ABSTRACT
When a fingerprint technician is working alone, the putty technique can be very useful and can supplement basic fingerprint acquisition techniques. There are different variations of this technique. A portion of air conditioning duct seal or plumber’s putty is flattened to a 2.5 inch square that is about 0.5 inch thick. The adhesive lifter is then placed onto the flattened putty with the adhesive side facing up. The putty and lifter are then placed against the decedent’s powdered finger with light pressure, allowing for the putty to slightly bend against the decedent’s finger (Figure 3.10a). The putty and lifter are then removed and the lifter bearing the fingerprint impression is slowly peeled away from the putty (Figure 3.10bd). The fingerprint lifter is then placed onto the corresponding area on the backside of a clear acetate fingerprint card.
