Developing latent fingerprints can be a crucial part of crime scene investigation. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of using superglue in a portable chamber to develop these prints.
The portable chamber we'll use consists of several parts: a base, stand, plastic bag (which serves as the covering), and a clip for holding our super glue tag.
We'll be demonstrating how to develop fingerprints on a plastic cup. It's essential to remember that super glue fuming should only be applied to non-porous surfaces; otherwise, it won't work.
The primary ingredient in super glue is cyanoacrylate, which polymerizes the fingerprint onto the surface. This process works by polymerizing the moisture and oils present in the fingerprint. This technique is beneficial as it not only helps locate a print but also creates a print that can be lifted multiple times.
To start the process, place the object with the fingerprint at the bottom of the chamber. Also, include a dish of warm water, which can help rehydrate old prints on your non-porous surface. Then, use the fingerprint developer, the cyanoacrylate.
To get started, pull apart the developer, hang it from the top of the chamber, and quickly close the container. Remember to perform this process in a well-ventilated area. Make sure the chamber is sealed properly around the base, as the fumes are heavier than air and can escape if not correctly closed.
Allow the development process to occur, which can sometimes take up to 30 minutes. Once you observe that the prints have developed enough, you can remove them from the chamber.
After the initial development, you can enhance the prints further using black powder. This powder helps create a liftable print that can be transferred onto a print card. Apply the black powder over the prints, which are now visible due to the superglue fuming.
Once the prints have been developed with the black powder, use fingerprint lift tape to remove the black powder developed print. Ensure you smooth the tape carefully from one side to the other to achieve complete contact with the prints. After lifting the print, transfer it to the back of your fingerprint card, again working from one side to the other.
And that's it! You've successfully developed fingerprints first with superglue fuming and then with black powder. For more information on fingerprinting and other crime scene investigation techniques, consider visiting resources like the Crime Scene Investigator Network.