Checking a surface for possible fingerprints is something that some of us have to do on a daily basis, but what do you do when you don't have a professional fingerprint kit? To find out, continue reading this simple guide.
Steps
Step 1. Pulverize some graphite and collect it on a piece of paper, then sprinkle the area to be examined with a thin (very thin) layer of graphite
Step 2. When the footprints are well defined, blow (very gently) on the surface from a reasonable distance, to remove excess graphite without ruining the result
Step 3. Use clear tape (or equivalent) and stick it on the identified footprint
Make sure to cover it in its entirety (if this is not possible use a piece of transparent adhesive paper of the appropriate size).
Step 4. Attach the taken impression to a piece of white card
Step 5. Now you are able to compare the detected fingerprint with those already in your possession
Step 6. Finished
Advice
- Most of the detected fingerprints will be partial and devoid of distinctive features (dermatoglyphs).
- Even when wearing gloves it is possible to damage fingerprints on a surface. So don't touch anything!
- The surface on which you want to take the impressions must be smooth and non-porous. A simple way to check this requirement is to observe its brilliance. If it is a shiny surface, there may be fingerprints.
Warnings
- To be in possession of a person's fingerprints, you must have a legitimate reason, or you may run into legal trouble.
- Do not use this procedure in a real crime scene. If you run into a crime scene, call the appropriate authorities and never interfere with the work of professionals.
