Sequencing of Reagents for the Improved Visualization of Latent Fingerprints

• NCJ Number: 113377
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: (September-October 1988) Pages: 197-210
• Author(s): C J Lennard
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Switzerland
• Note: This article is an expanded version of information presented at the International Forensic Symposium on Latent Prints, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA, July 1987.

Annotation

This article describes the fingerprint reagent sequences currently used for the improved visualization of latent fingerprints in the Institut de Police Scientifique et de Criminologie in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

The research reported extends the information presently available in the literature regarding reagent sequences and analyzes in more detail the effects of reagents such as iodine on subsequent fingerprint development. Fingerprints were developed on a range of porous and nonporous surfaces using standard detection techniques. Luminescent prints were observed using excitation from a suitable filtered xenon arc lamp. The excitation and barrier filters were all four-cavity interference filters with a half bandwidth of 40 mm. Photographs were taken with an Olympus OM-4 35 mm camera using black-and-white film. General reagent schemes were developed for application to wet and dry nonporous surfaces and wet and dry porous surfaces. This article reports on the reagent sequences for both types of surfaces. The sequences produced good overall results. 15 illustrative figures, 12 references.