ABSTRACT
Fingerprint powders and suspensions are physical processes that involve the physical adhesion of powder particles to latent print residues. Powder processing is not a sensitive method for developing latent prints. Chemical reagents are usually preferable. However, it is the method of choice for immobile items such as windows, doors, banisters, and large furniture items at crime scenes. There are six types of fingerprint powder, each available in a variety of colors: granular fingerprint powder, magnetic powder, fluorescent powder, metallic flake powder, nanopowder, and infrared powder. The color and type of powder chosen is dependent on the substrate of interest. In the laboratory exercises in this chapter, latent prints are developed on a variety of surfaces using granular and magnetic fingerprint powders and lifted with tape and silicone casting material.
