Video Presentations


Latent Fingerprints


Locating and Collecting Fingerprints Classification of Fingerprints Fingerprint Comparison

Latent Print Development

This lecture on latent print development includes types of prints; deposition factors; surface types; process selection; evidence handling; packaging; and the composition of latent print residue.


Preservation of Friction Ridges

This lecture on the preservation of friction ridges includes preservation through photography and the collection of fingerprints.


Documentation of Friction Ridge Impressions

This lecture on documentation of fingerprints includes general crime scene documentation; collecting Items of evidence; latent print development and recovery on scene; and marking lifts.


Fingerprint Development and Preservation - Part 1

This lecture includes the properties of fingerprints, how latent fingerprints are developed, fingerprints powders, brushes, backing cards and DNA considerations.


Fingerprint Development and Preservation - Part 2, Lifting with Powders

This lecture includes demonstrations on using fingerprint powders (including black powder, magnetic powder, and florescent powder).


Fingerprint Development and Preservation - Part 3, Textured Surfaces

This lecture includes demonstrations on dusting and lifting latent fingerprints from textured surfaces.


Fingerprint Development and Preservation - Part 4, Detecting Latents with Chemicals

This lecture includes demonstrations on using chemicals to detect latent fingerprints including cyanoacrylate (super glue) for nonporous surfaces; Iodine fuming, ninhydrin, DFO, and silver nitrate for porous surfaces; small particle reagent for wet surfaces; and gentian violet and crystal violet for the sticky side of tape. Also included is how to remove tape from a surface and not disturb fingerprints on the sticky side and enhancing blood-contaminated impressions for photography.


Developing Fingerprints on Cartridge Cases

Recovered cartridge casings can be dipped into diluted or undiluted gun blueing to cause a chemical reaction between the blueing and the fingerprint residue on the casing.


Developing Latent Fingerprints with Black Powder

Learn how to develop latent fingerprints using black fingerprint powder.


Developing Latent Fingerprints with Super Glue

Learn how to develop fingerprints with cyanoacrylate (super glue).


Developing Latent Fingerprints with Magnetic Powder

Learn how to develop latent fingerprints using magnetic fingerprint powder.


Using Mikrosil to Lift Fingerprints from Irregular Surfaces

Learn how to use Mikrosil to lift black powdered latent fingerprints from irregular surfaces.


Fingerprint Classification Part 1: Fingerprint Pattern Interpretation

This video covers the three basic fingerprint patterns (arches, loops and whorls) as well as their subcategories. It includes classification terminology and nomenclature of each pattern.


Fingerprint Classification Part 2: The Henry Classification System

Learn how to classify the fingerprints on a ten print card using the Henry Classification System.


Fingerprint Classification Part 3: The NCIC Classification System

Learn how to classify the fingerprints on a ten print card using the NCIC Classification System.


Fingerprint Comparison Part 1: Friction Ridge Identification

Learn how to compare fingerprints.
NOTE: It is recommended you view Fingerprint Classification Part 1 before viewing this video to learn the general types of fingerprint patterns and terminology that is used in this video.


Fingerprint Comparison Part 2: Friction Ridge Identification

Learn how to compare fingerprints.


Fingerprint Comparison Part 3: Documentation of the examination of friction ridge impressions

Learn how to document the examination of friction ridge impressions.


How to Compare Fingerprints—The Basics