Chemical Treatment of Marks

Since the early 1950s it has been recognised that on certain surfaces the detection of marks, be they fingerprint ridge detail or those from a foot or shoe, is more complex than simply using powders. For this reason, techniques have been developed by forensic scientists to enable other physical and chemical means to be used to enhance such marks.

At Manlove Forensics our forensic scientists have many years experience in the enhancement of marks and have a laboratory dedicated to this discipline.

Our scientists are highly trained in the use of an extensive range of specialised light and chemical treatments to enhance marks. All marks are assessed by the fingerprint or footwear scientist as appropriate prior to recording by one of our specialist photographers.

Our scientists are very familiar with the sequences of treatments required on different surfaces for marks enhancement and are able to treat items that are composed of more than one type of material to maximise evidence recovery.

One area in which our forensic scientists have a particular specialism is the development and interpretation of marks in blood or what appears to be blood, to enable where possible, an opinion to be provided as to how the fingerprint/footprint or shoeprint was placed down. Our scientists also integrate our chemical treatments with other forensic disciplines such as DNA sampling to maximise evidence recovery.

If you have an item that is too large to transport to our premises, we will take the team to the item, and recover the evidence on site.

Our laboratory is the only one of its kind in the UK providing an independent service.

Tel: 0845 371 2486