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Fingertips: Large-Scale Use of Ninhydrin at a Crime Scene

NCJ Number
233533
Journal
Identification Canada Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 23-31
Author(s)
Rod Deighton; Mark Christensen
Date Published
March 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the application and use of the amino acid reagent, ninhydrin in the development of latent fingerprints over large-scale areas.
Abstract
Vancouver offers an ideal climate for the application of the amino acid reagent, ninhydrin, for the development of friction ridge impressions on porous substrates. The Vancouver Police Department's Forensic Identification Unit has mobilized this technique for large-scale use at crimes. This paper discusses the equipment and process used for spraying ninhydrin over large, confined areas in order to develop latent fingerprints at serious crime scenes. (Published Abstract) Figures and references