NCJ Number
218718
Date Published
July 2003
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the effectiveness of the CONDOR Macroscopic Chemical Imaging System, a new chemical imaging technique for the detection of latent fingerprints.
Abstract
The results indicate that the new chemical imaging technology has the ability to provide significant improvements in the detection of untreated and chemically treated latent fingerprints. Chemical imaging also demonstrated increased contrast of fingerprints developed on difficult backgrounds, such as fluorescent, dark, and rough or multicolored surfaces. Thus, chemical imaging provides an effective strategy for detecting even the most challenging latent fingerprints. The new technique works by combining molecular spectroscopy and digital imaging technology. The assessment involved using the CONDOR Macroscopic Chemical Imaging System to capture untreated latent fingerprints on white paper, on the dark region of a counterfeit $10 bill, and on a bag treated with ninhydrin. The analyses by CONDOR were compared to the fingerprint analysis conducted using traditional methods. Figures, references