Determination of the sequence of latent fingermarks and writing or printing on white office paper

Latent fingermarks were deposited onto white office and coated paper samples containing
writing or printing from several media (for example, ballpoint pens and laser printers). Marks were
deposited both before and after writing/printing. The marks were then treated with appropriate
latent fingermark development techniques. Once treated, they were examined with standard
techniques applied in document examination (microscopy, infrared luminescence, Electrostatic
Detection Device and Raman spectroscopy) to determine the sequence of application. The results
suggest that for white office paper the sequence of laser printing and latent marks could be determined
via Electrostatic Detection Device examination of undeveloped and Ninhydrin developed samples. For
coated paper it was possible to determine the sequence of A, B and C pens and latent marks by
fluorescence examination of latent marks developed using fluorescent magnetic powder alone, or in
combination with cyanoacrylate fuming.