Fingerprints are collected using various methods, depending on the type of print and the surface it's found on. The most common method is dusting a surface with fingerprint powder. This powder adheres to the oils and sweat left behind by a finger, making the print visible. Once visible, the print can be lifted using clear adhesive tape.
Here are some other common methods for fingerprint collection:
- Chemical Development: For porous surfaces like paper or cardboard, chemicals like ninhydrin or cyanoacrylate (superglue) are used to react with the amino acids in the print, making it visible.
- Laser and Alternate Light Sources: These techniques use laser beams or ultraviolet light to illuminate latent fingerprints, making them visible without needing to dust or use chemicals.
- Digital Fingerprint Scanners: These devices capture fingerprints electronically, using optical sensors or capacitive sensors.
Fingerprints are then analyzed and compared to databases of known prints to identify suspects or verify identities.
