Development of Reverse Fingerprint Lifting Techniques for Forensic Applications

Latent fingerprint lifting has been carried out on objects to identify and classify the human touched objects within a workplace, which can be readily applied for both traditional fingerprint analysis and microbiome-based forensic identification. A total of 20 objects in a work place environment, including cabinet handle, cell phone, door knob, keyboard, mouse, office phone, and stapler, were selected for this study. Four different types of tapes were used for lifting. The lifted invisible prints were then observed by three different methods: 1) forensic light source, 2) powder dusting, and 3) adhesive-side developer. Developed visible fingerprints were then photographed. Forensic light source made the print visible on clear tape and packing tape lifted from several objects including paper weight, and door. Red powder dusting used after lifting was successful with prints on some tapes. Developing solution showed better results with masking tape and packing tape. The results showed that the reverse lifting method worked well with glazed/smooth surfaces such as mug, mouse, window and door, which will allow investigators to use other forensic applications including the microbiome-based analysis as well as the fingerprint lifting on the same object in a crime scene.