Advanced Latent Print Processing

This two-day course is designed to teach law enforcement and crime scene personnel how and why to use particular methods of development on varying surfaces when working to obtain latent prints from a crime scene. We will discuss generally accepted processes used within the field to include powders, Ninhydrin, Wetwop, sticky-side powder, and Amido Black. In addition, we will incorporate best practices for latent print recovery and preservation.

Attendees will obtain the knowledge needed to know where latent prints would most likely be found, be able to choose the best processing methods for development on specific surfaces, recognize when to use each process and the correct order of use, understand the importance of contrasting ridge detail, increase the rate of recovered prints, and improve the quality/value of the prints developed and recovered. This course will be a guide to gaining an overall understanding of several latent print processing and recovery methods.

Objectives

Participants will:

• Have a working knowledge of latent print processing methods
• Be able to identify the best latent print development methods
• Be able to identify the best process for recovery of friction ridge detail
• Know how the substrate can affect development methods
• Know how surfaces can affect recovery techniques