Fingertips: Large-Scale Use of Ninhydrin at a Crime Scene

• NCJ Number: 233533
• Journal: Identification Canada Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 23-31
• Author(s): Rod Deighton; Mark Christensen
• Date Published: March 2009
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: French; English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

This article discusses the application and use of the amino acid reagent, ninhydrin in the development of latent fingerprints over large-scale areas.

Abstract

Vancouver offers an ideal climate for the application of the amino acid reagent, ninhydrin, for the development of friction ridge impressions on porous substrates. The Vancouver Police Department's Forensic Identification Unit has mobilized this technique for large-scale use at crimes. This paper discusses the equipment and process used for spraying ninhydrin over large, confined areas in order to develop latent fingerprints at serious crime scenes. (Published Abstract) Figures and references