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Advances in Fingerprint Technology.pdf

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White powder Dolomite, starch powder<br />

Gray powder Kaol<strong>in</strong>, alum<strong>in</strong>um flake powder<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g factors should ord<strong>in</strong>arily be considered <strong>in</strong> the selection of<br />

a f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder:<br />

1. The surface should be suitable for powder dust<strong>in</strong>g and not itself attractive<br />

to f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder (such as polyethylene).<br />

2. The color of the f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder should be selected to give maximum<br />

contrast with the surface on which the latent pr<strong>in</strong>t was deposited.<br />

3. The powder must adhere well to the deposits left by the friction sk<strong>in</strong><br />

ridges of a f<strong>in</strong>ger or palm.<br />

4. The particle size of the powder should be f<strong>in</strong>e enough to yield good,<br />

clear ridge patterns.<br />

Generally, f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder is applied to the surface bear<strong>in</strong>g the latent<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>t with a f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t brush. These brushes are dist<strong>in</strong>guished accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

the types of fibers used to make them. Occasionally, powder can be applied<br />

to the surface by means of an atomizer, aerosol spray, or electrostatic apparatus.<br />

When apply<strong>in</strong>g powder with a f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t brush, extreme care should be<br />

taken to avoid damag<strong>in</strong>g the latent pr<strong>in</strong>t. Valuable f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t evidence is<br />

occasionally destroyed by carelessness <strong>in</strong> the application of powder. James<br />

et al. have looked carefully at this problem and recommended techniques<br />

and types of brushes for best avoid<strong>in</strong>g it. 10 The follow<strong>in</strong>g is a generalized<br />

procedure for develop<strong>in</strong>g latent pr<strong>in</strong>ts with f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder:<br />

1. Visually search the surface to identify possible latent pr<strong>in</strong>t deposits.<br />

2. If a f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t is found, it should be photographed us<strong>in</strong>g an appropriate<br />

photographic technique.<br />

3. Select an appropriate f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t powder and brush. When <strong>in</strong> doubt,<br />

make a test pr<strong>in</strong>t to help <strong>in</strong> choos<strong>in</strong>g the best powder and brush for<br />

the circumstances.<br />

4. Carefully apply the powder to the surface with a light brush<strong>in</strong>g action.<br />

5. Remove the excess powder by dust<strong>in</strong>g the surface with a gentle, smooth<br />

motion until the best f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t image has been developed.<br />

6. Photograph useful f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> situ. The photograph should conta<strong>in</strong><br />

all the necessary case <strong>in</strong>formation and the latent pr<strong>in</strong>t number.<br />

7. Apply a suitable f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t lift<strong>in</strong>g tape and carefully lift the powdered<br />

latent pr<strong>in</strong>t from the surface.<br />

8. Exam<strong>in</strong>e the latent lift and if necessary reprocess or relift the orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />

latent pr<strong>in</strong>t.

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