Florida Sheriff Uses Gold to Uncover Hidden Fingerprints in Crimes

Pinellas County, Florida, USA - In a novel twist on crime-fighting, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in Florida is utilizing the precious metal gold to unearth hidden fingerprints that often slip through the cracks of conventional investigation techniques. While some, including the influential investor Warren Buffett, have dismissed gold as „a useless metal,“ its applications in forensic science paint a very different picture. Although Buffett claims that gold is just dug up, melted down, buried again, and guarded, the PCSO is demonstrating that there is indeed something to be said for this alluring metal in crime-solving.

PCSO has integrated an advanced technology known as Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), which employs fine particles of metals—gold being one of them—to make latent fingerprints visible. This method is particularly effective on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces like plastics, fabrics, and even firearms. Heather Temple, a forensic science specialist at the PCSO, describes the VMD as „vital“ for solving crimes, underscoring its importance in modern investigative practices.

The Vacuum Metal Deposition Process

The method itself dates back to the 1960s when early forms of metal deposition were first proposed. Over the decades, it has diversified into a sophisticated technique capable of revealing fingerprints that are over 20 years old—ideal for cold cases. The VMD involves a two-stage process: a thin layer of gold is first evaporated in a vacuum chamber, creating a fine coating that adheres to the ridges of fingerprints; then zinc is deposited, which enhances the visibility of the prints without interfering with the gold beneath. What’s remarkable about VMD is its ability to produce high-definition prints, often revealing third-level details, significantly outshining traditional methods like cyanoacrylate fuming.

To put it into perspective, about 44% of gold demand is for jewelry production, with 1,877 tons used in that sector last year alone. However, the gold employed by the PCSO is utilized in far more critical applications, including law enforcement. This is a testament to gold’s versatility, as it also plays a crucial role in various industrial applications, from electronics to medicine, accounting for 326 tons used in industry last year.

Rarity and Innovation

Interestingly, only about 9% of sheriff’s offices in Florida have access to VMD technology. This makes PCSO a pioneering force in forensic methodology within the state, often offering assistance to other agencies in need of such advanced capabilities. Since acquiring its first VMD in 2000, the organization recently received a grant to purchase a larger unit. This upgrade is expected to sharpen their crime-fighting edge even further, confirming that there’s something to be said for investing in advanced forensic tools.

There’s also a fascinating aspect to consider regarding the historical journey of VMD technology. It traces back to as early as 1964 when pioneering scientist Tolansky proposed using silver for fingermarks. The evolution, through various studies and developments, has paved the way for the methodology that is now vital in modern forensics. Techniques for using gold, in combination with other metals such as zinc, have enabled forensic professionals to develop prints under challenging circumstances, such as on submerged or underground items.

Clearly, the PCSO’s innovative use of gold doesn’t just provide a new avenue for solving crimes; it symbolizes a broader trend in which law enforcement continues to embrace technology to enhance their investigative efficacy. In doing so, they remind us that while some might consider gold solely as a commodity, it indeed shines far beyond just economic value, playing a critical role in public safety.