NCJ Number
173236
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 1996 Pages: 678-688
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of different types of Polaroid film to obtain improved latent fingerprints.
Abstract
The article describes techniques and procedures for extracting fingerprints from even the lowest contrast ratio between the fingerprint and the object. The Polaroid MP-4 camera system, Polaroid types 51HC, 52, and Polapan Pro 100 black and white sheet film provide the best results with instant capture for improved contrast. The primary goal in photographing latent fingerprints is documentation. The ability to see the results rapidly can, and often does, encourage greater experimentation than does conventional photography. The use of certain instant photography techniques and reliable instant films, each with specialized properties, permits a relatively easy and quick exploration into improving the overall quality of almost any latent print, regardless of initial contrast. Proper application of instant photography can become an essential part of the latent fingerprint development process. Figures