Determining the ideal methods for fingerprint analysis from different surfaces.

Abstract

Fingerprints are one of the most important pieces of evidence that can be presented in prosecuting of any crime. Five different surfaces were tested: glass, paper, aluminum, duct tape, and cardboard. The eight techniques chosen were crystal violet reagent, small particle reagent (white and black), sudan black, powder, iodine, 1,8-Diazafluoren-9-One (DFO), ninhydrin, and rhodamine-6G-dye stain. The techniques were applied on each surface and the results determined which techniques were the best at identifying latent fingerprints from various surfaces. In this experiment, the only technique that worked on cardboard was the iodine chamber. On the aluminum surface Rho-6G and black powder were the techniques that worked. Black Powder also worked on the plastic and was the only one to show any results. Lastly, the only technique that worked on paper was ninhydrin. A couple of the techniques showed traces on some surfaces but did not produce enough fingerprint ridge details. It may have been beneficial to use an alternative light source for some of the techniques used. Future investigations might include other surfaces and testing reagents.