Latent Fingerprint Development

Fingerprints are the only means of absolute personal identification and their latent variant is the primary form found at the scene of crime. Latent fingerprints needs to be developed and identified to be of evidential value. In spite of availability of number of methods for developing latent fingerprints, new methods are still being developed through continuous research for encountering situations in practical conditions that include development of prints on surfaces of varied nature and under different environmental conditions. Chemical dyes due to their color and fluorescent properties can act as effective constituents in latent fingerprint development formulations. Therefore, in present work, dyes belonging to various chemical classes have been used in combination with different materials to develop new powders and reagents that can develop fresh as well as aged latent fingerprints on different surfaces. All the formulations possess characteristics like cost effectiveness, ease of preparation/application and longer shelf life. Detailed illustration of phase transfer catalyst based reagents for latent print development has also been included.