Advancing Possibilities for Fingerprint Retrieval

Forensic technology that will make it “impossible” for criminals to erase their fingerprints from crime scenes has been developed by scientists at Loughborough University. The advanced detection technique, which allows investigators to take prints from problematic exhibits such as spent ammunition casings, was carried out in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) - an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence.

Those involved in the innovation said it will make it far easier for police to recover impressions from previously problematic crime scenes involving materials subjected to high temperatures, or immersed in water, or prints left on deformed surfaces.

Dr Paul Kelly, of the University’s chemistry department started work on the project seven years ago alongside PhD student Rob King, who is now a research and development applications specialist for forensic company Foster and Freeman (F&F) – the company that will make the technology commercially available later this year.

Dr Kelly said the technique has the potential for major advancements in forensic science and expects it to be popular across the globe.

He said: “This advancement opens up possibilities for evidence retrieval in situations where traditional methods either struggle or fail completely – for example, when attempts have been made to destroy print evidence through burning or washing.

“The whole process, up until now, has been developed here at Loughborough, from its initial serendipitous observations through to prototyping. But now Foster and Freeman will refine the technology for commercial use. It’ll be gratifying to see it sold worldwide and deliver a positive impact on forensic capabilities.”