Exploration of Latent Fingerprint Recovery from Various Household Items and its Implication in Forensic Investigation

Abstract

Aims: This study explored and compared the recovery of latent fingerprints from selected household surfaces using charcoal powder dusting and ninhydrin application immediately and at 24-hour and 5-day post-deposition intervals. Study Design: An experimental, laboratory-based design with a descriptive analytical approach was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, with the laboratory component carried out in the Department of Anatomy and affiliated forensic research facilities at the University of Port Harcourt. Methodology: Three adult participants provided thumb, index and middle finger impressions on glass, stainless-steel spoons, painted wood and A4 paper. Separate samples were developed immediately or after ageing for 24 hours or 5 days using charcoal powder or ninhydrin. Recovered impressions were photographed and compared with corresponding control fingerprints using a four-level descriptive clarity scheme: Code 0, no visible ridge detail; Code 1, recognisable ridge pattern; Code 2, recognisable ridge pattern and delta; and Code 3, recognisable ridge pattern, delta and core. For each surface × method × age condition, the clearest recovered impression among the available donor impressions was selected for comparative scoring. Results: Charcoal powder demonstrated broader surface applicability, producing accepted ridge-pattern recovery on glass, spoons/metal and paper, although wood produced no accepted ridge detail. Ninhydrin produced no accepted ridge detail on glass, spoons/metal or wood, but yielded the highest landmark resolution on paper at the immediate interval, where the ridge pattern, delta and core were recognisable (Code 3). The effect of print age varied by surface and development method. Notably, spoon embossing produced structures that could mimic fingerprint ridges and required full-resolution verification. Conclusion: Latent fingerprint recovery under the tested conditions was surface- and technique-dependent. Charcoal powder offered wider practical applicability, while ninhydrin produced the highest individual landmark resolution on paper at the immediate interval. The development technique should therefore be selected according to substrate characteristics, and recovered impressions should be examined at full resolution before being considered suitable for forensic comparison.