Development of Fingerprints 2
Development of Fingerprints 2
FINGERPRINTS
• Latent Prints
• Latent Fingerprints detection by physical and chemical
techniques
LATENT PRINTS
• Black Powder
• White Powder
• Fluorescent Powder
• Bichromatic Powder
• Fluorescent Powders : additional luminescence is required in the form of an alternate light source (ALS)
or laser.
• Magnetic Powder Not for prints on metal surfaces cause it may cause scratches on a surface and
degrade or contaminate latent prints.
• The reason for the variety of powders is to provide the greatest contrast with the background on which
the fingerprint is developed.
CHEMICAL TECHNIQUES
• Reagents react with substances contained in the sweat and with fingerprint impression.
• Chloride), protein, amino acids, lipids, and oil react with the sweat and it’s constituents
to reveal the latent prints.
• Other substances might include blood, grease, or food stuffs.
1. CYANOACRYLATE ESTER
• Reacts with the amino acids and fatty acids in the perspiration and form a white coloured polymer.
• Contrast may be enhanced by using powders or dye stains on the developed polymer.
• An ALS or laser (in case of fluorescent powder) is used to enhance the print
• Method may be applied to metal, glass, plastic, garbage bags, electrical tape, and many other
nonporous surfaces.
• Can be used by fuming chamber or tenting method, or with a wand.
a) Fresh Fingerprint on
stainless steel
b) Old Fingerprint on stainless
steel
c) Fresh Fingerprint on
Aluminum Surface
d) Old Fingerprint on
Aluminum Surface
2. IODINE FUMING
• Iodine reacts with fatty acids and lipids contained in the fingerprint and gives a dark brownish to blackish
appearance
• Can be used for paper and on human skin (porous surfaces)
• The two most common :
• Iodine fuming gun
• Fuming cabinet.
• Iodine dusting
• Iodine solution.
• Technique corrosive and may pose safety issues when improperly applied.
• The developed prints must be photographed as the prints tend to fade over time.
Developed print fades over time
• Ninhydrin reacts with the amino acids, peptides, and protein present in the print and produces Ruhemann’s purple ( pinkish-purple color).
• One can use commercially available Ninhydrin solution or make a fresh one too.
• Solution can be made by mixing 25 grams of Ninhydrin crystals into 4 liters of solvent.
• Can be used on items such as paper, cardboard, and unfinished wood (porous surfaces).
• Temperature should be approximately 80°F (26.6 Celsius), with a humidity rate of approximately 80 percent.
• It reacts with amino acids, peptides, and protein contained in the print and results in faint red or pink
fingerprints which are intensely fluorescent at room temperature.
• Ninhydrin analogue and is 2.5 times more sensitive than Ninhydrin.
• Unlike Ninhydrin, high-temperature, low-humidity environment are required for good development.
• After DFO application and heating, developed fingerprints can be observed using 530 nm excitation light and
a 590 nm barrier.
• ALS or laser are used for better visualization.
STICKY SIDE POWDER/GENTIAN VIOLET
• Leuco-malachite Green: spraying on the suspected area, yields green colored prints.
• Leuco-Crystal Violet: When sprayed on the suspected area, the prints will turn purplish-
black.
• Amido Black/Sudan Black: When sprayed on the suspected area, the prints will turn
dark bluish-black.
• Luminol: When sprayed on the suspected area, the prints will fluoresce. Must be used in
darkened room.
• Prints must be photographed at the time of fluorescence because when luminol stops reacting
with the blood, the prints will no longer be visible.
SEQUENTIAL PROCESSING