ABSTRACT
The use of fingerprints as a means of personal identification has been used for centuries. As the fingerprint discipline continues to evolve as a field of forensic science, the reliability of the examination of friction ridge skin will continue as a primary means of identification. Physical evidence can be divided into two basic categories when considering the application of latent print development techniques: porous and nonporous. Hydrochloric acid, or muriatic acid, may be used to develop latent impressions on porous items, especially thermal paper. 1,2-Indanedione can also be used as 1,8-Diazafluoren-9-One for the development of latent impressions on non-thermal paper. Zinc chloride is a fluorescent technique that is traditionally applied following the development of latent impressions after ninhydrin. A single-step silver nitrate spray reagent is available through some manufacturers; however, physical developer is a multistep development technique. Sticky side powder is a reagent for the development of latent prints on the sticky side on adhesive tape.
