Examination of latent fingerprints on various types of paper stained with beverages by the method Oil Red O

Abstract

Latent fingerprints are frequently used to identify a person and are the most common forensic science evidence found at a crime scene. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Oil Red O method to detect the latent fingerprints on various types of paper tainted with beverages. Before rating, the latent fingerprints on the papers that were stained with beverages including soda water, vodka, lemon juice, milk coffee, and black coffee were selected. It was found that the method of Oil Red O developed prints as red-colored fingerprints which were determined under natural light. The developed prints showed moderate or good quality on white A4 paper, carbonless copy paper, and thermal paper, even these samples contaminated with soda water and vodka. Moreover, the developed fingerprints were suitable for individual identification as evaluated by fingerprint examiners. It was also found that the different types of beverages affected the quality of the developed fingerprints. The result showed the capability of the Oil Red O method to detect latent fingerprints on various types of paper contaminated with beverages. In addition, it is a simple, convenient, and inexpensive method.