Commonly available, everyday materials as non-conventional powders for the visualization of latent fingerprints

Abstract

The fingerprint development technique is one of the oldest methods used in forensic science and is a common method of identifying perpetrators. Powder dusting is a popular method for detecting latent fingerprints. Our immediate need is to identify a cheap, non-toxic, commonly available powder as an alternative to expensive, toxic, complicated powders. The goal of this review is to compile the research works done by various experts to identify commonly available, everyday materials as fingerprint powders. The authors have discussed sixty four of such materials from various categories such as food powders, plant materials, minerals, cosmetics, carbon-based materials, and miscellaneous powders. Also they have summarized the key points of the articles that have been published in the context of the goal. Among the various everyday used powders, turmeric powder was identified as a promising material for the detection of latent fingerprints. The effectiveness of white cement, silica gel G, gram flour, etc. was also impressive. Chilli-based powders have been reported to be poor fingerprint powders. Luminescent carbon dots are fascinating newcomers to this field but they have not yet been investigated as a dedicated fingerprint powder. This area provides ample opportunity for researchers to explore the ability of various commonly available, non-toxic and inexpensive, everyday materials to be applied as non-conventional fingerprint powders.