act as important forensic evidence as they can be a source of DNA that may link the victim or accused to the crime scene and may also contain traces of drugs such as cocaine and heroin, in regular users. Moreover, previous studies have shown that analyzing fingernails with various techniques can reveal important information, such as age and sex. In this work, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with chemometric tools has been used to estimate the age and sex from fingernails by analyzing 140 fingernail samples (70 males, and 70 females) collected from volunteers aged between 10 and 70 years old. The amide bands obtained from spectra confirmed the presence of keratin proteins in the samples. PCA and PLS-R were used for the classification of samples. For sex estimation, samples were divided into four categories based on age groups, followed by the differentiation of sex in each group. Similarly, for age estimation, all samples were divided into two sets based on male and female followed by differentiation of age groups in each set. The result showed that PLS-R was able to differentiate fingernail samples based on sex in groups G1, G2, G3, and G4 with R-square values of 0.972, 0.993, 0.991, and 0.996, respectively, and based on age in females, and males with R-square values of 0.93 and 0.97, respectively. External validation and blind tests were also performed which showed results with 100% accuracy. This approach has proved to be effective for the estimation of sex and age from fingernail samples.

Forensic intelligence: Expanding the potential of forensic document examination

AbstractForensic document examination is characterized by its longevity, diversity, and evolution over time. Predominantly, published research within this field has focused on handwriting examination, the articulation of forensic conclusions, and the development of technical instrumental advancements, focusing on the use of document examination in the resolution of casework. This is a persistent and common problem within forensic science that Kirk identified in 1963 and that other authors have reaffirmed more recently. Ultimately, this has resulted in the potential of forensic intelligence, remaining relatively underexplored in the field of document examination. Forensic intelligence is a different way to view and analyze traces, shifting the focus from the traditional identification of source and activity, to instead identifying trends in criminal activity to assist in the reduction, prevention, and proactive disruption of crime. Despite a distinct disparity between these strands of research, there has been a persevering evolution toward the implementation of a systematic forensic intelligence method for the examination of fraudulent identity documents. Since its initial inception into the research community, this method has expanded and been implemented across Europe, and Canada, with tests also being conducted in Australia. These first tangible steps toward a forensic intelligence capacity within document examination have also inspired new work using forensic intelligence and systematic comparisons within the field of handwriting examination, as well as the recognition of the transversal potential of this method, with it being applied to both physical and digital documents. In this review, the fields of document examination and forensic intelligence will first be introduced, along with a subsequent examination of the research that has led to the creation of a forensic intelligence model within the field of document examination. It should be noted that this review has largely been limited to a review of research that has been published in English and French due to the language of the authors.This article is categorized under: Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods Crime Scene Investigation > Epistemology and Method

Forensic species identification: practical guide for animal and plant DNA analysis

The importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine.Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application.The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed.

The Role of Molecular Investigations in Estimating the Time since Deposition (TSD) of Bloodstains: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

At many crime scenes, investigators are able to trace and find traces of blood. For many years, it was believed that such traces could only be subjected to genetic investigations, such as those aimed at comparing DNA profiling with a suspect to verify his identity, and that it was therefore not possible to backdate the traces. In recent years, various works have used experimental models to investigate the possibility of identifying markers and methodologies for estimating the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains. Despite the results, these methods are still not part of standard procedures, and there is no univocal analysis methodology. In this work we carried out a systematic literature review of all the papers published in the last ten years on this topic, comparing the experimental models created. This review demonstrates the potential that different molecular approaches, such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and spectrometry, can have in the analysis of TSD, with notable sensitivity and specificity. This paper also analyzes the intrinsic and extrinsic limits of these models and emphasizes the need to continue research work on this topic, considering the importance that this parameter can assume in forensic investigations against a suspect.

Nanostructured assessment of copper oxide for latent fingerprint recognition

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the different fields of forensic science, particularly in the efficient examination of evidence. In this study, we report scalable synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets by using hydrothermal method and its exploration in the forensic examination of latent fingerprints. The identification and structural characterization of CuO nanoparticles were carried out using advanced spectroscopic methods such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stabilization of CuO nanosheets in monoclinic symmetry (space group C2/c) was confirmed through Le Bail refinements. Morphological studies based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the CuO nanosheets exhibit, a rectangular, thin plate like morphology.The applicability of these nanosheets was tested for examining and developing fresh and aged (7 days old) latent fingerprints on dry, non-absorbent substrates using the powder dusting method. The formulation successfully developed sharp and clear fingerprints on various substrates, allowing the second-level details of the fingerprints to be viewed without any background interference. Additionally, these nanosheets are non-hazardous and cost-effective, making them a suitable fingerprint developing agent for a wide range of dry, non-absorbent surfaces recovered from crime scenes.