LP Processing

A common form of physical processing is the conventional powder dusting procedure, which is used to enhance latent fingerprints on non-porous items of evidence. Three conventional powder colors - black, gray or white - are used to lift latent prints. A color is chosen based on the contrast of the background of the item's surface.
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A fine coating of powder is dusted on the evidence with a feather brush. The powder sticks to the moisture in the latent print and the print becomes visible.
Clear adhesive tape is used to "lift" the print from the evidence.
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The tape with the lifted print is placed on a white card and then can be used for comparison purposes.