It is Science Week 2020, and to celebrate we are featuring some of the staff in the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Forensic Services Group.
Introducing one of our fingerprint experts from the bureau…
Name: Tony Martinez
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Forensic Services Group, Fingerprint Bureau
Qualifications:
- Diploma of Public Safety (Forensic investigations)
- Certificate of Expertise in the Science of Fingerprints
Equipment: fingerprint brushes, cyanoacrylate (superglue) cabinets, forensic light sources, lasers, fingerprint chemicals, DSLR camera
Year joined QPS: 2004
Meet Sergeant Martinez of the Fingerprint Bureau
What is the most interesting part of your job?
Finding fingerprints on objects using advanced chemical techniques is always interesting.
The development of a fingerprint from a surface that has been exposed to the elements such as rain can be very challenging, however using advanced techniques we have been able to develop important fingerprint impressions, even when you would have thought that all the forensic evidence would have been washed away.
My two favourite pieces of fingerprint trivia?
- Whilst identical twins have the same DNA, they will have always have different fingerprints; and
- Fingerprints on paper are very stable and can be developed many years after being left.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
We often identify individuals from residual fingerprints left on surfaces, but sometimes we need to identify a deceased person by examining their finger or palm prints.
This is usually done when the visual identification of the deceased person isn't appropriate or possible.
What is your most memorable moment in this role?
There are many memorable cases, but two stick in my mind.
In one case, our experts developed fingerprints on the house and some furniture that led to the arrest of a murder suspect.
These fingerprints were the sole evidence that led to the identification of the perpetrator and subsequent conviction.
Another case involved the development of a fingerprint on a wet page of newspaper that led to the identification of a suspect, an interstate manhunt and a subsequent murder conviction.
We will continue to showcase unique science-oriented roles within the QPS Forensic Services Group throughout the week.
For information about how to join the Queensland Police Service, visit the recruiting website: policerecruit.com.au
