Which novel procedure did the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory introduce in 1982 for processing latent prints?

In 1982, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory introduced the use of superglue, also known as cyanoacrylate, as a novel procedure for processing latent prints. This method involves fuming superglue to adhere to the moisture and lipids present in fingerprint residues, resulting in a clear, visible print on a non-porous surface. This technique was revolutionary as it allowed for the development of prints on materials where traditional methods, like powder dusting or ninhydrin, may not have been as effective.

Superglue fuming provided a way to visualize latent prints on surfaces such as plastics, metals, and other non-porous items, significantly expanding the range of surfaces from which usable fingerprints could be collected. This innovation enhanced the forensic capabilities of law enforcement, making it possible to link suspects more effectively to crime scenes. Thus, the introduction of superglue in 1982 is recognized as a significant advancement in the field of latent print examination.