The introduction of ninhydrin treatment as a chemical technique for the visualisation of latent fingermarks on porous surfaces revolutionised approaches to forensic fingermark examination. Since then, a range of amino acid sensitive reagents has been developed and such compounds are in widespread use by law enforcement agencies worldwide. This paper reviews the development and use of these reagents for the detection of latent fingermarks on porous surfaces. A brief overview is provided, including an historical background, forensic significance, and a general approach to the development of latent fingermarks on porous surfaces. This is followed by a discussion of specific amino acid sensitive treatments.

A new method for the detection of latent fingermarks on thermal paper by dry contact with 1,2indanedione, which reacts with the amino acids present to give coloured, photoluminescent prints is described. The simple and reliable method is based on contact between the thermal paper sample and reagent impregnated treatment papers. Different treatment paper reagent formulations and treatment times were investigated. The conditions which provided the best performance used treatment papers prepared from an acid-free fluorous solution containing 1,2-indanedione and zinc chloride, with a contact time of 48 hrs. The dry contact approach was compared to current methods used by law enforcement agencies within Australia and was found to give similar or better performance.