Research Article

Effect of substrate surface topography on forensic development of latent fingerprints with iron oxide powder suspension

  1. B. J. Jones1,*,
  2. R. Downham2,
  3. V. G. Sears2

Article first published online: 29 MAR 2010

DOI: 10.1002/sia.3311

Issue

Surface and Interface Analysis

Surface and Interface Analysis

Special Issue: Surface Science Applications in Forensic Analysis

Volume 42, Issue 5, pages 438–442, May 2010

Additional Information

How to Cite

Jones, B. J., Downham, R. and Sears, V. G. (2010), Effect of substrate surface topography on forensic development of latent fingerprints with iron oxide powder suspension. Surface and Interface Analysis, 42: 438–442. doi: 10.1002/sia.3311

Author Information

  1. 1

    Experimental Techniques Centre, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK

  2. 2

    Fingerprint & Footwear Forensic Group, Home Office Scientific Development Branch, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 9HQ, UK

*Experimental Techniques Centre, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 12 APR 2010
  2. Article first published online: 29 MAR 2010
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 25 JAN 2010
  4. Manuscript Revised: 21 DEC 2009
  5. Manuscript Received: 14 AUG 2009

Funded by

  • UK Home Office project. Grant Number: 7088762

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Keywords:

  • fingerprints;
  • powder suspension;
  • surface structure;
  • microscopy;
  • forensic;
  • latent

Abstract

Latent fingerprint deposition and effectiveness of detection are strongly affected by the surface on which prints are deposited. Material properties, surface roughness, morphology, chemistry and hydrophobicity can affect the usefulness or efficacy of forensic print development techniques. Established protocols outline appropriate techniques and sequences of processes for broad categories of operational surfaces. This study uses atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate a series of surfaces classified as smooth, non-porous plastic. Latent prints developed with iron oxide powder suspension are analysed on a range of scales from macro to nano to help elucidate the interaction mechanisms between the latent fingerprint, development agent and underlying surface. Differences between surfaces have a strong effect, even within this single category. We show that both average roughness and topographical feature shape, characterised by skew, kurtosis and lay, are important factors to consider for the processing of latent fingerprints. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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