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TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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FINGERPRINT POWDERS
Fingerprint powder is the most common method used to collect latent prints. There are a large variety of colors available, but black and silver are used most often. The color of powder is chosen so that it will offer the best contrast. For example, black powder would be chosen to process a white car for latent prints. On clear glass, contrast is not as important, and personal preference can be used to choose the powder color.
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LATENT PRINT CAMERA
The Latent Print Section uses a Fuji S3 Pro digital camera and a macro lens to capture images of latent prints. The camera is permanently mounted to prevent any movement with the settings preset for close up photography. After processing evidence for latent prints, the camera is sometimes used in conjunction with the fluorescent dye stains, colored filters, and an alternate light source (pictured above, left of the camera).
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AFIS
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
The latent print section uses AFIS on a daily basis to assist in the identification of unknown latent prints. Latent prints are searched against a state database maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (AFIS) and/or through a national database maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (I-AFIS). |
SUPER GLUE FUMING TANK
The Super Glue Fuming Tank is used to process non porous items for latent prints. Non porous items include guns, plastic bags, bottles, tools, cans, etc. A temporary enclosure is assembled for fuming larger items such as bikes, windows, safes, etc. As the super glue is heated, the vapors given off adhere to the perspiration in the latent prints. Most prints are still not visible without further enhancement, such as dye stains and an alternate light source or fingerprint powder. The prints are then photographed for comparison purposes.
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PHOTOGRAPHING AND CASTING IMPRESSIONS
Footwear and tire impressions are first photographed using a tripod and scale. Then the impression can be cast with dental stone. The photographs and casts are submitted and can be used for comparison to a known exemplar (shoe). |
COMPUTER DRAWING PROGRAMS
On all major cases a computer drawing is made of the scene. Currently, the SmartDraw Legal Solutions software is being used.
BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS COMPUTER PROGRAM   
BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS can be used to find out if the victim was standing, kneeling, sitting or lying, by using mathematical equations. It also can be determined how far away from the wall the victim was assaulted.
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LUMINOL
Luminol is a chemical that is applied onto a surface in a darkened room to detect any presence of blood that can not be seen with the naked eye. If there is blood present it will fluoresce in light blue, similar to the picture above. You can see on every other step a footwear impression that was made with the left foot.
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STATIC DUST LIFTER
The Static Dust Lifter is used on any surface where there is an impression in dust. The black film you see in the photograph is placed over the impression. The hand held pathfinder is placed down, an electric charge is applied and the impression is transferred onto the black film. The footwear impression on the film can be compared to a known exemplar (shoe).
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