Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 08/01/201 8
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SS106 - Fingerprint Evidence Collection 1 SS106 FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE COLLECTION
SS106.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this procedure is to describe the process for obtaining fingerprint evidence through
development, lifting techniques and labeling with regard to the collection and preservation of
evidence. Elimination prints should be taken from known individuals for comparison purposes.
Any evidence items destined to be processed by the lab should first be booked as evidence in
Property. Latent print cards will be taken to the lab by assigned department personnel (Refer to
Property SS708).
All methods used for processing should be consistent with statutory and case law.
SS106.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This Proce dure pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 83.2.1; 83.2.3 ; 83.2.4
This Procedure relates to the following General Orders: §804 .3.1
SS106.2 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms shall have these assigned meanings, unless it is apparent from
the content of a police report that they have a different meaning:
Fingerprints - A fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridges of all or any part of the finger.
These friction ridges deposit grease and perspiration on the object touched, and may be produced
when criminals take hold of an object or support themselves with their hands. Prints may also be
formed when fingers are contaminated with foreign material, such as dirt, blood, or oils, or when
the fingers are pressed against a pliable plastic material and produce a negative impression of
the pattern of the friction ridges.
SS106.2.1 TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS
The three fundamental forms of fingerprint evidence are:
a) Latents – invisible deposits of oil, salt, water, etc., on a surface;
b) Patents – visible patterns in grease, oil, etc., on a surface.
c) Plastic – fingerprints left by an impression
SS106.2.2 TYPES OF LATENT PRINT PROCESSING
a) Powders
b) Fuming Wand Cyanoacrylate (Super glue)
c) Fuming Tank Cyanoacrylate (Super glue)
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 08/01/201 8
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SS106 - Fingerprint Evidence Collection 2 d) Ninhydrin
e) Sticky Side Tape Developer
f) Small Particle Reagent
SS106.3 POWDER PROCESSING
Almost all fingerprints wi ll be detected by conventional methods using powders on fresh prints.
Every patrol officer and PSO is issued a fingerprint kit as a part of their patrol equipment and
should be taken with them for use during their shift. The fingerprint kit should consist of fingerprint
cards, adhesive tape, a brush and black powder. All types of fingerprint processing require the
processor to wear fresh gloves to avoid contamination.
SS106.3.1 POWDER APPLICATION
a) Using a brush specifically designed for fingerprinting , lightly distribute powder to the brush.
Shake any excess powder from the brush. Twirl the brush over the surface, with the
bristles of the brush moving in the direction of the ridge flow of the print. Care must be
taken when placing the powder on a surface and the surface must be moisture free;
b) Using a clear adhesive tape, lift the freshly developed print from the surface and transfer
the print to a latent f ingerprint card;
c) The person lifting the print must complete the following information on the latent f ingerprint
card:
1. Location of lift or where the print was lifted from ;
2. Date/Time of lift ;
3. Processor’s name and badge number ;
4. Sketch of object and orientation of latent print ;
5. Crime code or classification ;
6. Case number ;
7. Latent print cards will be put into the appropriate TPD evidence envelope and booked
into property . (Refer to General Order § 804.3.1)
SS106.3.2 LIFTING MATERIAL ALTERNATIVES
a) Poly tape – is used just like standard fingerprint lifting tape. Poly tape will stretch and
conform to a variety of curved and textured surfaces. Finger press the poly tape onto a
developed powdered latent fingerprint. Lift the latent fingerprint with the poly tape and
place it on a fingerprint card. The Poly tape must be cut with scissors or a sharp knife
because it i s difficult to tear.
b) Gelatin Lifters – When lifting dusted prints, cut a piece from the gelatin lifter based on the
size needed. Use a lifter that is contrasting in color to the fingerprint powder being used.
Before lifting the print, set the cover sheet aside, upside down to avoid contamination with
dust. Press an edge of the lifter on a side of the developed print. Smooth down the lifter,
while rubbing with fingers, to prevent air bubbles from being locked in. Place the lifter
gelatin -side up on a flat horizontal surface to replace the cover sheet. When replacing the
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 08/01/201 8
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
SS