How To Dust for Fingerprints

A fingerprint that means an impression of the friction ridges on all parts of the finger can be transferred from the pad on the last joint of fingers and thumbs for legal and other required uses. Fingerprint cards are also used to record portions of lower joint areas of the fingers.
Palm print identification or fingerprint identification can be performed by comparing questioned and known friction skin ridge impressions. You can easily determine impressions from fingers or palms, toes, or even same finger or palm.

Fingerprint dusting enables in uncovering information necessary for identifying an unknown victim, suspect or witness, for verifying records or establishing links between a suspect and a crime. No two fingerprints are never alike because of which you can dust for fingerprints accurately for identifying individuals for crime identification.

1. Identifying the surface area needed for dust fingerprints is the first process. Since fingers contain perspiration and oil coating, a print is left when ever fingers touch any relatively smooth surface as a result of the friction.

2. Pour little powder on a piece of paper. The color of the powder should be in contrast with the surface color. Choose white powder on a dark surface and a black powder for a light surface.

3. Shake the brush to spread the bristles apart.

4. After dipping the tip of the brush in the powder, slowly tap the handle of the brush to remove excess powder.

5. Next process is running the brush gently over the powdered surface in quick and short stroke.

6. Stretch out the cellophane tape while pressing it gently on top of the print.

7. Pull the tape quickly from the print in a fluid motion. Now submit an application of the tape with the print to a piece of paper.

You will acquire the accurate fingerprints from dusting metal, wood, plastics, glass, and tile surfaces. Fingerprints dustings are however less successful on paper, cardboard and leather surfaces. Avoid pouring powder directly from a tin onto the surface area during dusting as excess of powder contaminates the prints.