Formulation and evaluation of fingerprint powder to aid forensic investigation in a depressed economy

Abstract

This study was designed to produce an effective, locally produced fingerprint powder for identifying latent prints on various surfaces. Fingerprint identification uses the impressions of unique ridge patterns on the fingertip, visualized through powder application [1, 2]. Three research questions were used to guide the study on how the particle size and retention ability affect the visualization of the powder. The objective is to evaluate a crime scene effectively using locally-produced fingerprint powder. Our materials and methods combine comparison analysis, sieve analysis (#100 mesh, #150mesh (μm), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy using florescent, lycopodium-based powder. Equipment includes: thermal /electric driers (oven), ultraviolet scanning devices, and Optical and Electronic Microscopes. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), was used to determine the molecular structure and group of the element used; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) determined the particle arrangement, others are X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used for crystal structures, and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) for elemental composition. Results proved that finer powder particles adhere better to surfaces, while IR spectroscopy enables rapid powder constituent detection. The study demonstrates the importance of particle size and color for optimal latent print visualization on diverse surfaces [3]. Production of local powder will reduce the crime rate in our society, and lower the cost of crime investigation.