Fingerprints and footwear forensics
Manual of Fingerprint Development
We produce the Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques which is endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is used by every police force in the UK, and around the world.
Requesting the manual
Copies of the Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques and its companion guide for scenes of crime, the Fingerprint Development Handbook, are supplied free to UK police forces.
We charge other users £150 for the Manual and £10 for the Handbook (minimum order £50).
The Manual can be bought on its own, and the Manual and Handbook can be bought together, but we do not sell the Handbook on its own.
To buy a copy of the Manual email Sophie Burns or call 01727 816454. We are presently experiencing some difficulty in processing orders so there may be a delay in sending your manual to you.
Students wishing to purchase a single copy of the Handbook should contact their university bookstore and ask them to place an order with HOSDB. The minimum order that can be accepted from them will be five copies.
Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques contents
The Manual provides a guide to the selection and use of processes for developing latent fingerprints. It covers:
Chapter 1: Information on the constituents within latent fingerprints.
Chapter 2: Effective implementation of techniques, including laboratory facilities, good laboratory practice, health and safety, interference between fingerprint and forensic examinations, handling and packaging of exhibits and photography.
Chapter 3: Process selection charts and notes that cover a range of surfaces and sequential processing.
Chapter 4: Guidance for the use of each process including process overview, step-by-step instructions, health and safety and an equipment and chemical checklist.
Appendix I: Other reported processes
Appendix II: Equipment and chemical suppliers
Latest Edition August 2004
Fingerprint Development Handbook contents
The Handbook, an abridged version of the Manual, is designed to help scene examiners and fingerprint experts select the most appropriate techniques for fingerprint development. It includes practical details of the techniques which can be readily carried out at scenes of crime as well as summary information about processes which can be used on exhibits sent to the laboratory for examination.
Latest Edition:2005
