NCJ Number
209478
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2005 Pages: 202-213
Date Published
March 2005
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines the effectiveness of low-heat application technique for the development of latent fingerprints on thermal paper using a solvent-free method.
Abstract
Thermal paper is a popular medium on which to print information, and typically used in fax machines, automated teller machines (ATM's), and point-of-sales receipt printers. However, the frequency with which thermal paper may be encountered as evidence poses significant problems for latent print development. The application of standard solvent-based chemical development reagents to thermal paper can cause problems, such as discoloration which can be destructive to the documentary evidence. A preliminary study which examined the effectiveness of low-heat application for the development of latent fingerprints on thermal paper indicates that a low-heat application technique, such as using a hair dryer, is an effective means of developing latent fingerprints on thermal paper. Latent fingerprints on thermal paper without chemical application, using a rapid, solvent-free method to visualize latent fingerprints on thermal paper, have the potential to solve many of the problems currently associated with this substrate. Tables and references