The Latent Print Section consists of a Section Supervisor and two Forensic Scientists who are responsible for processing, examining, and evaluating items of evidence for any potential friction ridge detail. Any friction ridge detail determined to be of value for comparison purposes is submitted for search of the Nebraska AFIS database and/or of the FBI’s NGI database.

Evidence Commonly Analyzed for Friction Ridge Detail

• Porous Items (paper, cardboard, raw wood, etc.)
• Non-Porous Items (glass, plastic, metal, etc.)
• Tape (duct tape, electric tape, scotch tape, packing tape, etc.) 
  • Both sides can be processed
• Gloves (latex, nitrile, rubber, etc.)
• Impressions in Blood, Paint, or Other Substances
• Digital Images (TIFF/RAW file format)
• Known Impressions / Elimination Prints

Processing Techniques and Instrumentation

• Ninhydrin
• 1,2 – Indandione
• Superglue Fuming
• Dye Stains 
• Fingerprint Powders
• Wet Wop (Black and White)
• Alternate Light Source (ALS) / Laser Light Sources
• Reflective Ultra Violet Imaging System (RUVIS)
• Full Spectrum Imaging System (FSIS)
• Digital Capture System (DCS5)
• Digital SLR Cameras
• Adobe Photoshop
• AFIS Workstations

Section Limitations

Some evidence items are less likely to contain friction ridge detail and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the latent print section if you have any questions about what items to submit for processing. 

Examples of evidence that might be less conducive to friction ridge detail: 

• Items too small to contain sufficient friction ridge detail (.22cal cartridge casings, cords, rubber bands, etc.) 
• Textured Fabric (clothing, blankets, bedding, etc.)
• Heavily Soiled Items (covered in oils, dirt, debris, etc.)
• Food Items