What's old is new again at the RCMP, at least when it comes to Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), technology that recovers fingerprints.
"The technology has been there and it's always been very good, but it's expensive," says Dr. Della Wilkinson of the Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS). "What we're seeing now as a result of the polymer banknotes being introduced into Canadian circulation is a resurgence of interest in VMD."
VMD is a very sensitive instrument that creates a vacuum in a chamber, allowing metal to vaporize and adhere to fingerprint residue on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces like plastic, firearms and even tight-weave fabrics.
It's not technology that you jump into without having good reason to, says Wilkinson. But because IFIS has proven through research that VMD works very well on polymer banknotes, they're hoping to procure three new machines, in addition to the one the RCMP already has, that will service all RCMP forensic identification services across Canada.
The technology is far more sensitive than traditional methods of fingerprint development like the superglue dyeing technique. But it doesn't have to be one or the other; they can be used in sequence.
VMD can recover fingerprints from the dirtiest of exhibits as well as exhibits that have been submerged in water or have been sitting for years in an evidence locker.
"It's been extremely successful in recovering fingerprints on a number of cold cases where traditional techniques have failed," says C/Supt. Bill Fordy, the officer in charge of Surrey Detachment.
Knowing the benefits of the technology, Fordy has been making a case to bring the technology to his detachment.
"We all watch CSI," says Fordy. "The public's perception is that we can do things in an hour. Well, this technology is actually in alignment with that. Within 15 minutes, we can develop fingerprints. We'll be able to identify offenders quickly and eliminate others equally efficiently."