What is often one of the first processes used in the examination of fingerprints?

Fluorescence examination is a valuable technique in the field of fingerprint analysis. This process often allows for the visualization of latent prints that may be otherwise difficult to see. Fluorescence examination works by illuminating the surface where the prints are expected to be found with specific wavelengths of light. If the latent prints have been developed with certain powders or treated with fluorescent dyes, they will absorb that light and emit it at a different wavelength, making them more visible to the examiner.

This method can be particularly effective in situations where prints are faint, contaminated, or on non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, or metal. By taking advantage of the unique properties of fluorescent materials, examiners can enhance their detection capabilities, which aids in achieving accurate and reliable results in forensic investigations. The use of fluorescent techniques can often lead to successful identification of prints that might have been overlooked through other methods.

While other methods like physical developer, iodine fuming, and cyanoacrylate technique are also important in the fingerprint examination process, they typically come into play after preliminary approaches such as fluorescence have been utilized for initial assessments or enhancements. This highlights the role of fluorescence examination as one of the first processes employed when examining fingerprints.