G14.1.4 Fingerprinting
Chapter: Chapter 14 – Collection and Preservation of Evidence
Sub-Chapter: 14.1 - Evidence Collection
Effective Date: 11/01/2019
Revised Date: 02/08/2023
Rescinds: G14.1.1 – 11/1/2019
Purpose
To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when processing, developing, lifting, labeling and preserving fingerprint evidence.
General Order
The IUPD will follow the procedures outlined in this general order when collecting fingerprint evidence. Fingerprint evidence will only be collected by those who have completed specialized training in the techniques to collect known and latent prints.
Procedures
In many instances, the entire prosecution of a case may rest on latent print identification. Therefore, only IUPD personnel who have completed specialized training in fingerprint collection, including proper handling, identification, labeling, and storage of known and latent prints will collect latent print evidence. If the crime scene exceeds the abilities or expertise of trained IUPD personnel to collect the fingerprint evidence, the scene will be secured and assistance from another agency will be requested.
Latent prints discovered on non-absorbent porous or smooth surfaces may be collected at the scene and subsequently analyzed by a trained examiner. If personnel who are trained in fingerprint collection do not respond to the scene, officers may collect the item and package it as evidence to be processed for latent prints at a later time. Officers will photograph items where they were found prior to collecting and processing the item for latent prints.
Latent prints discovered on absorbent porous surfaces should generally not be lifted at the scene. Such articles should be seized and placed into evidence. If an article is too large for removal, it should be adequately protected until the arrival of personnel with the capabilities to lift the fingerprints.
Latent impressions developed with contrasting fingerprint powder or other processes should be photographed prior to any further processing. After photographing, fingerprint evidence should be collected with appropriate lifters or specially designed tape.
Lifted print evidence will be appropriately labeled with pertinent information to include the case number, date, name of person who collected the evidence, and exact location or item from which the fingerprint was recovered. The evidence will then be placed into an appropriate container or envelope and submitted as evidence.
The investigating officer will determine if elimination fingerprints from any possible known contaminating individuals including, but not limited to, first responders, victims, or witnesses are required.
Lifted print cards will be transferred to an appropriate laboratory for comparative analysis, when required