FINDER: Forensic Identification via Non-Destructive Evidence Retrieval

Smytec Ltd has created a ground-breaking Forensic Imaging technology, removing the need for old fashioned fingerprint retrieval methods and replacing these with a high-tech solution. Smytec aims to bring fingerprint evidence retrieval into the 21st Century with its technology: FINDER.

At crime scenes, CSIs must first search for "invisible" fingerprint evidence, enhance any potential fingerprints found using techniques such as powdering, recover with a form of adhesive lift, store and transport them to the lab. The recovered lifts must then be digitally imaged to compare to known fingerprints in a database. At the scene the sequential process of 9-10 steps can be painstaking, making fingerprint recovery slow and repetitive. Using destructive methods, any tiny error by a CSI can destroy evidence and make it unrecoverable. FINDER cuts this sequence down to two steps: search the scene for fingerprints and when found recover them, all at the click of a button, without any contact. This not only speeds up scene recovery from potentially hours to minutes; it also reduces potential human error and reduces the number of consumables required for CSIs to take to every scene -- with over 50 fingerprint methods recommended by the Home Office the majority only applicable to be used on a single surface type. FINDER can be used on many surfaces, including various metals, plastics, glass and paper. On top of this, the quality of fingerprints retrieved is improved, with FINDER outperforming fingerprint powdering techniques by almost 50%.

Due to being non-contact-non-destructive, FINDER is also applicable for Security and Defence, being a unique tool for fingerprint recovery for covert operations teams. Currently fingerprint powders are too messy and technical for Special Ops teams to use, not only being slow in application, but requiring a lengthy clean-up process. With FINDER teams can be in and out in minutes, without a trace, and with identification evidence recovered in the process.

FINDER can also recover fingerprints from post-blast fragments and debris. Fingerprints are believed to be destroyed during bomb blasts, so DNA analysis is prioritised, with current fingerprint techniques having very poor success rates of 2%. From testing performed with the FBI, FINDER has a success rate of 64% in successfully retrieving fingerprints from post-blast fragments and debris. No longer does easily transferred DNA need to be relied on; fingerprints can now be retrieved to identify the suspect bomber and also any network of individuals involved in such atrocities.