Analytical Solutions
Fingerprints
The FSS offers an extensive range of fingerprint services, at the crime scene and in the laboratory. Our services are constantly being refined to ensure that the best solutions are found for our customers.
Fingerprints for the 21st Century
We are developing new approaches and technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fingerprint examination.
Our probabilistic model will allow the use of fingermarks currently considered unsuitable for comparison and provide a tool to assist examiners in reaching conclusions, while providing a robust model for determining the evidential value of marks.
Other projects seek to improve the processing of fingermarks and the training and proficiency of examiners.
Quality and Expertise
FSS fingerprint services are delivered by experienced expert practitioners, some of whom have won worldwide recognition in their field. Our services are, uniquely in the United Kingdom, accredited to ISO/IEN17025 and available to all investigative agencies.
Comprehensive, Timely and Robust
Our fingerprint services are designed to meet the requirements of our customers, including stage reporting, rapid delivery of results or twenty four hour access.
Checking of critical findings, quality audits, collaborative tests and competency tests, among other initiatives, assure our results are accurate and robust.
Integration
FSS fingerprint practitioners utilise examination strategies that consider the full forensic potential of the items or scene. In partnership with expert colleagues from other disciplines, we are able to integrate examinations (for example DNA, fibres or documents examination with fingerprint recovery) or develop bespoke solutions that ensure the evidential recovery is maximised.
Fingerprint Location and Recovery
Our staff are competent in the use of all standard detection techniques used in the United Kingdom, and additional methods developed for use by the FSS. We can utilise a range of specialist techniques at crime scenes as well as in our laboratories. In addition our dedicated and expert photographers ensure that the best possible images of marks are available.
We have extensive experience in assisting police forces to recover marks from unusual or difficult surfaces and regularly provide assistance and support for the most serious of crimes.
Our fingerprint examinations are integrated with other disciplines, in particular DNA, to ensure that the full forensic potential is realised in every case.
Comparison
Comparison of finger and palm marks is undertaken by examiners with extensive expertise. Practitioners are also trained operators of automated fingerprint identification systems.
Interpretation
We offer opinion on how marks were deposited, on the activities of donors at the time of deposition etc. In particular we specialise in the interpretation of marks in blood - was the mark made with blood? Was the mark made in blood already on the surface? – which is often a key issue in murder investigation.