An investigation into the effects of force applied during deposition on latent fingermarks and inked fingerprints using a variable force fingerprint sampler.

Physical factors, including the magnitude of the force applied during fingermark deposition, may affect friction ridge surface area and clarity, and the quantity of residue transferred. Consistency between fingermarks may be required; for example, in research projects, yet differences between marks are likely to exist when physical factors are not controlled. Inked fingerprints and latent fingermarks were deposited at 1-10 N at 1 N increments using a variable force fingerprint sampler to control the force, angle of friction ridge and surface contact, and the duration of friction ridge and surface contact.

An investigation into the use of a portable cyanoacrylate fuming system (SUPERfume®) and aluminum powder for the development of latent fingermarks.

Few techniques offer "in situ" methods of friction ridge skin mark development. "In situ" development reduces mark transportation, degradation, and often cost. The effectiveness of cyanoacrylate fuming using the SUPERfume(®) and dusting with aluminum powder for latent fingermark development on several nonporous surfaces, stored in various temperature environments for time periods up to 52 weeks, was investigated.

Determination of the sequence of latent fingermarks and writing or printing on white office paper.

Latent fingermarks were deposited onto white office paper samples containing writing or printing from several media (for example, ballpoint pens and laser printers). Fingermarks were deposited both before and after writing/printing. The marks were then treated with appropriate latent fingermark development techniques.