Latent Fingerprint Essay

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The most common type of fingerprint evidence is the latent fingermark. Fingerprints are composed of patterns of ridge details and they are deposited onto other surfaces by natural oils from the skin. According to an article on the detection and enhancement of latent fingerprints, “These marks generally require some form of physical or chemical treatment to differentiate them from the substrate material because latent fingermark deposits behave differently on different substrate types. In addition, some detection techniques are effective on some surfaces but not on others. As a result, the surface type is a major consideration when selecting a sequence of fingerprint detection techniques for a particular set of circumstances” (1). Common methods of latent fingerprint recovery include cyanoacrylate …show more content…

Powder dusting relies upon physical adherence of the powder to the sticky sebaceous components of the fingerprint residue (2). Many different types of fingerprint powders are present today such as black, white, fluorescent, or magnetic fingerprint powders, which are used to make the latent fingerprints visible (5). Each powder has a different effect on the prints and they are used depending on the surface and environment on which the prints were found. In addition, small particle reagent is the most effective for enhancing prints on wet surfaces. The issue with dusting is that the application of powder with a brush can have destructive effects on ridge detail of the fingerprint (2).
Ninhydrin is most often used for enhancing fingerprints left on porous surfaces. Ninhydrin is a chemical reagent that reacts with amino acids to give a dark purple colored product; the treatment generally involves dipping the items in a ninhydrin solution and then leaving the prints to develop over 24 to 48 hours (1). However, ninhydrin solutions can be harmful to people if they come in contact with

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