Technical Procedure for Powder Processing Version 5
Latent Evidence Section Effective Date: 02/01/2019
Issued by Latent Technical Leader
Technical Procedure for Powder Processing
1.0 Purpose – This procedure outlines the procedure for the use of fingerprint powder.
2.0 Scope – This procedure applies to the proper method by which to use fingerprint powder on items of evidence.
2.1 Fingerprint powder is used on non-porous items of evidence to develop latent impressions, making them
visible to the naked eye. This technique will enable the Forensic Scientist to lift, photograph or
electronically capture the latent print for preservation and comparison purposes.
2.2 Various processing techniques may be used after an item has been processed with powders. It is generally
recommended that cyanoacrylate ester technique be used prior to powdering any item of evidence.
3.0 Definitions – N/A
4.0 Equipment, Materials and Reagents
4.1 Equipment and Materials
Commercially prepared fingerprint powder: black, specialized powders and magnetic powder
Brushes: camel hair (assorted sizes), Zephyr (fiberglass bristles), Feather, and Magna wands (used
with magnetic powders)
Fingerprint lifting tape and tape dispenser: clear, frosted, and polyethylene
4.2 Reagents – N/A
5.0 Procedure
5.1 Choose the powder that provides the most contrast. Powder shall provide the most contrast when
compared to the background surface. Black, white, silver/gray, bi-chromatic, fluorescent, and magnetic
powders are all available for use. Additionally, depending upon the material of the item (metal, plastic,
etc.), the magnetic properties of the powder shall be considered. Magnetic powder may be used on non-
metal items.
5.2 Dip brush into the powder containing vessel. Ensure that the tips of the bristles make contact with the
powder surface.
5.3 For non-magnetic powders, tap away excess powder from brush.
5.4 Lightly brush the powder over the surface of the item of evidence using only the tips of the brush.
Carefully brush the entire surface of the item until ridge detail becomes visible. Some latent impressions
are light in color and will not appear dark after powder is applied. Low levels of moisture in the latent
print may account for this. An effective way to develop these types of impressions is to introduce moisture
to the latent print. This may be accomplished by breathing moist air onto the area containing the latent
print. Allow the moisture to dry and reapply the powder (it is not necessary to allow the moisture to dry
when using magnetic powders).
5.5 Once the latent impression has become visible, gently brush away any excess powder adhering to the
impression. Impression shall then be preserved using photography, lifting techniques or electronic
preservation methods.
Page 1 of 4
All copies of this document are uncontrolled when printed.
Technical Procedure for Powder Processing Version 5
Latent Evidence Section Effective Date: 02/01/2019
Issued by Latent Technical Leader
5.6 Photography: It is important to photograph any developed impression prior to lifting attempts. This will
assist the Forensic Scientist at a later time if the impression is damaged or destroyed by further processing.
A variety of camera equipment is available to record the impressions (see Technical Procedure for Nikon
Digital Camera). Use a scale in all photographs.
5.7 Lifting: The impression may be lifted by applying the adhesive side of a commercially available lifting
tape to the surface containing the latent print. The tape used must be large enough that one piece covers
the entire area to be lifted. A folded over flap of tape shall be used for a hand-hold.
5.7.1 Tape shall be removed from the roll in one motion in order to prevent streaks.
5.7.2 Apply tape evenly in order to prevent wrinkles and/or air bubbles. Firmly hold the folded-over end
of the tape, slowly press the free end onto the surface to be lifted and smooth the length of tape
over the surface.
5.7.3 Tape shall then be removed in a smooth, continuous motion.
5.7.4 Place the tape on a sheet of white paper (or lift card which is of contrasting color) in the same
manner as the tape was applied to the surface. When several prints are developed (side by side or
grouped closely together), lift all on one piece of tape. Wider tapes shall be used for multiple prints
(or place two or more strips of tape over the impression and lift together).
5.7.5 Label each lift with the appropriate case numbers, item number, date, Forensic Scientist initials,
location the lift(s) originated and any other cross reference information necessary.
5.8 Electronically preserved impressions: Latent impressions may also be electronically recorded with a
computerized system such as the Image Processing System (See Section Image Processing Procedure).
This process is to be used with faint or difficult impressions on certain surfaces. This practice often will
allow the Forensic Scientist to record impressions that may have been unrecoverable prior to the
implementation of this technology.
5.9 Standards and Controls-N/A
5.10 Calibration – N/A
5.11 Sampling – N/A
5.12 Calculations - N/A
5.13 Uncertainty of Measurement - N/A
6.0 Limitations - N/A
7.0 Safety – Powdering should be done inside a fume hood or in a well-ventilated area. Protective gloves,
protective eyewear and a lab coat shall be worn.
Page 2 of 4
All copies of this document are uncontrolled when printed.
Technical Procedure for Powder Processing Version 5
Latent Evidence Section Effective Date: 02/01/2019
Issued by Latent Technical Leader
8.0 References
Azoury, M., et al. “Old Latent Prints Developed with Powder: A Rare Phenomenon?” Journal of Forensic
Identification. Vol. 54, 5: 534–541 (2004).
Freeman, H.N. “The Use of Fingerprint Powders to Develop Latent Prints on Electrical or Plastic Tapes.”
Journal of Forensic Sciences. Vol. 47, 6: 417-420 (December 1991).
Hamm, E. “Enhancement and Development of Blood Prints.” 74th Annual Educational Conference
International Association for Identification. (June 22, 1989): 1-11.
Kent, T., ed. Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques: A Guide to the Selection and Use of Processing
for the Development of Latent Fingerprints. Police Scientific Development Branch, London (July 1992).
Kimble, G.W. “Powder Suspension Processing.” Journal of Forensic Identification. Vol. 46, 3: 273-279 (June
1996).
Laskowski, G.E. “A Preliminary Comparison of Soviet Fingerprint Powders with Selected U.S. Fingerprint
Powders.” Journal of Forensic Identification. Vol. 41, 5: 321-332 (1991).
Lee, H.C. “Methods of Latent Print Development.” Proceedings of the International Forensic Symposium on
Latent Prints. (July 1987): 15–24.
Lennard, C.J. and P.A. Margot. “Sequencing of Reagents for the Improved Visualization of Latent
Fingerprints.” Proceedings of the International Forensic Symposium on Latent Prints. (July 1987): 141-142.
Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques: A Guide to the Selection and Use of Processes for the
Development of Latent Fingerprints. Scientific Research and Development Branch, London (1986).
Pleckaitis, J. “Developing Friction Ridge Detail on the Interior of Latex and Nitrile Gloves.” Journal of
Forensic Identification. Vol. 57, 2: 230–239 (2007).
Saroa, J.S., G.S. Sodhi, and R.K. Garg. “Evaluation of Fingerprint Powders.” Journal of Forensic
Identification. Vol. 56, 2: 186–197 (2006).
Sodhii, G.S., J. Kaur, and R.K. Garg. “Fingerprint Powder Formulations Based on Organic, Fluorescent Dyes.”
Journal of Forensic Identification. Vol. 54, 1: 4–8 (2004).
Trozzi, T.A., R.L. Schwartz and M.L. Hollars. Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints. (2000).
US Department of Justice. Chemical Formulas and Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints. FBI
Laboratory Division, Latent Fingerprint Section (1994).
9.0 Records – N/A
10.0 Attachments – N/A
Page 3 of 4
All copies of this document are uncontrolled when printed.
Technical Procedure for Powder Processing Version 5
Latent Evidence Section Effective Date: 02/01/2019
Issued by Latent Technical Leader
Revision History
Effective Date Version Reason
Number
09/17/2012
1 Original Document
10/31/2013 2 Added issuing authority to header
08/29/2014 3 Correct punctuation and typos
04/07/2017 4 Header Update – Removed Digital reference.
02/01/2019 5 Changed issuer in header
Changed counting number references words instead if numerals.
4.1: changed “Magna” to “magnetic”
5.6: corrected reference to technical procedure
5.8: moved from under 5.7
Page 4 of 4
All copies of this document are uncontrolled when printed.