Development of dermal papillary ridge prints on adhesive tape using Wet Powder

This study aimed to evaluate reports that latent fingerprint impressions may persist on surfaces for up to 2 months. The authors sought to verify this claim and conducted a quasi-experimental study. A review of the relevant literature was undertaken, focusing on the variety of surfaces on which latent fingerprint impressions have been documented and on the applications of the Wet Powder reagent. This article places particular emphasis on the development of latent fingerprint impressions deposited on adhesive surfaces—specifically, on tape—and on their persistence on such substrates for periods exceeding 2 months. The impressions were developed using the Wet Powder reagent.