Fingerprints are transferred primarily through a process involving contact and a method to make them visible.
Methods of Fingerprint Transfer
Fingerprints are not physically moved from a surface as a whole. Instead, they are made visible and then transferred for analysis, commonly through the following method:
Dusting and Lifting
- Application of Powder: A fine powder is carefully applied to a surface that is suspected to contain a fingerprint. This powder adheres to the natural oils and sweat left behind by the finger, making the print visible.
- Lifting with Tape: Once the print is visible, clear tape is carefully applied over the powdered fingerprint.
- Transfer to Another Surface: The tape, now with the lifted print on it, is carefully peeled from the original surface and affixed onto a contrasting background (e.g., a card). This transfers the fingerprint to the new surface, making it easier to photograph and analyze.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Dusting | Applying powder to adhere to oils, making the fingerprint visible. |
| Lifting | Using clear tape to pick up the powdered print. |
| Transferring | Placing the tape with the print on another surface for analysis. |
By utilizing these techniques, forensic scientists can lift fingerprints from various surfaces and transfer them to a more manageable substrate for further laboratory examination. The process is not about moving the original oils, but making an impression of it visible for collection.
