Sheriff's Office

Latent Print Processing

Analysts process evidence submitted to the laboratory for latent print processing and development. Items submitted to the laboratory with prints suitable for recovery will be automatically forwarded to the latent comparison section for final value evaluation. 

Submission Of Evidence for Latent Print Processing

• Always ensure evidence is packaged properly to protect the surface from being compromised.  
• When possible, separate latent print processing items from items that don't need this testing.
• Submit known fingerprint standards or major case prints as a separate item.

Note: If an item has been processed for prints before submission, no additional physical or powder processing will occur.

Methods: 

The Division will ensure that the best processing method is used within the parameters of the requested testing. If an item also requests DNA analysis, the latent print development method used will not negatively impact DNA processing.

• Visual
  • Visual Inspection with White Light
  • ALS (Alternate Light Source)
• Chemical
  • Amido Black
  • Blood Fixative
  • DFO
  • Ninhydrin
  • Silver Nitrate
  • Small Particle Reagent (SPR) Black/White
  • Cyanoacrylate (CAE)
  • Ray
  • Wetwop Black/White
  • Hydrochloric Acid Vapors
• Physical
  • Powders

Some development methods may permanently alter an item's appearance or functionality. Therefore, it is the requesting agency's responsibility to clarify if that is a concern.