ATF National Laboratories

FINGERPRINTS

• Types of Fingerprints
• Obtaining Inked/Rolled Prints
• Latent Prints
• Fingerprinting
• Factors Concerning Prints
• Packaging and Shipping

Types of Fingerprints

• inked/rolled
  • creates a permanent record
  • tracks criminal history
• latent
  • fingers, palms, soles of feet
  • establishes presence at the crime scene

Obtaining Inked/Rolled Prints

• Have subject wash hands prior to printing
• Print the fingers, palms, writer's palm
• Note all missing and unprintable fingers
• Make sure prints are clear & legible
• Use thinly rolled ink--not porlon ink pad
• Agent and suspect should sign & date card

Latent Prints

• Types
  • plastic
  • visible/ patent
  • invisible
• Prints are affected and effected by:
  • person touching surface
  • the receiving surface
  • the conditions of the scene
  • how item is packaged, shipped & processed at lab

Fingerprinting

• ATF Form 4473
• Submit:
  • the original 4473
  • original print card if available
    -or-
    photograph of printcard--not photocopy!
  • include palm and "writer's palm" prints

Factors Concerning Prints

• Time between print deposit and development directly effects print recovery.
• Improper shipment techniques can wipe off or eliminate prints.
• Lab specialists have the training, equipment, and are willing to assist in the field.

Packaging and Shipping

• Make sure all items are dry before packaging and transporting to lab.
• Plastic and visible prints: photograph before object is moved or print is lifted.
• Invisible prints: with proper training/experience, agents may use superglue method to fix prints prior to shipping.
• Non-porous evidence:
  • Print lies on surface (examples: guns, pipe fragments, plastic fragments, metal cans, plastic bags, drug scales, glass).
  • Do not allow these types of items to come in contact with other objects.
  • Do not allow item to shift inside packaging.
  • Do not use styrofoam packaging materials.
  • Remember to clear and render-safe all guns before shipping (use wire or nylon tie downs to secure inside box).
  • Always wear gloves & handle object as little as possible.
• Porous evidence:
  • Moisture from print is absorbed into the matrix (examples: paper, untreated wood, cardboard)
  • Wear gloves when handling object
  • Use paper envelopes, document protectors, or heavy duty plastic bags
  • Wrap wood & cardboard boxes in paper

Reprinted with permission.