Fingerprinting: Procedures for Collecting/Lifting Prints

There are three common lifting methods for fingerprints:
Hinge lifters-

• Come in lots of color backgrounds (for visualization of prints with different powders)
• Placed on print and pressed evenly
• Lifted print is covered with hinged cover and is protected from scratches and dirt while being retained in original form

Rubber lifters-

• Plastic cover is removed fast so no lines are left on top
• The adhesive side of tape is applied to powdered print and pressed evenly
• Peel the tape away from surface
• Plastic cover is replaced on tape over print to protect it
• Print appears in it's negative (opposite) form

Cellophane Tape-

• For surfaces that aren't flat
• Attaches to contours to avoid bumps
• A bit of tape is folded over to use as tab for handing 
• Print area is covered about an inch beyond in the other direction
• Gently rub tape over print
• Once in place, print is lifted by pulling roll away from surface
• Quickly apply tape to card and cut away excess 
• Lifts prints in correct position (not reversed)