Which technique is commonly used to lift fingerprints from surfaces?

Dusting with fingerprint powder is a widely used technique for lifting fingerprints from various surfaces, particularly non-porous ones like glass, metal, or plastic. This method involves applying a finely milled powder to the surface where the fingerprint is believed to be present. The powder adheres to the oils and sweat left behind by the fingers, making the latent fingerprint visible. After the print is made visible, investigators can then use adhesive tape to lift it from the surface for analysis.

This technique is favored for its effectiveness and the level of detail it can reveal, making it a standard procedure in crime scene investigations. The powder can come in various colors and compositions depending on the surface and environmental conditions, allowing for optimal contrast and visibility of the print. It emphasizes the importance of the physical and chemical characteristics of the surfaces and prints in forensic science. While other methods exist, dusting with fingerprint powder remains one of the most reliable and commonly employed techniques in the practice of forensic fingerprint analysis.