Advances in Fingerprint Technology, Second Edition

Book excerpt: Fingerprints constitute one of the most important categories of physical evidence, and it is among the few that can be truly individualized. During the last two decades, many new and exciting developments have taken place in the field of fingerprint science, particularly in the realm of methods for developing latent prints and in the growth of imaging and AFIS technologies. This fully updated Second Edition of the bestseller, Advances in Fingerprint Technology, covers major developments in latent fingerprint processing, including physical, chemical, instrumental, and combination techniques. Written by a renowned group of leading forensic identification and criminalistic experts, this valuable work presents exciting progress in fingerprint technology. New in this edition: Latent fingerprint chemistry Techniques directed at lipid-soluble components More succinct treatment of AFIS A new procedure that applies nanocrystal technology to latent fingerprint development A systematic, statistically-based point of view regarding the individuality of fingerprints