Methods of Latent Print Development (From International Forensic Symposium on Latent Prints -- Proceedings, 1987, Quantico, Virginia, P 15-24, -- See NCJ-113506)

• NCJ Number: 113509
• Author(s): H C Lee; R E Gaensslen
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-113506.

Annotation

This paper surveys the most current chemical methods and systematic approaches for the enhancement and visualization of latent fingerprints. Four classes of fingerprint powders are examined: regular, luminescent, metallic, and thermoplastic.

Abstract

The survey then reviews iodine, cyanoacrylate, and fluorescent fuming procedures. The advantages and limitations of using ninhydrin to process latent prints on paper are discussed, as are new reagents for amino acid detection and ninhydrin analogs. Also considered are special enhancement techniques for visualizing fingerprints under unique conditions such as bloody fingerprints and prints on the sticky surfaces of adhesive tapes, on the skin, and on surfaces that have been exposed to water. The author describes the use of lasers, the scanning electron microscope, X-ray radiography, and infrared microscopy in detecting fingerprints. Logical schemes for the sequential development of latent fingerprints are examined and illustrated by diagrams. Approximately 80 references. 6 figures.