Fluorescent Fingerprint Forensics Aims to Increase IDs from Hidden Prints
Color-changing fluorescent films could lead to higher confidence identifications from latent (hidden) fingerprints on knives, guns, bullet casings and other meal surfaces, according to a Science Codex article.
The greatest source of fingerprint forensic evidence comes from latent fingerprints (those not immediately visible to the eye) because they are less likely to be ‘wiped,’ the article says. However, getting a clear visual of these prints for positive identification is difficult. Despite the availability of several enhancement techniques, only 10 percent of fingerprints taken from crime scenes are sufficient to be used in court.