(2017). Florescent and Different Colored Powders. In rare occasions, law enforcement officers may also help with processing. Having the ability to by-pass issues concerning to heavy background interference to overlapping patterns, as well as textured substrates, these new powders truly take a lot of the guessing game out of the processing aspects. Despite significant advancements in forensic sciences and crime scene investigation techniques, fingerprints remain one of the most reliable methods of identifying anybody who may have been at the scene of a crime. The Fingerprint Sourcebook. Specialized Powders. The Next Generation. Fingerprint and sweat glands. As a whole, non-porous evidence from smoother surfaces has a greater chance of being accurately processed and developed. Developed to assist the forensic investigator in processing for a latent on darker toned substrates with the goal to have more appeasing contrast of the latent from the substrate it is located on. Before dusting with powders, many fingerprint examiners may use a special light to illuminate any locations where latent prints may be suspected. Created to develop latent evidence on the sticky side or adhesive side of tape such as duct tape, Band-Aids, masking tape, plastic surgical tape and more. Since latent fingerprints are composed of sweat, fatty acids, proteins, amino acids and other chemicals, cyanoacrylate or super glue when converted to gas has a strong attraction to these items within the latent (Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) Fuming, 2017). Latent fingerprints can be found on virtually all surfaces, regardless of their texture or type. Separated by the type of surface the fingerprint is located on as well if it is visible to the human eye, in general terms they are divided into three categories. They have properties that react with heat, lighting, and other chemical reagents to improve the contrast and resolution of latent prints that are fading, older, or otherwise faint. The evidence which the latent is thought to be on may have a Silver Nitrate solution sprayed on or submerged in a bath. Developed in the late 1970’s Superglue processing is one of the most popular forensic processing methods for non-porous surfaces still today. Retrieved from http://www.bluestar-forensic.com, Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) Fuming. Carbogenically coated silica nanoparticles and their forensic applications. The introduction of fluorescent powders assisted the forensic investigator by allowing the latent to have a bright colored appearance, however, it can only be one color, and if the investigator selects incorrectly, it can hinder the identification of the latent. The foundation principle of a dye stain on a non-porous surface is to be used in conjunction with cyanoacrylate processing. While black powder is the most popular it has restrictions, especially when the surface that the latent on is dark. However, it is important to recognize that that is a catch-all term, much like crime scene investigators. Nonporous surfaces are generally smoother surfaces in which the oils and deposits of the latent cannot soak into, therefore leaving the latent adhering to the surface of the substrate. The fingerprint sourcebook. Must be free of moisture itself or otherwise, the powder will clump and become useless. A new product in the scale of forensic tools to the investigator which sole purpose is to reveal blood stains that have been washed out wiped off, or that were invisible to the naked eye. Items such as glass, plastics, and metals are common nonporous surfaces, however porous items such as wood can become nonporous if treated with varnish and paint. Black fingerprint powder must be fine enough to develop detail in the latent, as well as have the correct level of adhesion to the moisture within the latent. Keywords: chemicals, criminalist, development, fingerprints, forensics, latent. How long was the item which will be processed touched by the suspect or victim, are all just a few concerns the forensic investigator will need to contemplate. Silver Nitrate. Timelapse Vision Inc. (2016). Various commercial names that are in a generalization the same product. However, to be successful, one must practice the different methods continually as well as stay up on the latest innovations in the field. These varying brushes are used to provide different coverings of powders when 'dusting' for prints so that the print is covered sufficiently for display without distorting its appearance. [Youtube Video]. This is very important for the fingerprint examiner to know when comparing prints. If deemed to be identifiable, the forensic investigator has several options in which they may use the latents to assist in solving the crime; (1) compare the latent prints with known prints of suspects, (2) compare the latent prints to the victim of the crime for eliminations aspects, (3) determine the identification of any deceased individuals, (4) identify who the unknown latent belongs to by entering the latent into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) (Ovrnite Productions, 2010; Fox News, 2010). Dye Stains. However, it can interfere with handwriting aspects as it will cause the ink to run on the paper as well as other body fluids and trace evidence. Once this is done the prints can be photographed or 'lifted' using a variety of different tapes. The quality of the latent is extremely critical when it comes to the identification of individuals by law enforcement. Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory Division, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC. Different From MBD, MRM 10, Rhodamine 6G, Safranin O, Thenoyl Europium Chelate, to name a few all are developed to assist and work with certain wavelengths of light. Cyanoacrylate is the industrial name for the family of super-adhesives known as Crazy Glue or Super Glue. Latent prints - the particular fingerprint we are interested in here - are prints that are not visible to the naked eye but do exist. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Fingerprint System – State of Florida. While some come as a powder which the forensic investigator will need to mix a solution with, others come premixed ready to go; the overall goal is the same. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice. (2009). A recent article I wrote on a few of the basic chemicals and concepts used by Crime Scene Investigators and others who process items for latent prints. This information can determine if the individual had taken drugs, handled explosives, smoked or other evidence aspects (Hazarika & Russell, 2012). Due to the staining ability of Silver Nitrate, substantial precautions should be taken in the way of thick rubber gloves, and the solution should be placed in a glass or porcelain containers and not plastic. Made of various materials from volcanic pummeled ash to synthetic material, black powder is the foundation start to forensic processing of a crime scene when it comes to latent recovery. Not visible to the human eye, to capture or collect the latent print for forensic evidence, the investigator must use various chemicals to assist in the visualization. Another advantage of this processing method it is good to use out in the scene, as the blood does not need to be completely dry before processing it. Once the processing has stopped, the latent will begin to disappear, therefore, photographs must be captured of the latent as well as marking the area it was located for court purposes. However, even today, the main advantage is the use of vapors instead of powders or liquids which can be messy.