Fingerprinting was first used to solve a criminal investigation in the late 1800’s. The practice has remained one of the most common and effective forensic techniques. Today, advances in technology have improved upon old techniques and have made it easier to identify hidden, or latent, fingerprints.
Range of Instrumentation
Forensic Light Sources and Reflective Ultraviolet Imaging Systems (RUVIS)
Fuming Chambers and Fingerprint Development Chambers
Spectroscopy Equipment
Microscopes
RUVIS and forensic light systems use alternative wavelengths to reveal latent fingerprints at the scene of the crime. Fuming chambers and fingerprint development chambers uniformly apply chemicals such as cyanoacrylate to a piece of evidence in order to develop latent fingerprints in the lab.
In cases where fingerprints are still not easily read, spectroscopy techniques such as hyperspectral image analysis and
fluorescence spectroscopy can be applied to reveal prints not otherwise observable or to sharpen the edges of blurry prints. Both techniques can be used without destroying the evidence so that it can be reexamined later if necessary. Microscopy is another commonly used technique to enhance visualization without compromising evidence.
Considerations for purchasing fingerprinting equipment
When purchasing fingerprint analysis equipment, it is important to keep in mind how often and from where fingerprints will be taken, the types of materials fingerprints will be extracted from, and the frequency with which hard-to-develop prints will be encountered. The lab’s budget will also be an important factor before deciding which equipment to purchase.