NCJ Number
209475
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2005 Pages: 169-175
Date Published
March 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the effectiveness of alternate light source (ALS) in improving inked fingerprint impressions, specifically an Authentiprint fingerprint.
Abstract
Authentiprint is a label product used to place an inkless fingerprint on checks and other documents. A chemical capture sticker is placed on the document, the customer touches an activator pad, and the customer’s finger touches the treated Authentiprint sticker. In a particular case, this process aided law enforcement in making a positive identification of a suspect. However, after approximately a year, the fingerprint on the Authentiprint had completed faded. This article discusses how the use of alternate light source (ALS) can improve inked fingerprint impressions that were either too light, smudged, or obliterated by the background on a document. Used on the Authentiprint label, the ALS was found to be useful in photographing the faded fingerprint and worked well on other problem inked impressions, such as lightly inked, smudged, or background interference. References, figures