Latent Print Processing Flashcards

When lifting a developed latent print from a surface, which material is most commonly used?

Answer: Gelatin or adhesive lifting tape

Gelatin lifters and adhesive tape conform to surface contours and transfer the developed print for permanent preservation.

Cyanoacrylate fuming works best in which environmental conditions?

Answer: High humidity and moderate temperature

High humidity accelerates the polymerization of cyanoacrylate onto amino acids and water in latent print deposits.

Which technique is specifically designed to develop latent prints on human skin?

Answer: Iodine-silver plate transfer method

The iodine-silver plate transfer technique transfers iodine-developed prints from skin onto a silver plate where they become permanent.

What is the main purpose of using a 'fluorescent powder' rather than a standard aluminum or carbon powder?

Answer: It provides contrast on multi-colored or patterned backgrounds under UV/ALS

Fluorescent powders emit light under UV or ALS illumination, making the print stand out even on complex or multi-colored backgrounds.

Which AFIS term refers to the automated comparison score assigned to a candidate print match?

Answer: Candidate score or similarity score

AFIS systems assign a numerical similarity score to candidate matches, which are then ranked for a human examiner to verify.

What is the significance of 'substrate porosity' when selecting a latent print developer?

Answer: Porous surfaces absorb sweat components while non-porous surfaces retain them on top

Porous materials like paper absorb amino acids into the substrate, requiring chemical reagents, while non-porous surfaces hold deposits on top, suited for powders or CA fuming.

A CSI must process a piece of wet cardboard for latent prints. The best first-line reagent is:

Answer: Physical Developer

Physical Developer is the reagent of choice for wet porous surfaces because it reacts with metallic deposits that resist washing, unlike amino-acid reagents.