An imperative aspect in any criminal investigation is obtaining and identifying fingerprints as they are considered one of the most valuable pieces of biological evidence. Fingerprinting is a form of biometrics, which is a science that uses the physical characteristics of individuals in order to identify them (Watson, 2014). Ultimately, fingerprints consist of an arrangement of creases known as fraction ridges and they essentially comprise of pores. These pores are attached to the skins sweat or eccrine glands (Langenburg, 2014).
Fingerprints are classified into three different categories which are commonly referred to as either patent, latent or impressed prints. Latent prints are created through the eccrine glands that produce amino acids, …show more content…
Once the fine powders are brushed against the print residue, the microscopic particles cling to it, ultimately making it visible to the human eye. Once this process is completed, the revealed prints can be lifted using adhesive tapes (Forensic-medecine.info, 2014). Cyanoacrylate fuming, another method for revealing latent prints, is most commonly the desired method by forensic investigators today as it has other benefits to investigations. Most superglue is based with either methylcyanoacrylate or ethylcyanoacrylate. When these chemicals are heated they produce a vapour that sublimes and results in the formation of a white polymeric layer over the fingerprint ridges. This layer is not only useful for the exposure or latent prints but also allows for other exocrine secretions (such as sweat) to be traced without being destroyed. Without either of the print or the discovered substances being damaged through the cyanoacrylate fuming method, forensic scientists can use them to test the chemical DNA, further aiding in the investigation process (Forensic-medecine.info, 2014)(Baig, 2014)(Ccs.neu.edu,
Fingerprints are classified into three different categories which are commonly referred to as either patent, latent or impressed prints. Latent prints are created through the eccrine glands that produce amino acids, …show more content…
Once the fine powders are brushed against the print residue, the microscopic particles cling to it, ultimately making it visible to the human eye. Once this process is completed, the revealed prints can be lifted using adhesive tapes (Forensic-medecine.info, 2014). Cyanoacrylate fuming, another method for revealing latent prints, is most commonly the desired method by forensic investigators today as it has other benefits to investigations. Most superglue is based with either methylcyanoacrylate or ethylcyanoacrylate. When these chemicals are heated they produce a vapour that sublimes and results in the formation of a white polymeric layer over the fingerprint ridges. This layer is not only useful for the exposure or latent prints but also allows for other exocrine secretions (such as sweat) to be traced without being destroyed. Without either of the print or the discovered substances being damaged through the cyanoacrylate fuming method, forensic scientists can use them to test the chemical DNA, further aiding in the investigation process (Forensic-medecine.info, 2014)(Baig, 2014)(Ccs.neu.edu,