Fingerprints
The comparison of fingerprints or palm prints from an item or surface at a crime scene with those taken from a suspect remains a key element of forensic work in criminal cases. We can confirm that a fingerprint has been correctly matched by a fingerprint bureau as this can link or eliminate individuals from an enquiry. However this is just one part of fingerprint evidence.
In a full forensic examination our fingerprint experts also consider the position and orientation of the fingerprints to determine potential mechanisms of placement and the activity of the donor. They will examine fingerprint laboratory records and continuity documentation. They can establish whether the correct chemical treatment procedures have been applied and whether there remain items which should have been treated to enhance prints which have not.
With this type of examination all the fingerprint evidence can then be considered to see whether or not the findings exclusively support a particular account of events. Typically our fingerprint experts will also establish the numbers of identified prints, the bases for exclusion of others and whether some prints remain unidentified but unreported. We can carry out further chemical/enhancement work if appropriate. We can also comment on the likely age and aging of fingerprints under different conditions, supported by experimentation.
