Week 28 - Fingerprint Recovery at NTU

Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

Fingerprint Recovery Session

  • Date: 02/02/2026

  • Session Platform: Vevox

    • Link: vevox.app

    • Session ID: 108-577-917

    • QR Code available for session access.

Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs)

  • MLO2: Demonstrate the sequence and steps required to protect, record, and process a variety of scenes of incidents that involve diverse evidence types.

  • MLO3: Describe and apply methods used for investigating and examining incident scenes related to volume, major, serious, and organized crimes, adhering to criminal judicial system standards.

  • MLO7: Demonstrate proficiency in crime scene recording, searching, and the use of evidence recovery equipment.

  • MLO9: Apply problem-solving skills to simulated mock incident scenes and scenario exercises.

  • MLO12: Search for, locate, evaluate, manage, record, and report information relevant to designated roles.

  • Source: www.ntu.ac.uk

Fingerprint Lifting: A Brief History

  • Until 1970, fingerprinting required photography.

  • 1970: Lifting fingerprints became an acceptable practice.

  • Initially, graphite powder was used for lifting; the introduction of Ali powder occurred in the 1970s.

Fingerprint Process Overview

  • Steps Involved:

    • Searching

    • Enhancing

    • Recovery

  • Summary of processes on NTU platform: SEARCHLIGHT and PICTURE available via www.ntu.ac.uk

Types of Fingerprints and their Characteristics

  • Evidence types:

    • Bloodstained fingerprints

    • Paint fingerprints

    • Mud/Dirt fingerprints

    • Oils from fingers

    • Latent fingerprints

    • 3D marks (from putty, clay, soap, etc.)

  • Composition of fingerprints:

    • 95% Water

    • 5% Salts, amino acids, metals, fats & oils.

  • Sources of fingerprint materials:

    • Eccrine glands (abundant on hands and body)

    • Apocrine and apoeccrine glands.

Searching for Fingerprints

  • Warning:

    • Powdering for fingerprints is considered the most destructive technique in forensic examinations.

    • It is recommended to assess other evidence types before powdering.

  • Considerations for Crime Scene Examiner:

    • Assess the scene thoroughly.

    • Use personal protective equipment (PPE).

    • Utilize an LED white light source.

    • Consider other fragile forensic evidence.

    • It is advised to perform fingerprinting as the last process in the investigation.

Enhancing Fingerprints at the Scene

  • Enhancement Considerations:

    • Use varied wavelengths of light in conjunction with various powders.

    • In cases of contaminants, a non-destructive process should be applied.

    • Reference: Lithin Asok Kumar 2024 available on www.ntu.ac.uk

Powder Types and Their Applications

  • Powder Characteristics:

    • Flat Particles:

    • More sensitive; maximum contact with surfaces.

    • Commonly used powders include aluminum powder.

    • Health and safety risks with bronze and gold powders.

    • Granular Powders:

    • Less sensitive; smaller area of contact with surfaces.

    • Suitable for external and lightly contaminated surfaces.

    • Common colors: black, white, magnetic, and fluorescent.

  • Magnetic Powders:

    • Can be granular or flake in structure, available in various colors including fluorescent.

    • Effective on non-porous surfaces like magazines, paper, and UPVC.

  • Flake Powders:

    • Brushes: glass fiber (zephyr) and animal hair.

  • Granular Powders:

    • Brushes: synthetic/natural hair, carbon fiber brushes, and magnetic wands.

Powdering Techniques

  • Flake Powder Application:

    • Use a zephyr brush, employing a twisting and twirling technique.

  • Granular Powder Application:

    • Utilize an animal hair/natural hair brush; load the brush fully and perform a dusting action, painting in the direction of ridge flow.

  • Magnetic Powder Application:

    • Employ a circular motion with the 'brush head' just in contact with the surface.

Selecting the Appropriate Powder

  • Surface Texture Considerations:

    • Smooth Surfaces:

    • Glass (use aluminum, black magnetic)

    • Painted (use black, white, or magnetic)

    • Metal (use black, aluminum, other metal appropriate)

    • U-PVC (select based on color).

    • Textured Surfaces:

    • Select powder based on surface color (dark or silver).

  • Effectiveness Tracking:

    • Results can be tracked based on the percentage of marks with over 1/3 ridge detail across various types of surfaces, recorded over time (1 day to 7 days).

Recovery of Fingerprints

  • Key Points:

    • Every fingerprint should be recorded onsite for further expert analysis, court presentation, or interview purposes.

    • Types of photography for documentation:

    • Visible fingerprints (e.g., blood imprint)

    • 3D marks (such as impressions in putty).

Strategies for Lifting Fingerprints

  • General Principles:

    • Quick recovery of fingerprints often requires training and involves risks of evidence loss.

    • Options for lifting include:

    • Lifting Tape & Smooth Non-Porous Surfaces:

      • No evidence loss; requires clean, dry surfaces and flake powder (e.g., aluminum).

    • Lifting Tape & Textured Non-Porous Surfaces:

      • Higher risk of evidence loss; requires uneven clean dry surfaces and flake powder.

    • Gel Lifters & Smooth Non-Porous Surfaces:

      • Limited evidence loss, but not as effective as tape; requires smooth dry surfaces and flake powder.

    • Gel Lifters & Textured Non-Porous Surfaces:

      • Better preservation of evidence than tape; requires uneven dry surfaces with flake powder.

Standardization in Fingerprint Kits

  • All Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) have uniform kits dictated by the respective force.

  • Documentation must include:

    • Address

    • Exhibit number

    • Date

    • Location of fingerprint recovery

    • Crime number

    • Diagram illustrating recovery methods (including gravity arrow and sealed edges).

Fingerprint Recovery Items for Enhancement Treatment

  • Reference for fingerprint processes utilized both nationally and internationally:

    • FVM: Fingermark Visualisation Manual, Second Edition 2022.

    • Considerations for enhancing fingerprints include powder suspensions, health and safety risks, and contamination management.

Enhancement Techniques

  • Ninhydrin:

    • Applicable to porous materials such as paper.

    • Enhances visible details effectively when used correctly.

  • Superglue Fuming:

    • Effective for non-porous surfaces (e.g., plastic).

    • Utilizes chemical reactions to reveal latent fingerprints.

  • Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD):

    • Works on non- and semi-porous surfaces; ideal for previously wet or aged marks.

    • Employs gold/zinc for the enhancement process.

Fingerprint Workshop

  • Focus on recovery of fingerprints from challenging surfaces and positions.

  • Employing technical photography techniques to produce high-quality images and lifts of fingerprints.

Recommended Reading

  • Practical Skills in Forensic Science: Langford et al, Chapter 26

  • The Practice of Crime Scene Investigation: Ed. J. Horswell, Chapter 9

  • Forensic Science: Andrew R.W. Jackson and Julie M. Jackson, 4th Edition, Chapter 4.1

Thank You

  • MYSay survey request for feedback from students.