Introduction:
The powder technique for detecting latent fingerprints involves the application of a finely
divided formulation to the finger mark impression, generally with a glass-fibre or a camel
hair brush. The power gets mechanically adhered to the sweat residue defining the ridge
pattern. The furrows which are devoid of the fingerprint residue do not adhere the power onto
them. The final outcome is that the power formulation sticks to the ridges, but is easily blown
off the furrows. Since the powder is normally coloured, the ridge pattern becomes visible and
the latent print is said to have developed.
History:
The use of fingerprint powders dates back to the last decade of the 19th century. Sir Edward
Richard Henry (1850-1931), who devised the finger-print classification formula,
recommended the use of mercury-based and graphite-based powders. The former
formulation, called hydrargyrum cum creta, was composed of one part of mercury and two
parts of chalk, by weight. The powder was suitable for developing latent prints on non-
absorbent surface such as glass and dark-painted or lacquered utilities. However, the
formulation was withdrawn in 1967 because the mercury content could be a health hazard.
Moreover, it was ineffective for developing prints on gold ornaments as mercury reacted with
gold and marred its surface. The graphite-based power was very useful for developing
imprints on silver-painted objects. However, even this powder was withdrawn since it was
messy to use, particularly if the examination was to be carried out in open and a high wind
was blowing.
Application procedure:
Before the application of powder formulation, the surface should be searched visually for the
fingerprint impression. This is usually done with the aid of an intense light source in concert
with a magnifying glass.
The print should first be photographed using an appropriate filter. Next, the relevant power
should be applied with in a circular motion by a fingerprint brush.
Care should be taken to prevent the smudging of the imprint. The excess powder should then
be removed by dusting the surface with a gentle tapping. The developed print should once
again be photographed. Finally, it should be lifted with a tape and preserved for record.
Application of power to fingerprint by brushing is a well-established technique but has one
disadvantage: contact of the brush with the fingerprint has an inevitable destructive effect so
that a degree of caution is required by the fingerprint expert. It has been estimated that about
10% of latent fingerprints developed at crime scenes using convention powder dusting
procedures, are difficult to identify.
Fingerprint powders:
Regular fingerprint powders consist of a resinous polymer for adhesion and a colorant for
contrast. The adhesive gets adhered to the moisture and oily components of the sweat residue
by the pressure deficit mechanism, while the colorant gets adsorbed on the adhesive. In this
manner, the ridge pattern is visualized. The commonly used adhesives are starch, kaolin,
rosin, and silica gel. The colorant may be an inorganic salt or an organic derivative.
1. Black powder:
Composition:
Ferric oxide powder: Black ferric oxide 50%, Rosin 25%, Lampblack 25%
Manganese dioxide powder: Manganese dioxide 45%, Black ferric oxide 25%,
Lampblack 25%, Rosin 5%
2. White powder:
Composition:
Titanium oxide powder: Titanium oxide 60%, Talc 20%, Kaolin lenis 20%
Chalk Titanium oxide powder: Chalk 15%, Kaolin lenis15%, Titanium oxide 70%
3. Aluminum Powder:
Composition:
Chemist grey powder: Chemist Gray 80% and Aluminum powder 20%
Lead Carbonate powder: Lead carbonate 80%, Gum arabic 15%, Aluminum powder
3%, Lampblack 2%
4. Fluorescent powder:
Composition:
1% organic Dye, Adhesive mixture of meshed Aluminum, Boric acid, Talc and Barium
Carbonate
5. Magnetic powders:
Magnetic powders are made by incorporating coarse, spherical iron particles in the
conventional powders. The magnetic iron acts as a carrier for the nonmagnetic formulation,
forming a brush when the powder is picked up with a magnetized applicator. On brushing the
imprint impression, only the fine particles of the formulation adhere to the fingerprint
residue. Once the print has been developed, the excess powder can be detached from the
applicator by withdrawing the magnetized steel rod.