This week, students in the Forensic Science seminar learned about the uses of fingerprints in crime scene investigations. For one activity, they learned about the general patterns (i.e. loop, whorl, arch) and ridge characteristics (ridge endings, bifurcations, ridge islands, etc.) of fingerprints by leaving thumbprints (using ink) on the surface of a balloon. They then inflated these balloons and used a magnifying glass to more closely examine said patterns and characteristics.

Next, students learned how to apply bi-chromatic powder to surfaces (e.g. tables, door knobs) using a fiberglass brush to make latent fingerprints visible. Once visible to the naked eye, they used tape to “lift” these fingerprints and transfer them to another surface so that they are ready for processing.