• alternative light source

• powder
• iodine fuming
• superglue fuming
• silver nitrate
• ninhydrin,
• DFO
• physical developer
• Developing vs lifting: latent, visible, plastic
• AFIS
Fingerprints
DEVELOPING VS LIFTING
VISIBLE, PLASTIC, LATENT
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 3
 Three Types of prints – Visible, Plastic, Latent
Latent prints are invisible to the
eye and are usually obtained from
hard surfaces such as glass or
wood. The skin's sebaceous
glands produce natural oils which,
together with the salts produced
by our sweat glands, leave a
fingerprint residue when we touch
most objects.
Visible prints are those that result
from fingers stained with blood,
ink, paint or similar.
The plastic or molded print is an
impression made on a soft
surface like putty, soap or cheese.

4
Types of Fingerprints

VISIBLE -

RIDGES PLACED ON A SURFACE

AFTER CONTACT WITH A
COLORED MATERIAL
(blood, paint,grease, ink)
Types of Fingerprints

PLASTIC -

RIDGES LEFT ON A SOFT

MATERIAL
(putty, wax, soap, dust)
•Plastic prints are ridge impressions left on a soft material, such
as putty, wax, soap, or dust.
•Locating visible or plastic prints at the crime scene normally
presents little problem to the investigator, because these prints
are usually distinct and visible to the eye.

15-7
Types of Fingerprints

LATENT -
HIDDEN OR INVISIBLE
TRANSFER OF BODY
PERSPIRATION OR OILS
MUST BE ENHANCED
Types of Surfaces

NON-POROUS
GLASS, MIRROR, PLASTIC,
PAINTED SURFACES

ENHANCE WITH SUPER

GLUE and/or POWDER
Types of Surfaces

POROUS
PAPER, CARDBOARD,
CLOTH

ENHANCE WITH
CHEMICALS
 Latent Prints
• Our skin is constantly
secreting oil, sweat, protein,
etc from glands located deep
in the skin. Whenever we
touch something, Locard’s
Principle states that some of
our secretions are transferred
to the surface we touched.
Nearly 99% of a fingerprint is
composed of water, but there
are several trace elements
that react well with various
chemicals.
• Developing a print requires
substances that interact with
secretions, causing the print
to stand out against its
background. It may be
necessary to attempt more
than one technique, done in
a particular order so as not to
destroy the print

Sweat from sweat pores on

pressure ridges on tip of 11
finger
Developing and Lifting Prints
Latent prints must first be
developed (made visible)
and then lifted (transferred
to a permanent surface so
they can be used in court).
Since Visible prints can be
seen, they only need to be
transferred to a permanent
surface. They do not need
to be developed. It can be
as simple as taking a
photograph and uploading
the image to a computer..
plastic prints are already
visible, but require special
materials to lift (move to a
permanent surface for
court).

12
 Developing Fingerprints
depends on surface
• Hard and nonabsorbent
surfaces
– Glass
Dusty surfaces cause problems – Metal
because the dust will move around – Mirror
under the fingerprint causing it to
be smudged – Tile
– Painted wood
– Fingerprint on surface is
Parts of this print are missing vulnerable to being smudged
because it was lifted from a or damaged
textured surface • Soft and porous surfaces
– Papers
– Cardboard
– Cloth
– Fingerprint absorbed into
material is a little more
durable
PRESERVING DEVELOPED
PRINTS  If the object the print is
on is small – the entire
 Once a print is object should be taken to
developed it must be the laboratory
preserved as evidence  If the object is too large -
 STEP ONE: photograph then the developed print
developed print must be “lifted”.
 STEP TWO is  Can use special clear
determined by the size of tape to lift a print
the object the print is on developed with a powder
 Tape with print is placed
on a card with good
background contrast
 Permanent Record of Print
• If on small surface- transport without
destroying the print

• Protect with cellophane bag

• If large surface (door, wall, etc) objects

that have been developed with a
powder can best be preserved by
‘”lifting”.

• Done with broad adhesive tape

• Fingerprint covered with adhesive side

and pulled up, the powder will be
transferred to the tape.

• Digital imaging may be used to

enhance contrast, enlarge detail and
compare individual points on prints to
others in question.
Preservation of Developed Prints
 Once the latent print has been visualized,
it must be permanently preserved for
future comparison and possible use in
court as evidence.

 A photograph must be taken before any

further attempts at preservation.
 Lifting Prints
Lifted fingerprints
1. Formed when a piece of adhesive tape is placed
over a developed latent print and pulled away.
2. The latent print adheres to the tape and then the
tape is placed upon a glossy white or black “latent
lift backer” card.
A print lifted with traditional flat tape from siding.
Note the detail that is lost because of the texture of
the material.
Accu-Trans - AccuTrans®, a liquid casting compound,
can be used to lift powdered latent prints from
rough, textured or curved surfaces. AccuTrans® is
basically a very thick liquid that fills in the nooks and
crannies of rough or textured areas where
conventional print lifting tape encounters difficulty.

For many technicians, the gel products known as Accutrans and Forensic Sil
are among their top choices for lifting prints from difficult surfaces. First,
you dust the print and then apply the gel. It only takes about five
minutes to dry—and when you pull it off, you have the powdered
impression. Stapleton said they had even recovered a print from a tree
leaf using Forensic Sil. The same individuals who find these products to
be their favorites do caution that the product is expensive—and they
recommend taking care to cap the tube so the gel does not harden
17
 Lifting
Use for Notes
Method
Tape
Powder color should contrast
Powders
with background
Do not use flash, take at an
Photograph All methods
angle to get good ridge definition

Accu-Trans
Rough, textured, or
Goes on as liquid.
curved surface

Rough, textured, or
Forensic Sil Goes on as gel
curved surface

Lifting does not actually remove the latent print. The oils and moisture
simply hold powder grains, which are in turn picked up by the adhesive
tape. The powder and not the latent image is lifted. If the process is
repeated, each lift becomes progressively weaker.
• Once the print is developed, always take a picture before lifting
and/or preserving
• This protects against mishaps during the lifting process
 LATENT PRINTS

Latent finger prints are those that are not

visible to the unaided eye.
When you touch things you leave traces of
proteins (amino acids), oils, sweat and
acids coming from the pores of your
ridges.
If they are not smeared, the residue oils
and proteins can react with chemicals and
even UV light to become visible.
Finding latent prints can be time consuming
 FINDING LATENT PRINTS VIDEO

Because they are invisible to the naked eye,

these prints are difficult to find for further
study and analysis.
The old method is to just lightly dust around a
crime scene with black powder and see what
develops.
Newer methods include using a portable UV
optical system named RUVIS (Reflected
Ultraviolet Imaging System) that makes
proteins glow as they absorb and reflect UV
light.
DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
Prints on a hard and nonabsorbent surface such
as glass, tile and painted wood require different
development procedures from soft and porous
surfaces such as papers, cardboard and cloth.
--Developing prints on hard surfaces that do not
absorb the oils is easier than porous things.
--Powders work well on hard surfaces.
--Porous things require development by
precipitating chemical reactions, such as
Physical Developer (silver nitrate) or superglue.
Latent Prints
 A variety of techniques use powder and
chemicals to develop latent fingerprints.
 A. Lifted fingerprints
 1. Formed when a piece of adhesive tape is
placed over a developed latent print and pulled
away.
 2. The latent print adheres to the tape and then the
tape is placed upon a glossy white or black “latent
lift backer” card.
Latent Prints
 3. Photography is used during the development
and lifting process.
Latent Prints
 Developing Latent Prints
 Chemicals and powders can be used to
develop latent fingerprints on contact or
“touch” surfaces.
 Hard and nonabsorbent surfaces
 Glass
 Mirror
 Tile
 Painted wood.
Latent Prints
 Soft and porous surfaces
 Papers
 Cardboard
 Cloth
 Some of these materials are hazardous and
must be handled and used with proper
protective equipment.
 The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
all chemicals must be consulted for
appropriate precautions.
Alternate Light Source (ALS)
Iodine Fuming
DFO
Ninhydrin
Physical Developer - last resort.

SEQUENCING ORDER OF
TECHNIQUES:
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 26
Surfaces for fingerprint Powder
NON-POROUS surfaces: sliding glass door, automobile exteriors,
counter-tops, t.v. sets, metal filing cabinets, painted doors, mirrors,
broken glass, metal window frames, plastics, glass, metal, smooth
surfaces and objects etc.

POWDERS

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 27

Dusting powders consist of an adhesive and a contrast agent or colorant.
When dusting for fingerprints, contrast is the key. Dark powders, such
pulverized charcoal, are applied to light-colored surfaces. Light colored
powders, such as talcum powder, would be applied to dark-colored surfaces.
The dusting agent is gently applied with a brush and either adheres to or
reacts with components in the fingerprint, giving definition to the ridge
pattern.
Many common powders are formulated with metals. Aluminum agents are
generally adherents, while silver salts may be used to actually react with the
print. Despite their toxicity and expense, these powders offer great stability.
On rough surfaces, or to avoid smudging the print with a bristled brush, a
criminalist can employ magnetic-sensitive powder using a magna brush, or
magnetic wand.
Newer powders are formulated with a variety of fluorescent and
phosphorescent dyes. Once these agents fix to a print, they can be
illuminated and photographed under various light sources. These powders
give good contrast for prints on uneven or multicolored surfaces.
C. DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
1. POWDERS:
oAdhere to perspiration and body oils
oAlmost any color – grey and black being most common
oGrey – aluminum dust
oBlack –carbon or charcoal
oFluorescent – glow under UV light

Video – Developing Fingerprints with Powder

 Developing Latent Prints - Powders
fingerprint powders are fairly easy to use since they stick to water, oils, and fat
deposits. Most fingerprint powders are black (for use on lighter surfaces) and
white (for use on darker surfaces). On multi-colored surfaces, use florescent
powders. the developed prints must be viewed with an alternate light source.
• After the excess powder is removed, the fingerprint is revealed and can be
photographed or lifted.
• Powder is not a good choice for textured surfaces, delicate surfaces, or old, dried-
out prints.

30
The finer (small-grained) the powder, the better the
print

• Comparison
with (a) regular
fingerprint
powder on
cardboard
surface, (b) Fine
grained powder
on cardboard
surface, (c)
regular powder
on metallic can,
and (d) fine
grained powder
on metallic can

31
 Magnetic powder
• Magnetic fingerprint powders are used
with magnetic brushes, which allow
excess powder to be removed without
actually touching the print. Magnetic
powders are often used to raise latent
fingerprints on paper surfaces.
• Magnetic powders can be used when
investigators are worried about the
possibility of damaging a print by using
the normal brushing techniques
• Most experts consider magnetic
powder to be a little bit more sensitive
and that it tends to work better on
some of the harder surfaces.
• It will not work well, however, on any
surface that is wet or even slightly
magnetized.

32
 Magnetic Powders
• Magnetic powders- Magna Brush- since
there are no bristles there is less chance
of destroying print.

• Fluorescent powders that fluoresce under

ultraviolet light- used when color or pattern
of background obscures visibility of the
print. (plaid, newsprint, etc).
 Powders

Use black powder for light-colored surfaces.

Use white powder for dark-colored surfaces
Use magnetic powder for areas where
brushing could smudge the print, like plastic
Use fluorescent powders
where the background is
neither dark or light

34
DUSTING FOR LATENT PRINTS
Prints may be collected from hard non-porous
surfaces by revealing them with a dusting of black
powder and then lifted with a piece of clear tape.
Fluorescent colors of powder are easily seen with
UV radiation.

Did you know? Camel hair is the most

common animal hair used to make fingerprint
brushes. Now many brushes (like the one
above) are made out of fiberglass.
DUSTING FOR LATENT PRINTS
Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV
lights to help them find latent prints on multi-colored
or dark surfaces. Powders, available in a variety
of colors, can be applied with a brush or
magnetic wand, and adhere to perspiration
and/or body oils of the print. Always take a
picture of the print before tape lifting it.

Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent

prints. This type of powder works better on shiny
surfaces or plastic baggies or containers.
METHODS OF ENHANCEMENT

FINGERPRINT POWDERS
 BLACK (white surfaces)
 GRAY (dark surfaces)
 FLUORESCENT (multi-colored
surfaces)
 MAGNETIC (leather or rough plastic)
 ADHERES TO PERSPIRATION
and/or BODY OILS
 Fingerprint Powders
• Commercially available in a
variety of colors and
textures

• Lightly applied to
nonabsorbent surfaces with
camelhair brush will
ADHERE TO PERSPIRATION
RESIDUES AND BODY OILS.

• Black, white and gray for

photographing on surfaces-
produce contrast.

Only works if MOISTURE is present!

White powder on
dark surface
 Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV lights to help
them find latent prints on multi-colored or dark surfaces.

Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent prints. This

type of powder works better on shiny surfaces or plastic baggies
or containers.

The cyanoacrylate fuming method (often called the super glue

method) is a procedure that is used to develop latent fingerprints
on a variety of objects.

Ninhydrin is a chemical that bonds with the Click the icon to

view the Crime 360
amino acids in fingerprints and will produce a Super Glue Video
blue or purple color. It is used to lift prints from
surfaces such as paper and cardboard.
Top Left: http://www.stapletonandassociates.com/images/MagPowder.jpg
Bottom Left: http://www.ok.gov/osbi/images/ninhydrin%20print.jpg Bottom Right: http://www.forensicsrus.com/images/SupergluePrint.jpg
 Mikrosil
• Lifting dusted prints from
irregular or curved objects
can be performed with a
casting compound called
Mikrosil.

Mikrosil
 STICKY SIDE POWDER
• Sticky-side powder is used for
developing fingerprints found on
adhesive surfaces.

• Leaves a black print that can be

photographed easily
 Dusting
Appropriate Surface:
–Ridged/non-porous such as
glass, plastic, or metal
Theory:
–Dust will adhere to sweat &
oils left behind
bsapp.com
Cover Surface With Dust

bsapp.com
Remove Excess Dust

Brush or Blow
bsapp.com
Use Tape to Lift the Print

bsapp.com
Place Print on a Card

bsapp.com
Latent Prints
 Techniques range from chemical methods
such as powders and iodine fuming to the
use of laser light.
 Fingerprint powders

 The powders, when applied lightly to a

nonabsorbent surface with a camel’s-hair or
fiberglass brush, readily adhere to perspiration
residues and/or deposits of body oils left on the
surface.
Latent Prints – Fingerprint
Powder with Fiberglass bush
Latent Prints – Fingerprint
Powders
 Experienced examiners find that gray and
black powders are adequate for most
latent-print work

 1. Gray powder, composed of an aluminum

dust, is used on dark colored surfaces. It is
also applied to mirrors and metal surfaces.
Latent Prints – Fingerprint
Powders
 2. The black powder, composed basically of
black carbon or charcoal, is applied to white
or light colored surfaces.

 3. Fluorescent powders are also used to

develop latent fingerprints. These powders
fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
 POWDERS:

o Adhere to perspiration and body oils

o Almost any color – grey and black being most common
o Grey – aluminum dust
o Black –carbon or charcoal
o Magnetic – charged
o Fluorescent – glow under UV light
 Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV lights to help
them find latent prints on multi-colored or dark surfaces.

Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent prints. This

type of powder works better on shiny surfaces or plastic baggies
or containers.

The cyanoacrylate fuming method (often called the super glue

method) is a procedure that is used to develop latent fingerprints
on a variety of objects.

Ninhydrin is a chemical that bonds with the Click the icon to

view the Crime 360
amino acids in fingerprints and will produce a Super Glue Video
blue or purple color. It is used to lift prints from
surfaces such as paper and cardboard.
Top Left: http://www.stapletonandassociates.com/images/MagPowder.jpg
Bottom Left: http://www.ok.gov/osbi/images/ninhydrin%20print.jpg Bottom Right: http://www.forensicsrus.com/images/SupergluePrint.jpg
 IODINE FUMING
CONS - Toxic
Corrosive
Allergic Reactions
PROS -
Easy to use
Cheap
Easy to build gun
Easy to transport
Reusable (Iodine crystals, drie-rite)
Can be used repeatedly on paper
Any surface that isn't wet
use on dead people
can be made permanent using Spray Starch
can be for any size
non-destructive - does not inhibit other techniques 56
Works Immediately
Reacts with Lipids/Fats through physical attraction
Reaction: Physical Attraction
Do not inhale fumes - Fume Hood or ventilated area. Harmful to mucous
membranes
Porous and Non-porous surfaces

The oldest chemical technique is the use of iodine. Fuming iodine is an

excellent method for finding fingerprints on paper and cloth. Iodine reacts
with fatty acids and moisture, visualizing a latent print with a yellow to brown
color within a few seconds. However, because iodine sublimates so easily,
developed prints will fade. The visualized prints must be immediately
photographed or fixed with chemicals.
 3. Chemical treatments
•Prints on porous surfaces (e.g., papers, cardboard,
and cloth) generally require treatment with a chemical.

•Examiners use various chemical methods to visualize

latent prints on porous surfaces, such as:

 iodine fuming
 ninhydrin
 Physical Developer

FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed. ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
By Richard Saferstein Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 15-58
 Iodine Fingerprint
• Iodine fuming is used to reveal
prints on porous and
semiporous surfaces such as
paper, cardboard, and
unfinished wood. For items too
big for a fuming chamber, there
is an idoine spray available
• Iodine—fumes react with oils
and fats to produce a
temporary yellow-brown color.
• natural body fats and oils (from
sebaceous glands) of a latent
print temporarily absorb the
iodine vapors, non-destructive
59
Latent Prints – Iodine Fuming
 Of the several chemical methods used for
visualizing latent prints, iodine fuming is
the oldest.
 Iodine is a solid crystal that, when heated,
transforms into a vapor without passing
through a liquid phase; such transformation is
called sublimation.
Latent Prints – Iodine Fuming
 Most often, the suspect material is placed
in an enclosed cabinet along with iodine
crystals.

 As the crystals are heated, the resultant

vapors fill the chamber and combine with
constituents of the latent print to make it
visible.
Latent Prints – Fuming Cabinet
Latent Prints – Iodine Fuming
 Iodine prints are not permanent and begin to
fade once the fuming process is stopped.

Must photograph immediately on development.

Prints can be fixed with a 1 percent solution of

starch in water, applied by spraying.
 Iodine fuming
• iodine is a solid crystal that when heated, turns into a vapor without
passing through a liquid phase
– this transformation is called Sublimation.

• Suspect material is placed in an enclosed cabinet with iodine

crystals
• Once heated, vapors fill the chamber and combine with latent print
to make it visible.

• Iodine prints are not permanent and begin to fade once fuming is
stopped.
– NECESSARY TO PHOTOGRAPH IMMEDIATELY

• Can be fixed with 1% solution of starch in water applied by spraying-

this will turn blue and last for several weeks or longer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ9dYQ_OSPg
DETECTING PRINTS
Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that cause
vapors which combine with latent prints to make them
visible. Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade,
making it necessary to photograph the prints immediately.
These fumes are very toxic to breathing humans.

•Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent used to

develop prints when other chemical methods are ineffective.
It is used on porous items that may have been wet. It
washes away proteins and is therefore a last resort.

15-
65
 Iodine Fuming
Appropriate Surface:
–porous and non-porous such
as paper, index cards,
magazines, and cardboard.
Theory:
–Sweat and oil will absorb
iodine vapors
bsapp.com
 Place the
Object in an
Enclosed
Container with
Iodine
Crystals
bsapp.com
Print Should Develop in a
Few Minutes

bsapp.com
 CHEMICAL METHODS FOR
VISUALIZING LATENT PRINTS

new fingerprinting technology

 DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
 FUMING:  FUMING:
o Iodine o Super glue (Crazy glue)
 iodine sublimates when  can visualize a print on
heated giving off fumes. non-porous surfaces as
well as metals, tape,
 The iodine fumes adhere
leather and plastic bags
to the latent print
 Heating the Super glue
 Old technology – does not releases cyanoacrylate
last long print visible ester fumes
fades in minutes
 Fumes produce a white
fluffy print
 Chemical Treatment
 Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that
cause vapors which combine with latent prints to
make them visible.

o Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade,

making it necessary to photograph the prints
immediately.

 Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts of

amino acids present in latent prints to produce a
purple-blue color.

 Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent

used to develop prints when other chemical methods
are ineffective.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed. ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
By Richard Saferstein Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 15-71
NINHYDRIN

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 72

Porous surfaces
95% of fingerprints on paper are developed with the Ninhydrin technique
delayed 24 hours - 10 days to develop
reacts with Amino Acids
Is cheaper than DFO
Cannot use on items that have been wet (amino acids are water soluble)
Develops Purple
Ninhydrin has surpassed iodine as the most popular chemical method for
processing latent fingerprints on porous, absorbent surfaces like paper,
cardboard, and wood. It is commonly sprayed onto the porous surface from
an aerosol can. Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids in sweat, coloring the
print purple. The color develops slowly and may take several hours to fully
react. Because amino acids do not react with the cellulose in paper or wood,
the technique can be used on old prints. To increase their contrast, the
prints may be treated with metal salts to form photo-luminescent complexes
that reflect well when illuminated with laser light..
 NINHYDRIN
• The most cost effective chemical
development method is Ninhydrin
• Ninhydrin is used on paper, cardboard, or
other porous surfaces.
• The problem with spraying Ninhydrin
solutions is that, since Ninhydrin reacts with
amino acids, any exposure to your body,
especially to your eyes or lungs, could have
serious results. This potentially dangerous
exposure is minimized by dipping or
painting.

https://www.
youtube.co
m/watch?v=
o89J3dmKC
HM
 Ninhydrin Fingerprint
Ninhydrin is a chemical developer and reacts with amino acids
to produce a purple color.
Best used with porous surfaces because amino acids tend to
remain stationary when absorbed and do not migrate.
Since Ninhydrin reacts to the water-soluble portion of the
fingerprint, if the substance has been immersed in water, this
chemical will not work.
Ninhydrin can reveal prints that are many years old
some formulations of ninhydrin will cause certain inks to run,
thus destroying the writing

Paper treated with

ninhydrin reagent
reveals latent prints
after being processed
with a household
steam iron
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 75
DEVELOPING PRINTS
 FUMING:
o NINHYDRIN
 The chemical reacts with amino acids to produce a
purple-blue color
 Usually used as an 0.6 % solution sprayed as an
aerosol on porous surfaces
 Takes 1 to 48 hours can increase developing by
heating in an oven
 Effective on paper that was 15 years old
Latent Prints - Ninhydrin
 For most fingerprint examiners, the chemical
method of choice is ninhydrin.
 Its extreme sensitivity and ease of application
have all but eliminated the use of iodine fuming.
 Ninhydrin is a chemical reagent used to develop
latent fingerprints on porous materials by
reacting with amino acids in perspiration.
 It is commonly sprayed onto the porous surface
from an aerosol can.
Latent Prints - Ninhydrin
 The development of latent prints with
ninhydrin depends on its chemical reaction
to form a purple-blue color with amino
acids present in the trace amounts in
perspiration.

 Generally, prints begin to appear within an

hour or two after ninhydrin application.
 Chemical Treatment
 Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that
cause vapors which combine with latent prints to
make them visible.

o Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade,

making it necessary to photograph the prints
immediately.

 Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts of

amino acids present in latent prints to produce a
purple-blue color.

 Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent

used to develop prints when other chemical methods
are ineffective.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed. ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
By Richard Saferstein Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 15-79
 Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV lights to help
them find latent prints on multi-colored or dark surfaces.

Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent prints. This

type of powder works better on shiny surfaces or plastic baggies
or containers.

The cyanoacrylate fuming method (often called the super glue

method) is a procedure that is used to develop latent fingerprints
on a variety of objects.

Ninhydrin is a chemical that bonds with the Click the icon to

view the Crime 360
amino acids in fingerprints and will produce a Super Glue Video
blue or purple color. It is used to lift prints from
surfaces such as paper and cardboard.
Top Left: http://www.stapletonandassociates.com/images/MagPowder.jpg
Bottom Left: http://www.ok.gov/osbi/images/ninhydrin%20print.jpg Bottom Right: http://www.forensicsrus.com/images/SupergluePrint.jpg
 DETECTING PRINTS
•Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts
of amino acids present in perspiration. It
produces a purple-blue color. Very popular today
due to sensitivity and ease of application.
 Ninhydrin
Appropriate Surface:
–porous such as paper, tissue,
and clothing
Theory:
–ninhydrin reacts with amino
acids to form a purple
compound
bsapp.com
Soak Suspected Surface with
Ninhydrin Solution & Allow to
Dry bsapp.com
Print Should Develop Within 24
Hours

bsapp.com
 METHODS OF ENHANCEMENT

CHEMICALS
IODINE FUMING
NINHYDRIN -
- REACTS WITH PROTEINS
PHYSICAL DEVELOPER -
- SILVER NITRATE BASED
- USED WHEN OTHER METHODS
UNSUCCESSFUL
 Some investigators use fluorescent powder and UV lights to help
them find latent prints on multi-colored or dark surfaces.

Magnetic powder can also be used to reveal latent prints. This

type of powder works better on shiny surfaces or plastic baggies
or containers.

The cyanoacrylate fuming method (often called the super glue

method) is a procedure that is used to develop latent fingerprints
on a variety of objects.

Ninhydrin is a chemical that bonds with the Click the icon to

view the Crime 360
amino acids in fingerprints and will produce a Super Glue Video
blue or purple color. It is used to lift prints from
surfaces such as paper and cardboard.
Top Left: http://www.stapletonandassociates.com/images/MagPowder.jpg
Bottom Left: http://www.ok.gov/osbi/images/ninhydrin%20print.jpg Bottom Right: http://www.forensicsrus.com/images/SupergluePrint.jpg
PHYSICAL DEVELOPER

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 87

When ninhydrin does not work, chemists often to to physical developer, an
excellent reagent for paper and wood surfaces. Since PD reacts with oils, it
can be used on wet paper or paper that has been washed. Unfortunately,
PD is a destructive method. Because it destroys all the trace proteins, it
must be used last. Further, the reagent solution is both difficult to prepare
and unstable once made.

Used on Porous Objects

Reacts with Lipids/Fats, Oils, and Waxes
Only technique useful on currency
Cannot be used on metal (interrupts ionic suspension) or Thermal/carbon
paper
Bad for grooves/folds on paper. Seeps and stains them
Will overdevelop if soaked too long and become solid black
Develops quickly
Only develops ~25% or prints
Cannot use any other techniques after Physical Developer. LAST RESORT
Latent Prints – Physical
Developer
 Physical developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent
formulated to develop latent fingerprints on porous
surfaces.

 This technique is very effective for developing latent

fingerprints on porous articles that may have been wet
at one time.

 LAST IN SEQUENCING ORDER

 Alternate Light Source (ALS)
 Iodine Fuming
 DFO
 Ninhydrin
 Physical Developer
 Physical Developer
- Physical developer (PD) is useful for developing latent fingerprints on most
porous surfaces and some nonporous surfaces. It is particularly useful for revealing
latent prints on paper currency, paper bags, and porous surfaces that have been
wet.
- PD is a destructive process, and so is always used last if at all.
- PD is normally used after DFO and/or ninhydrin, and often reveals latent prints
that neither of these methods revealed.
- The “physical” part of the name is a misnomer. PD is not a physical process (like
dusting), but a chemical one. It depends on a redox reaction that reduces silver ions to
metallic silver, which stain the latent fingerprints a gray-black color. The PD working
solution is unstable, in the sense that it must be used immediately after it is made up,
but it is this very instability that allows PD to work as well as it does. PD is expensive,
complex, finicky, destructive, and requires a great deal of experience to get good
results. Despite these criticisms, PD is used because it often gets results when no
other method works. For this reason, many forensics labs routinely use PD as the final
step in processing latent prints
- physical developer in the 1970s, is a reliable method for recovering prints from
water-soaked documents.
- physical development technique where small black particles adhere to the fatty
substances left in fingerprint residue.

90
DETECTING PRINTS
Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that cause
vapors which combine with latent prints to make them
visible. Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade,
making it necessary to photograph the prints immediately.
These fumes are very toxic to breathing humans.

•Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent used to

develop prints when other chemical methods are ineffective.
It is used on porous items that may have been wet. It
washes away proteins and is therefore a last resort.

15-
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 METHODS OF ENHANCEMENT

CHEMICALS
IODINE FUMING
NINHYDRIN -
- REACTS WITH PROTEINS
PHYSICAL DEVELOPER -
- SILVER NITRATE BASED
- USED WHEN OTHER METHODS
UNSUCCESSFUL
DEVELOPING PRINTS
 PHYSICAL  NEWEST
DEVELOPER TECHNOLOGY
 Chemical mixture – silver Laser light can detect latent
nitrate based prints that fluoresce with
certain components of
 Works even if item was sweat.
wet –then dried. Alternate light sources:
 Used as the “last resort” High-intensity quartz halogen
because washes away Xenon-arc
all traces of proteins LED’s (light emitting diodes)
DFO (1,8-diazafluoren9-one)
Chemical works with alternate
light sources
 Chemical Treatment
 Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that
cause vapors which combine with latent prints to
make them visible.

o Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade,

making it necessary to photograph the prints
immediately.

 Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts of

amino acids present in latent prints to produce a
purple-blue color.

 Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent

used to develop prints when other chemical methods
are ineffective.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed. ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
By Richard Saferstein Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 15-94
SUPERGLUE FUMING

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 95

WILL NOT WORK on porous surfaces!

Recommended Surfaces: metals, leathers, purses, plastics and plastic bags,

cash drawers, vinyl, aluminum cans, rubber, gun grips, electrical tape,
colored paper, glass

Also called the "fuming Superglue technique," cyanoacrylate is used for

processing latent prints on paper, plastic, and skin. Cyanoacrylate
undergoes base-catalyzed polymerization. The polymer binds with sweat to
visualize a latent print in a flat, white color or a few hours. To improve the
visibility and contrast, the white prints can be dusted with fluorescent or
crystal violet dye and then photographed using an appropriate light source.
The technique is so successful that small handheld devices have been
created to allow the criminalist to work on prints in place at the scene.
 Cyanoacrylate—
“superglue” fumes
• used to develop latent prints on nonporous glossy
surfaces such as glass, plastic, and polished metal.
Cyanoacrylate vapor is selectively attracted to
fingerprint residues, where it builds up as a crystalline
white deposit. The developed latent prints may be
photographed as is, or may be dusted or treated with
various dyes that enhance the visibility and contrast of
the prints.
• One of the advantages of superglue fuming is that you
can fume a piece of evidence and still send it to the
laboratory for DNA testing. (Several studies show that
testing for DNA actually goes better after the fuming.)
It all started with a guy named
Fuseo Matsumur who was a hair • Superglue fuming is also effective on items that have
and fiber expert in Japan. One been outside or are wet, like beer bottles or broken
particular workday, he was tasked window glass.
to glue hair samples from the crime
scene for routine microscopic • Disadvantages: If you fume evidence too long, you will
examination. probably end up with a chalky mess. Also, this
It wasn’t too long before he noticed technique will not work on porous items (try ninhydrin,
his own powdery but detailed
fingerprints becoming visible on instead).
the edges of the slides he was • The item you are going to fume is limited to the overall
using. He became the first to
determine that using fumes from size of your fuming tank
Superglue (or cyanoacrylate
adhesive) constituted a reliable 97
fingerprint recovery method.
Latent Prints – Super Glue
Fuming
 Super glue fuming is a technique for
visualizing latent fingerprints on
nonporous surfaces by exposing them to
cyanoacrylate vapors; named for the
commercial product Super Glue.
Latent Prints – Super Glue
Fuming
 Super glue is placed on absorbent cotton
treated with sodium hydroxide. The fumes
can be fumes can also be created by
heating the glue.

 The fumes and the evidential object are

contained within an enclosed chamber for
up to six hours.
D E V E L O P I N G L AT E N T P R I N T S
•Super Glue® fuming develops latent prints on nonporous
surfaces, such as metals, electrical tape, leather, and plastic
bags. The active ingredient is cyanoacrylate
•Development occurs when fumes from the glue adhere to
the print, usually producing a white latent print. Super Glue®
is approximately 98 to 99 percent cyanoacrylate ester, a
chemical that actually interacts with and visualizes a latent
fingerprint. Very dangerous to breath.

15-
video 100
 2. Super Glue

•Super Glue fuming develops latent prints on

nonporous surfaces, such as metals, electrical tape,
leather, and plastic bags.

•Development occurs when fumes from the glue

adhere to the print, usually producing a white latent
print.

FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed. ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
By Richard Saferstein Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 15-101
Latent Prints – Super Glue
Enclosed Chamber
disposable cartridges containing
cyanoacrylate
Wand can be used at Crime
Scene to develop prints
Latent Prints – Super Glue
Fuming
 Super glue is approximately 98 to 99
percent cyanoacrylate ester, a chemical
that interacts with and visualizes a latent
fingerprint.

 Development occurs when fumes from the

glue adhere to the latent print, usually
producing a white-appearing latent print.
 Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) Fuming
• Super Glue fuming- works
great on nonporous surfaces-
metals, leather, plastic bags.
• Created when superglue is
placed on cotton and treated
with sodium hydroxide.
• Created when heating-
produces toxic vapors-
cyanide.
• Fumes and object contained
within an enclosed chamber
for up to 6 hrs.
• Produces white latent print.

Prints can last for years if stored properly!

 DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
 FUMING:  FUMING:
o Iodine o Super glue (Crazy glue)
 iodine sublimates when  can visualize a print on
heated giving off fumes. non-porous surfaces as
well as metals, tape,
 The iodine fumes adhere
leather and plastic bags
to the latent print
 Heating the Super glue
 Old technology – does not releases cyanoacrylate
last long print visible ester fumes
fades in minutes
 Fumes produce a white
fluffy print
 METHODS OF ENHANCEMENT

CHEMICALS
SUPER GLUE FUMING -
• CYANOACRYLATE ESTER
• NON-POROUS SURFACES
• CREATE FUMES WITH HEAT
• PORTABLE WAND AVAILABLE
Latent Prints – Other Chemical
Techniques
 Silver nitrate
 Luminescence
 Amido black
 Gentian Violet
 Ardrox
 Rhodamine G
DFO

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 110

Diazafluoren-9-One (DFO)
Similar to Ninhydrin but more sensitive, DFO reacts with the amino acids and
can be used to visualize fingerprints on paper using a tunable light source.
Develops 2.5x more prints than Ninhydrin
Flammable - used in film hood, full-face mask, gloves
Reacts with Amino Acids in fingerprint
takes 24 hours to process without oven/hair dryer to accelerate development
cannot be used on previously wet items (washes off amino acids)
Shelf life - 6 months
More sensitive to amino acids than Ninhydrin
.
When to use DFO over Ninhydrin?
Since Ninhydrin dries purple, use DFO on dark, purple or busy backgrounds
 DFO (1,2-diazafluoren-9-one)
• DFO (1,2-diazafluoren-9-
one) is another chemical
used to locate latent
fingerprints on porous
surfaces; it causes
fingerprints to fluoresce,
or glow, when they are
illuminated by blue-green
light.

112
 DFO Chemical Treatment
1,2-Diazafluoren-9-ONE (DFO)

• Detection of latent fingerprints on

porous or non porous exhibits.
• DFO reacts with the amino acids
to produce a light pink colored
product that fluoresces yellow
under blue/ green light.
• Process requires spraying with
DFO, rinsing and drying, then
examining with UV light.
• Works well for prints that have no
moisture left or can’t be seen with
naked eye.
• DFO (1,8-diazafluotrn-9-one) – newer
chemical than ninhydrin. It is 2.5 times
more sensitive than ninhydrin.
DFO
Prints
SILVER NITRATE

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 116

The development of the latent print is caused by reaction between the
solvent and chloride ions in sweat in the latent print. The silver chloride is
light sensitive and turns black on exposure to light. The reaction deposits
metals on the sample and ruins the sample for any further testing, so other
non-destructive methods should be tried first. But silver nitrate will work on
very old prints when nothing else will.
 Silver Nitrate
• Silver nitrate development is based on the reaction of
soluble silver nitrate with the sodium chloride (salt)
that is present in most latent fingerprints to form silver
chloride.
• Exposing the silver chloride to sunlight or an
ultraviolet lamp causes the silver chloride to be
reduced to metallic silver, making the latent prints
visible as black or dark gray traces.
• Very old latent fingerprints retain it and can be
developed by silver nitrate. Accordingly, silver nitrate
development may work when iodine fuming and
ninhydrin fail completely.
• (Note that failure of these other reagents says nothing
about the age of the latent prints; even prints that are
only hours or days old may respond only to silver
nitrate development.)
• Silver Nitrate is destructive, so used as last resort
 Silver Nitrate
Silver nitrate may succeed where other development methods fail,
because silver nitrate reacts with the non-volatile sodium chloride
present in fingerprint residues. Very old fingerprints may have lost all
of their volatile residues, but the sodium chloride residue remains

– The fingerprint will

appear gray when
exposed to light.
– Silver nitrate is
destructive – only get
one chance, so it is
used last, if it is used
at all.
– has been used
successfully to
develop latent prints
that are years,
decades, even
centuries old.
119
Spray Surface
With Silver
Nitrate
Solution

bsapp.com
Expose to UV-Light

bsapp.com
Print Should Develop in
5-10 Minutes

bsapp.com
AMIDO BLACK, CRYSTAL
VIOLET, HUNGARIAN RED,
ETC
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 123
Sudan black
If the print is greasy, sudan black will react with the fatty components and
give good ridge definition.

Amido black
If the print is bloodstained, use amido black. It reacts with proteins in blood,
but not with other material typically left in a fingerprint, so good ridges can be
obtained. It is very good on plastics and cotton.

Small particle reagent

A small particle reagent is a suspension of small particles of molybdenum
disulfide that adheres physically to fatty substances in the latent print. It is
notable for being resistant to water and can even work under water.
 Sudan Black
• Is for greasy, sticky and waxy surfaces
(bag of potato chips)
• Is mixed with methanol, the alcohol
evaporates and only the Sudan Black stain
remains
• Non-porous surfaces - glass, metal, plastic
and the inside of latex gloves
• can be used on wet or dry surfaces
• reacts with the lipids/fats to develop print
Sudan Black
 Crystal Violet
• Used to develop fingerprints on Adhesive Surfaces
• Reacts with sebaceous Lipids/Fats
• Stains proteins from dead skin cells
• Opaque, dark background staining
is main concern from technique
• Effectiveness varies depending on type
of tape/adhesive surface
• If tape is on glass, Freeze the tape
before removing to prevent
damage to fingerprint
• best on Non-Porous surfaces
• Stains. Wear gloves Fingerprint lifted
• Develops Purple from duct tape
 Small Particle
Reagent
- liquid
fingerprint
powder
- develop
fingerprints on
wet surfaces
- Develop prints
- physical development on submerged
technique where small black objects
particles adhere to the fatty - Very messy.
substances left in fingerprint
residue. 128
 Small Particle
Reagent
• Used when item is
wet or on wet
surfaces
• More commonly
used over Sudan
Black
• Reacts with
Lipids/fats
• Non-porous surfaces

• Can be sprayed using a spray bottle, a

compressed-air spray system, or dipped if small
enough 129
 Small Particle Reagent
• PROS -
• Easy cleanup - soap and water
• Can be used underwater
• Immediate reaction

• CONS -
• Very messy
• Stains
• Needs gloves and safety glasses

130
 Especially Tricky – bloody fingerprints on
Problems: non-porous surfaces
The print has texture, Solutions
so powders won’t • Amido Black is a protein stain
work • Leuco Crystal Violet reacts with the
Chemicals that react blood and ignores regular
with fingerprint fingerprint components
ridges also react with • Hungarian Red is very sensitive to
blood, so you can’t blood residue and is less toxic than
get a print other chemicals
• All of these destroy DNA
 Other fingerprint chemicals
• Gentian violet (or crystal
violet) – used for developing
latent prints on the adhesive
side of tape. An aqueous
solution of crystal violet is
sprayed directly onto the
adhesive.
• Amido Black – protein dye
stain that can develop faint
bloody fingerprints on porous
and nonporous surfaces.
 Fingerprint Chemicals (continued)

• LCV (Leuco Crystal Violet) – a

protein stain spray that can develop
faint or invisible bloody fingerprints
on non-porous surfaces

133
ALTERNATIVE LIGHT SOURCE

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 134

 Developing
Prints -
Alternative
Light Source

• Alternate Light Source (ALS): It is becoming more commonplace for

investigators to examine any likely surfaces (doors, doorknobs, windows,
railings, etc.) with an alternate light source. These are laser or LED devices that
emit a particular wavelength, or spectrum, of light.
• Some devices have different filters to provide a variety of spectra that can be
photographed or further processed with powders or dye stains. For example,
investigators may use a blue light with an orange filter to find latent prints on
desks, chairs, computer equipment or other objects at the scene of a break-in.
Using a fluorescent dye stain and an orange alternate light source helps this latent
print appear clearly so that it can be documented
135
DETECTING PRINTS WITH FLUORESCENCE
•The high sensitivity of fluorescence serves as the
underlying principle of many of the new chemical
techniques used to visualize latent fingerprints.
•Fingerprints are treated with chemicals that would induce
fluorescence when exposed to lasers, or high-intensity light
sources (“alternate light sources”) such as quartz halogen,
xenon arc, or indium arc light sources.
•Once the latent print has been visualized, it must be
permanently preserved for future comparison and for
possible use as court evidence.
•A photograph must be taken before any further attempts at
preservation are made, such as tape lifting.

15-
136
DETECTING FINGERPRINTS
 Can use RUVIS
(Reflected Ultraviolet
Imaging System) which
locates prints on soft
surfaces without the use
of chemicals with UV
light
RUVIS
 METHODS OF ENHANCEMENT
FLUORESENCE
 PERSPIRATION CONTAINS COMPONENTS THAT
FLUORESCE WHEN ILLUMINATED WITH LASER
LIGHT
 HIGHLY SENSITIVE
 ALTERNATE LIGHT SOURCE
• QUARTZ HALOGEN
• ZENON ARC
• INDIUM ARC
 DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH DNA TESTING
DEVELOPING PRINTS
 PHYSICAL  NEWEST
DEVELOPER TECHNOLOGY
 Chemical mixture – silver Laser light can detect latent
nitrate based prints that fluoresce with
certain components of
 Works even if item was sweat.
wet –then dried. Alternate light sources:
 Used as the “last resort” High-intensity quartz halogen
because washes away Xenon-arc
all traces of proteins LED’s (light emitting diodes)
DFO (1,8-diazafluoren9-one)
Chemical works with alternate
light sources
D I G I TA L I M A G I N G
•Digital imaging is the process by which a picture is converted
into a digital computer file.

•With the help of digital imaging software, fingerprints, which are

often not in perfect condition, can now be enhanced for the most
accurate and comprehensive analysis.

•An important and useful tool, especially for fingerprint

identification, is the compare function that places two images
side by side and allows the examiner to chart the common
features on both images simultaneously.

15-
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 Ultraviolet Imaging Systems
• Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging
System- locates prints on
nonabsorbent surfaces without
chemical or powder
treatments.

• When UV light strikes the

fingerprint, light is reflected
back to the viewer-
differentiating the print from its
background surface.

• UV light is converted into

visible light by image
intensifier.
Ultraviolet Imaging Systems

Latent fingerprint on Painted Wall.

Illustration of Contrast Effect due to variation of
illumination angle.

Depending on what angle the user holds the light, a

print can either appear white or black.
Ultraviolet Imaging Systems

Untreated Oily Print on sticky side of

Duct (Duck) tape.

35mm Black and White film.

Scene Scope excels at detecting prints on
surfaces that a forensic light source would
find difficult or impossible.
Ultraviolet Imaging Systems

• Hand held Forensic

Light Sources
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ALL THE METHODS
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 145
 Summary of Fingerprint Development
• smooth, Non-Porous
– This category includes glass, hard plastic moldings (bare metals are not included) and surfaces treated with paint or varnish.
– Powders, iodine, small particle reagent and cyanoacrylate and fluorescent dyes may be used on these surfaces.
• rough, non-porous
– Rough or textured surfaces and grained plastic moldings are included in this category.
– Regular powders are usually unsuitable on these surfaces. Use small particle reagent, magnetic powders or cyanoacrylate with
fluorescent dyes.
• paper and cardboard
– These surfaces include paper and cardboard (including plaster board) that have not been waxed or plastic-coated.
– Treat with iodine, ninhydrin, DFO, silver nitrate or physical developer. Powders are generally insensitive to older fingerprints.
• plastic packaging material
– This category includes polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose acetate and laminated paper surfaces.
– Use iodine, small particle reagent, cyanoacrylate and fluorescent dyes and powders. Cyanoacrylate is especially useful on
Styrofoam.
• soft vinyl (PVC), rubber and leather
– These surfaces include simulated leather and cling film.
– Use iodine, small particle reagent, cyanoacrylate and powders.
• metal (untreated)
– These surfaces include untreated, bare metal surfaces—not metal surfaces that have been painted or lacquered.
– Use small particle reagent, powders, cyanoacrylate/fluorescent dyes and powders.
• polished or plated metals
– The most effective method for latent development on these surfaces (chrome plated, silver, etc.) is a metallic powder such as
Silver, Gold or Copper powders.
– Magnetic powders should not be used on ferrous metals such as iron or steel
• unfinished wood
– This category includes unfinished wood surfaces—that have not been painted or treated. Treat with ninhydrin.
– Use powders on smooth wood and silver nitrate or small particle reagent on light woods.
• wax and waxed surfaces
– This category includes items made of wax (such as candles) and wax-coated paper, cardboard and wood surfaces.
– Treat with nonmetallic powders or cyanoacrylate/ fluorescent dyes.
• adhesive-coated surfaces
– This category includes tapes and similar surfaces that are not likely to dissolve in water. Use adhesive side powders 146
 Development Physical/ Destructive/ Fresh / Field/
Method Chemical Not-Destructive Older Lab Use For

Powder P ND F F Non-Porous
surfaces

Iodine Fuming P ND F F Paper

Silver Nitrate C D O L Paper

Ninhydrin C ND F L Paper

DFO C ND R L Porous

Superglue P ND O F Non-Porous
fuming
Alternative P ND F F All
Light source
Physical Ch D O L Have been wet
Developer
Small particle P ND FO F Submerged or
reagent wet
Development
Surface Notes
Method
Non-porous Powder color should contrast with
Powder background. Standard, florescent,
magnetic
Iodine paper temporary
Fuming
paper, cardboard, plastics It is not useful on items which have
Silver Nitrate and unvarnished wood been exposed to water.
paper not useful on items which have been
Ninhydrin exposed to water, can destroy ink on
document
porous surfaces, especially requires a specialized light source,
DFO paper can destroy ink on document
Non-porous, Styrofoam Use to fix prints on surfaces before
Superglue
fuming and plastic bags sending them to the lab. If done too
long, destroys print
Alternative Non porous surfaces Always use first, UV light can destroy
Light source DNA
paper currency, paper Works well on items exposed to
Physical
Developer bags, and porous surfaces water, destroys DNA
that have been wet.
Small particle Non-porous Powder color should contrast with
reagent background
 harden.

This print was

developed after a This print was developed from
fire. The a feather!
technician simply
wiped the soot
from the bottle – Prints in difficult
no powder was
used places
Adhesive side developer was used to
recover prints from the sticky side of
electrical tape that the criminal used
to bind the victim.
From http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22
 harden.

Prints on difficult
surfaces
Human skin
There is specially treated
paper that can be pressed
onto the skin, and then
powder applied to the
paper. But after a few hours
the skin’s normal secretions
will displace the print.
Tough, pebbled surface such s a
car dashboard or football
Use magnetic powder that will
get into all the tiny creavases
Pour silicon gel, let set, and peel
the gel off
From http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22
 How old is the fingerprint?
Fingerprints degrade over time, so you would think determining the age
of a fingerprint would be a simple matter
However, it has been a huge frustration to investigators all over the world
that this cannot be done! The reasons are:
• Each fingerprint is a unique combination of the amount of dirt, sweat,
and other items that were one the person’s skin when it was
deposited. Each of these components degrades at different rates.
• Fingerprints also depend on the humidity, temperature, and
atmosphere conditions when it was deposited.
• There are so many variables, that we have not yet developed a test for
fingerprint age, other than
– “fresh” (within one
day)
– Within a week
(maybe)
– Within a month
(possibly) or
– Old and dried-out –
which can happen in
days depending on the
conditions!
 The myth of getting prints from firearms
Firearms are perhaps among the most difficult objects to
yield good latent fingerprints. technicians will typically
get prints on only about ten percent of the guns that are
inspected. “Why are guns so difficult?
• The textured nature of the area where the gun is being
held. That area is not good for prints.
• Another factor has to do with how the firearm was
treated before the crime. If the person took good care
of it, then it probably has oil on it—which makes it
almost impossible to get a good print.
• And if they have not taken care of it,
the surface might be rusty—and
rust is not good for lifting prints.
AFIS AND IAFIS

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 154

AFIS COMPUTERIZED FINGERPRINTS
•The heart of AFIS technology is the ability of a computer to
scan and digitally encode fingerprints so that they can be
subject to high-speed computer processing.

•AFIS aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints by

converting the image of a fingerprint into digital minutiae that
contain data showing ridges at their points of termination (ridge
endings) and their branching into two ridges (bifurcations).

Video

15-
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Integrated Automated Fingerprint
Identifcation System (IAFIS)
 Ability of the computer to  Ridge endings
scan and digitally (terminations)
encode fingerprints  Branching of ridges
 The encoding allows (bifurcations)
ridges to be rapidly  Screen out imperfections
scanned in latent prints
 Can screen a set of 10  Can send prints
prints against a file of immediately to FBI
500,000 sets of 10 prints database
in .08 seconds
DIGITAL IMAGING Digital imaging converts
a fingerprint image into
 Lifted fingerprints
pixels
are not usually in perfect
condition – making  Can be done with a
analysis even more scanner or digital
difficult camera
 Digital imaging programs
can now enhance the
lifted/partial prints to
make identification more
accurate
10 Card prints vs Image
Scanning
The traditional or most common
technique of fingerprinting involves
pressing fingers covered in ink onto
paper.
Digital Scanning
Technique
A sensitive touch
-pad is used to
capture the finger
prints of a person or a suspect.
The impression of the fingerprint is
recorded on the touch-pad and
then compared with
thousands stored in the system. 158