Visualising the past – An evaluation of processes and sequences for fingermark recovery from old documents

This study aimed to collect data on the effectiveness of most of the fingermark visualisation reagents currently used on porous surfaces on fingermarks aged for up to 90  years, significantly extending the timescales for which such information exists. A limited subset of the variables associated with processing of old fingermarks was explored, with a focus on the use of 1,8 diazafluoren-9-one (DFO), 1,2-indandione, ninhydrin, and physical developer. These techniqu es were used in sequence on batches of cheques between 11 and 32 years old, and on documents dating from the 1920s and 1940s.
Source: Science and Justice - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research