Lifting Prints

Ways of Lifting Fingerprints:

There are a variety of colors of powder you can use depending on which one shows the best contrast to where the fingerprint is. Most examiners with experience find that the black or gray powder is the best to use. The black is composed of charcoal and works best with light colored surfaces. Then the gray is composed mainly of aluminum dust and it is used on dark color surfaces. The gray powder can also be used on mirror or metal surfaces because these will photograph black. Flouresencent powder can also be used on latent prints. The powder will make the print light up or flouresce under ultraviolet light. Another method is with iodine fuming. However when the process stops the print begins to fade.

Lifting prints off surfaces can be done with clear tape that you liie on the print. You don't push down on it. If you do then it will smudge the print. Another way, and mind you much simpler is to take a picture. Once you have the print where you can see it you can take a picture (make sure your photographer has a steady hand). If possible I'd advise to take a picture first and then lift the print very carefully.