CHAPTER 6

LATENT/CHANCE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

Latent Fingerprints � fingerprints found at the crime scene.

Latent Prints � are those markings, usually rather indistinct left by oily matters
or perspiration exuded from the fingertips upon any substance, which the fingers
may have touched.

Scene fingerprints are extremely valuable materials for criminal

investigation. It being impressed carelessly and are perishable, it is necessary to
thoroughly observe their impressed condition prior to collecting and then collect
them as soon as possible by selecting a collecting method suitable. In observing
the prints, it is best to observe it OBLIQUELY. In selecting the use of powder,
apply the PRINCIPLE OF CONTRAST, meaning the use of powder that blends with the
background color where the latent prints has been impressed.

I. Causes of the Markings:

1. Ridges or the raised strip of the epidermis

2. Sweat or perspiration

a. Composition of Sweat

? 98 % - 99% - Sweat gland excreta � is a colorless, transparent substance of

neutral or low acidity (PH4-7) known as moisture or water; and

? 1% - 2% are organic and non-organic matters;

? organic matters are salt, calcium, magnesium, etc. while non-organic matters
are urea, lactic acid, albumin, amino acid and others)

Sebaceous Excreta � is a colorless, transparent substance consisting of fatty

acids, vitamins, etc. Quality and quantity of excreta vary from person to person.
Query: How are latent prints developed?

Ans.: The finger surface is always wet with excreta from sweat glands
distributed on ridges and fat, which is continuously excreted from the skin, and is
stuck with excreta from the sebaceous glands caused by contact with other skin. If
such a wet finger touches an object, its excreta would move onto the object to
impress a fingerprint. Since the transfer of excreta onto an object impresses
latent prints, they are more easily impressed on a well-dried object with smooth
surface.

II. Life span is influenced by:

? Climate/temperature/humidity

? Physical and mental condition of the subject

? Nutrition or the kind of food the body eat

? Impurities on the skin surface

III. Two (2) conditions of latent fingerprints at the crime scene:

1. Tangible fingerprint � can be seen by the naked eye; such as markings made
by coloring substance, dust, blood oil, etc.

2. Intangible fingerprint � those invisible prints which cannot be seen by

the naked eye. Such as prints on porous/absorbent materials and other objects.

IV. Classes of Latent/Chance Impressions

1. Visible Prints � prints smeared with colored substances such as blood, ink,
grease, dust or paint. It is preserved through photographs.

2. Semi-visible or Plastic Impressions � impressions caused by plastic

materials, such as soap, melted candles, wax, paraffin and adhesive gums. They are
preserved through photographs.
3. Invisible Latent Prints � most common types of impressions and are not seen
by the naked eye. They must be developed through the right kind of powder and/or
chemical to make them visible. They are preserved depending upon the color of the
background, observing the �Principle of Contrast� through a lifting tape
(Mechanical process � using black or aluminum powders.)

V. Crime Scene Processing Requirements

1. Photographs of the Crime Scene

a. General View

b. Distance shot and close-up shot of latent print

c. Photographs of every object bearing latent prints

d. Photographs of every latent print before lifting

2. Sketch of the Crime Scene

a. Sketch of locality � it gives a picture of the scene of the crime and its
environment such as neighboring buildings and road

b. Sketch of grounds � pictures the nearest physical surroundings like floor

plan of the house

c. Sketch of details � describe the immediate scene only

3. Things that may not be done in the crime scene

a. Do not lift without taking photographs

b. Do not lift on small movable object

c. Do not remove object without taking photograph

d. Do not place powder to the entire crime scene

e. Do not develop visible latent print

4. Crime Scene procedures

a. Upon arrival of the crime scene

i. Check for injuries and summon the necessary aid

ii. Secure the crime scene

iii. Question all witnesses

iv. Photograph the entire crime scene

v. Locate pertinent evidence BUT NOT COLLECTING IT YET

vi. Begin the search for fingerprints

vii. Prepare the crime scene sketch and

viii. Collect all the physical evidence

b. Searching for latent prints

�Ken-saku� � is the method of searching activities for finding scene fingerprints

and where they are impressed.

Most scene fingerprints are usually found at the points of Entry, departure and
places ransacked/attacked.

i. Do not remove object from their original position or touch anything unless
fingerprints are developed and lifted

ii. Search for latent print should be in a systematic and intelligent manner

iii. Consider the points of entry, attack and exit

iv. Use correct amount and quality of powder to develop latent print

c. Evidence preservation of scene fingerprints

i. Whenever scene prints have been found, confirmation by a witness shall be
made prior to collection.

ii. Photograph the prints prior to collection � in order to clarify the position
of an object and the latent prints,

- before photographing, label the evidence with the following information:

1) Name of incident

2) Date and hour taken

3) Place

4) Witness/es and signature/s

5) Collector�s affiliation and name

- All prints must be lifted and pasted standing or as if were impressed in a

real type of impressions; each must be numbered in serial order.

iii. A scene fingerprints collection report shall be prepared.

VI. Various Methods of Developing Latent prints

1. Powder/solid/ or Mechanical Method � reagents which must adhere or stocked

to the sweat must be used. Suitable surfaces for this technique are glass,
porcelain, ceramic, pottery, metallic item, plastic and bamboo. Prints are
collected by:

a. Use of lifting material (gelatin paper, lifter, cellophane tape, transparent

vinyl tape and adhesive tapes); and
b. Photographs

A suitable powder (e.g. black powder, aluminum powder, lycopodium, SP

black powder) is selected and used according to the conditions of impressions and
object. Sometimes, two or more kinds of powder are used in mixture. This is called
mixture powder. The mixing proportion varies according to the climate, humidity,
degree of dryness/wetness of an object. The most commonly used mixture is that of
aluminum powder (grey) and lycopodium, which is effective for suppressing
adhesiveness.

Techniques of Powder method:

a) Brushing Method � the brush tip is dipped into a small quantity of powder
and lightly brush on the surface of where latent prints maybe found; thereafter
lightly sweep excess powder to clean it; applied to dry, slippery and sticky
surfaces.

b) Use of spray gun � when prints are found on large object, large space,
wide area. Ex. Leather, synthetic, etc.

c) Rolling (rocking) method � place appropriate quantity of powder on an

object to be examined, lightly bend and tilt, spreading out powder all over the
object in order that the powder shall adhere to the fingerprints, the fingerprint
is developed by flipping the back side of the object to remove excess powder.
Applied to high quality dried paper.

d) Light-striking method or Patting Method � after having the powder adhere

to a fingerprint, lightly strike the object to be examined with a brush tip to
which the powder has been applied, the fingerprint is developed with another brush
to which no powder is applied or by air blowing with a blower-brush or a spray to
remove excess powder.

e) Sprinkling Method � white powder � applied on rubber, leather, greasy

fingerprint.

- do -

- do - In higher moisture contains in the air (rain season) time, misture

ration is change from 7:3 into 6:4 or 5:5 by adjusting to the situations.
* This method has a wider application field by pattern.

Papers Black (carbon powder) Rolling Method Black powder is light and
easily scattering around that easily adheres on the suspected objects/evidence on
the surface. Carefully handle and do not fly away around.

*Metallic Substances (tin plate, etc.)

* Leather products (bag, purse, etc.)

* Rubber products Lycopodium Rolling or Spray Method * Do not use brush due to
weak adhesive powder.

* Fingerprint on the leather should be photographed to preserved or to record. Do

not use scoth tape or transplant method. Fingerprint becomes inaccurate
.

2. Liquid or Chemical Method � use of reagent on the suspected area and

expose the fingerprint marked there. Take a photo of the exposed fingerprint as the
fingerprint sampling is acted.

1) Suitable objects adapted to this method; paper, wood, metal wood and
scoth tape adhesives.

2) Reagents are: ninhydrin, TMB (Tetra methyl benzidine � C16H20N2),

black powder, SP Black Powder, Victoria Pure blue powder, etc.). The techniques or
methods are:

A. Use of Victoria Blue � either by applying method or soaking method,

it is used on the different kinds of adhesive materials. This method is also known
as dyeing method. Originally Victoria pure blue is used to dye the material

Reagent: - Victoria blue powder

How to make Reagent � Melt 1g of Victoria pure blue into 1 liter ordinary water and
make 0.1% of solution.

Method � Dip the suspected objects well into the solution for 30 seconds to 1
minute observe how the fingerprints appear. Then wash it with water.

Note � Victoria pure blue is not easily washed away. As it�s a dye color powder, it
can restore before the attached condition. Carefully hold and do not let it touch
the cloth.
B. Gas Applying Method � is effective on any type of surfaces
(Porous
or Non-porous). Spray the gasified reagent into the suspected area to detect
fingerprint at the crime scene, then take photo record of the exposed fingerprint.
Most common agent is the gas in a Mighty Bond (Cyanoacrelate)

Logic � Cyanoacrelate mighty bond gasses combined with water and turned into white
crystallized material. Applying this nature, it detects fingerprint when the
suspected substance size is small and the texture carrying suspect�s fingerprint is
not the fabric or paper. This is widely used as a method.

Reagent � Cyano Bond�s Brand name in the Philippines is Mighty Bond.

Applicable for �

1) Metal
2) Plastics/synthetics resin
3) Painted Wood
4) Leather products
5) Adhesive tape (adherence surface side, not the sticky side)
6) Glossy � paper
7) Plywood
8) Skin of the human body

Methods

1) Cyano Gas Treatment Method

a. Few drops of Cyanoacrelate mighty bond drop on the gauze/cotton cut into 4
-5 cm.

b. Place into the container with cover, like plastic bag with closed mouth
fix its position, not to get in touch to subject/ object.

c. Wait for 15 � 20 minutes while observing fingerprint exposure condition.

Reaction to moisture in the fingerprint, crystals in white color fingerprint can be
observed with the naked eye.

d. In this case, cotton and gauze, paper with the cyanoacrelate Mighty Bond
is put on to consist amount of water so the reaction will be agitated.

e. Take photograph as the fingerprint is formed into a white color.

 2) Cyanoacrelate Adherence Method

a. White paper (nature of this paper is no absorbent, prevent cyano �

acrelito � bond not to be absorbed), cut it into the suspected substance
(fingerprint) size. Drop few drops (1-3 drops = 0.1 � 0.3 g) of cyano bond.

b. Leave the paper for 2 � 3 seconds and shake lightly and make it in semi
dried condition.

c. Place this semi dried Cyano bond applied paper on the suspected substance
(fingerprint) area with the applied side on the substance and cover it with plastic
to prevent evaporation of the gas contents.

d. With 10 � 20 minutes, fingerprint will expose in white color.

e. Take a photo record of the detected fingerprint.

3) Fuming Box Method � Structure of fuming box and logic of this method

a. Metal Box � 40 x 40 x 50 cm size developed for this purposes of

fingerprint sampling by Cyanoacrelate Method. Bottom part consists of a round .05
of hot plate. Heat of this hot plate agitates the evaporation condition of
Cyanoacrelate group of bond glue and shortens time detection. Sidewall has 5 x 5 cm
size window.

b. Switch on to heat up the hot plate

c. Open the cover of the fuming box and place the suspected object/evidence
in convection current all over the box. If No result is noted.

d. Put few drops of Cyanoacrelate mighty bond on the hot plate

e. Put fingerprint on the transparent plastic sheet cover window of the

fuming box. With the plastic bag fix the sheet with the magnet, while exposing
fingerprint in the inner side of the Cyanoacrelate gas. Through the window, you can
monitor the formation of the fingerprint.

f. Put the cover and wait for 7 � 8 minutes.

g. While waiting for the processing, you can attend to other sample mention
on letter �e�. Over doing the processing is the cause of destruction. Protuberant
line might be corrupt. Carefully observe the fingerprint on the window and decide
when to finish the processing of the fingerprint inside the fuming box.

h. Take photo record.

 C. Ninhydrin Method � There are two solutions of the ninhydrin powder,
namely: ninhydrin petroleum benzine and ninhydrin acetone solution. This is applied
by soaking a brush into the solution, and then applies on the paper in a single
stroke until the entire suspected portion containing latent prints is covered. At
normal atmospheric temperature, the latent print is observed after 24 hours of
application. To confirm the print in a short time the use of a flat iron may be
used. Dry the paper using a portable ninhydrin heater, if none, just let it dry.

* The application of the solution will have a chemical reaction between the
amino acid and ninhydorine that will change the color into bluish purple.

Ninhydrine Acetone solution:

a. Applicable to

1) Paper

2) White wood

3) Blood stained fingerprint

4) Paper wrapping of cigarette-stick, etc.

b. How to make solution (in case of 100cc of 0.5% solution making)

> To make 0.5% Ninhydrine Acetone solution, by 0.5g of Ninhydrine

powder dissolved into 100ml of Acetone.

c. Detection Method

1) Dip brush into reagent, apply on the suspected surface evenly

2) Evaporate acetone with heat

 3)Take a photo of the developed fingerprint

d. Restoration

1) Wash it in hot water, for easy removal of the chemical

2) Dip the whole item into the 3% solution of the Hydrogen Peroxide
(H2O2)

Ninhydrin Petroleum Benzine Solution

a. Applicable to

1) Paper printed/written (advantage of this method is written letters

with ball pen and other ink on the paper are not destroyed.)

b. How to make (in case 100cc of 0.5% solution)

1) 0.5 of Ninhydrine powder is dissolved into 10ml of Ethel Alcohol.

Ninhydrin powder cannot be dissolved into the petroleum benzene, directly. Dissolve
it into Ethyl alcohol first, then in to benzene.

2) Add 90ml of petroleum benzene, and mix up well to make 0.5%

Ninhydrine petroleum benzene solution.

c. Method

1) Dip brush into solution and apply on the suspected surface evenly

2) Evaporate petroleum Benzine and add heat

3) Take a photo of the detected fingerprint.

D. Ninhydrin and Zinc chloride solutions � this is one of the least

expensive and easiest to use in developing latent prints on paper documents.

Formula 1: Mix 20 grams of ninhydrin crystals with 3,300 cc of acetone

 Formula 2: Using a magnetic stirrer, dissolve 5 gms of ninhydrin crystals in
30 ml of methanol. Add 40 ml of two (2) propanol then stir. Add 930 ml of petroleum
or pentane then stir.

E. SPWA (Special Method)

1) Applicable to

a. Wet (watered)
> Plastic bag

> Metal product

> Plastic product

> Vehicle body

> Bathroom tile

> Weekly magazine cover

> Glass product

> Smooth surface with no water absorbent

b. Adherent surface of the adhesive tape

c. Magnetic Card

d. Crappy plastic bag

2) How to make a reagent liquid

 a. Bring 3g of SP Black powder in the mortar, to make it into
even sizes.

b. Add 3 ml of drew prevention chemical for photo (Konica

duxs/Drywell) and mix well, then add 10ml of water and mix again.

3) Detection Technique

a. Dip brush in the reagent, cover object/evidence with this

solution well and leave it for 30 second.

b. Wash away excess powder while confirming detection (exposure)

condition. Repeat the same application again when the detected fingerprint is not
clear enough.

c. After it has dried well, no moisture contains, transfer

chemically and take photo. Not transferable from the adhesive tape, photo record is
recommendable.

F. Tetramethybenzidine Benzidine (C16 H20 N2) or TMB Method � Applying

chemical reaction to certain enzyme in the blood. React to the TMB and turn into
blue green color. (1/20,000 solution contains of the blood can be sensed by this
method). With this method the invisible amount of blood stained fingerprint can be
detected. Fingerprint on the kitchen knife, and other blades used as a weapon, are
effectively detected.

Formula:

Solution A - 100 ml Ethanol consist if 0.5ml of TMB powder solution.

Solution B � Ethanol added to the same amount of distilled water, and 30 % hydrogen
peroxide mixed up in 9:1 ratio.

Detection Technique:

a. Before starting working on the suspected area, take photo record (original
appearance)

b. Apply solution A with a brush, then solution B after its dry.

c. If there is an existing blood stained fingerprint, it will turn into blue

green. Take a photo record of the fingerprint.
Preservation of the solution

It will last only for one (1) month under the direct exposure to sun and
above 60 degrees centigrade of the climate. But if it is preserved at the
temperature of 12 to 20 degrees centigrade it will last at least five (5) months
with out any influence weather condition. Further in dark places, after 15 months
no changes will be observed. Remarks : confirm the effectivity of the solution
always, before using it.

Fingerprint Detection technique by the TMB from (human) skin

Apply gelatin � paper/scoth tape on the suspected area that the bloody
fingerprint might be existing, and transfer the subject fingerprint on the gelatin
paper. Apply the solution
� A� on the surface (gelatin paper) then another close to the paper of which is
absorbed solution �B� with blood stained fingerprint transferred, gelatin coated
side. It will turn into blue � green color if actual fingerprint exist.

G. Gentian Violet (crystal violet) � used to develop prints on

adhesives. This solution is useful on all types of rubberlike adhesive tapes, but
not on water-soluble tapes.

Formula: Dissolve 0.1 gm of gentian violet (crystal violet) in 1 liter of

distilled
water.

H. Physical Developer � use to develop prints after DFO and ninhydrine

on paper-type items such as checks, paper currency, cardboard and raw wood.

Formula : Stock detergent solution: mix 3 gms of nodeclyamine acetate and 4 gms
of syneromic � N in 1 liter of distilled water.

Silver nitrate solutions: mix 20 gms of silver nitrate in 100 ml

of distilled water.

I. Colloidal Gold (Tetrachloroauric Acid) � develops prints on porous

and non-porous surfaces.

Formula: Gold Stock solution: dissolve 1 gm of gold chloride in 10 ml of

distilled
water.

Sodium Citrate Stock solution: dissolve 1 gm of sodium citrate in

100 ml
of distilled water.
 J.. Cyanoacrylate Flourescent Enhancement � developing fingerprint in
white by affixing gas generated from cyanoacrylic instant adhesive. It proves
effective for developing fingerprints from a blackish object, especially the
adhesive face or adhesive tape. The latent prints is collected through photographs.

K. Amino Black - Is a protein dye, which can be used to develop latent

prints made with blood stained friction skin. It is necessary to take sample of
bloodstains for typing before using amino black.

Formula: Solution 1 = dissolve 2 gms of amino black (napthalene black or

naphthol blue black) in 100 ml of glacial acetic acid and 900 ml of methanol.

Solution 2 = Mix 100 ml of glacial acetic acid and 900 ml of

methanol.

Easier formula = Dissolve 1 gm DFO in 200 ml methanol, 200 ml

ethyl acetate and 40 ml of acetic acid.

OTHER METHODS

a. Gas Method � Latent fingerprint is developed by means of coloring by affixing

gasified reagent (usually an Iodine) or by causing chemical change in elements of
excreta, and then collected by photographing or lifting onto lifting material. This
method is suitable for developing fingerprints from papers, unpainted woods and
textiles.

Since, the developed latent print easily disappears, the print must
immediately be collected by photographing it.

b. Flame Method � it is done by affixing a soot to a latent or unclear print.

The develop print is collected by lifting it onto a lifting material or can also be
collected by photographing it. This is suitable for collection from metal or
objects with porous surface.

c. Molding Method � This is a method of collecting visible fingerprints with a

molding material, and is suitable for collecting from an object with no complicated
and uneven surface that lifting it with a lifting material is unfeasible.

The molding materials are:

1. Silicon rubber,

2. Plaster

3. �Aljix�

4. Strippable pai
n
5. Paraffin wax

6. Plastic liquid

d. Photographing Method

6. Basis of the Choice of What Method or Developing Medium to Use

a. Age of the Latent Print

1) Fresh print (indoor) � one to ten days = use powder or iodine crystal

2) Up to six months old � use silver nitrate solution

3) Older than six months - use ninhydrin solution

b. Collecting Methods to visible type of latent prints

1) Dust Fingerprint � lifted directly with gelatin paper

but if it may peel it off use photograph;

2) Blood Fingerprint � lifted directly with gelatin paper

3) Oil/grease fingerprint � If dry, it is collected by

lifting it onto
Binio roll lifter.
 If not dry, dry it under a shade then collect it as
in the
above case.

c. How long does a fingerprint remain in an object?

1) Plastic Prints remain for any length of time provided the object on which they
are left or the substance in which they are formed is stable.

2) Prints of fingers contaminated with blood, pigments, ink and oil are more
resistant and can be kept for a long time under favorable conditions.

� Latent prints on glass, china and other smooth objects can remain for years
if they are in a well protected location

� Objects open to air, sunlight and rain easily deteriorate