Fingerprints and footwear forensics
About fingerprint and footwear mark techniques
We provide guidance on recovering and imaging forensic evidence from crime scenes.
Developing fingerprinting techniques
Since the 1970s we have provided scientific solutions to improve the recovery rates of fingerprint evidence. The effectiveness of the techniques and the health and safety of the practitioners are our key concerns. We now also research other forensic areas such as footwear evidence and specialist imaging methods.
More about fingerprinting methods.
Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques
We produce the Manual of Fingerprint Development Techniques which is endorsed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and has been widely adopted by police forces in the UK, and law enforcement agencies around the world. The recommendations in the Manual are based on extensive research and trials; both in the laboratory and out on operations.
The Manual was first published in 1986 and the most recent update was in 2004. Its companion guide, the Fingerprint Development Handbook is an abridged version of the Manual. Research results are often produced in our newsletters before updates to the Manual and Handbook. We produce specific process-related newsletters on an ad-hoc basis as well as a twice-yearly general newsletter.
Request copies of the Manual and the Fingerprint Development Handbook and read more about their contents.
Explore this section:
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Techniques we use to identify fingerprints at crime scenes.
Manual of Fingerprint Development
Request the manual of fingerprint development techniques and its companion guide for scenes of crime, the fingerprint development handbook.
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Techniques we use to identify footmarks at crime scenes.
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Using imaging to analyse fingerprint and footwear marks.
