Chemical Methods for the Detection of Latent Fingermarks

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of chemical techniques for the detection of latent fingermarks, with a primary focus on methods for the treatment of porous surfaces. This is followed by a discussion of the experimental considerations for research into latent fingermark chemistry before concluding with some comments on current research directions in this field. One of the most crucial aspects of the successful development of latent fingermarks is an understanding of the interaction between a development reagent and its target compound(s) . Therefore, it is the chemistry of latent fingermark residue to which attention is first turned.