Useful working tool to develop fingerprints on adhesive tapes with powder suspensions

Abstract The majority of forensic laboratories use powder suspensions such as “wet powders” to develop fingerprints on adhesive tapes. These solutions are made of water, detergent, and particles that colour the mixture black or white. They are applied with a brush onto the surface to be treated. The operation may be complicated according to the length of the adhesive and the ability to wash off the tape using running water. In order to simplify the use of this method involving powder suspensions, the Fingerprints Unit of the Forensic Science Laboratory of the French Gendarmerie has developed a new working tool to facilitate treatment, rinsing and waste management.