Specialist fingerprints
The role of the Specialized Fingerprint Unit (SFU) is to detect, enhance and record fingerprint ridge detail on the most complex of items and in the most serious of crimes.
Latent prints
Latent prints (those that cannot be readily seen) are visualised using specialized laser and lighting techniques in conjunction with multi-stage chemical treatments. Once visualized, highly trained photographers capture images of these marks, producing prints, which are made available for fingerprint comparison by customers.
Working with other forensic disciplines
SFU integrates with other forensic disciplines seamlessly to enable the maximum evidential value to be obtained from the items being examined. For example, SFU direct the swabbing of potential handling marks in order to maximise recovery of DNA for comparison.
SFU also provides expertise in the enhancement and interpretation of fingerprints in a blood matrix.
Facilities
The facilities at SFU allow for the examination of items of any size with bespoke garages allowing for the examination of cars and large items. SFU are also able to take the complex processes used in the lab and apply them to crime scenes, allowing our experts to maximise the evidence gathered at the scene of the crime safely and effectively.
Innovation is at the forefront of the SFU ethos, and the unit continually strive to push the boundaries of fingerprint examination.