Use of Ninhydrin in the Recovery of Latent Prints on Evidence Involving Adhesive Surfaces Attached to Porous Surfaces

• NCJ Number: 186170
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2000 Pages: 581-594
• Author(s): Alice V. Maceo; Kasey Wertheim
• Editor(s): David L. Grieve
• Date Published: December 2000
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The key to latent print development on evidence with adhesive surfaces attached to porous surfaces is choosing the right processing technique.

Abstract

Recovering latent prints from evidence involving adhesive surfaces attached to porous surfaces is enhanced through an understanding of the effects of different processing techniques on the evidence. A number of factors were tested: adhesive surface, porous surface, ninhydrin solvent, separation method and sequencing technique. The proper combination of ninhydrin solvent, separation method and sequencing technique can maximize the recovery of latent prints on adhesive surfaces. Different types of adhesive surfaces require different processing techniques to maximize latent print recovery. The results of this research are presented and techniques are suggested for maximizing the recovery of latent prints on adhesive surfaces attached to porous surfaces. 12 figures, 1 table