Noticeable improvements in ninhydrin-developed latent prints were observed when using the alternative DFO application procedure. Latent prints not visible during the initial, post-ninhydrin processing examination were observed on numerous occasions after subsequent DFO processing. Those latent prints developed using the alternative DFO application procedure were similar in quality to those developed using the conventional DFO application procedure followed by processing with a ninhydrin solution. This procedure offers an additional technique to those law enforcement agencies without access to either a laser or an alternate light source as well as an alternative to agencies with such a significant caseload of evidence they cannot afford to expend the additional time necessary for conventional DFO processing. Further, the use of direct heat, such as a dry iron or a heat press, appeared to improve significantly the fluorescence or visible results when DFO, ninhydrin, or a combination of the two were used. 5 references