Latent Prints Examination Process

Main Responsibilities of the Latent Prints Unit

• Primary Role: Process evidence for latent prints and compare them to known fingerprints and palm prints.

Tools for Developing Latent Prints

• Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber (Superglue Chamber):
  • Function: Develops latent prints using heated superglue.
  • Process: A small tray of superglue is vaporized in a controlled chamber.
  • Humidity Addition: Enhances the vapor's ability to adhere to latent print residues.

Visualization Techniques for Latent Prints

• Liquid Dye Stain Application:
  • Purpose: Improves visibility of cyanoacrylate residues on items.
  • Activation: Once the dye stain is applied, latent prints become more clearly visible under a laser.
• Laser Examination:
  • Use of Color-Filtered Goggles: Allows examiners to see latent prints that are not visible to the naked eye.

Database Resources for Identification

• Searchable Databases: Two main databases are utilized to identify latent prints:
  • Federal Database: Searches through criminal, civil, and military print records.
  • State Database: Focuses on criminal and civil print records.
• Process: Both databases provide a list of potential matches based on unique print characteristics.

Manual Comparison Process

• Examiner Review: After generating a list of potential matches, an examiner inspects these options for a likely identification.
• Final Steps:
  • If a match seems promising, the examiner conducts a manual comparison between the latent print and known prints from the database.
  • Expertise Required: This manual comparison is performed exclusively by a trained latent print examiner, ensuring accuracy and reliability in identification.