The Change Mariner

New NanoParticle fingerprint technology boosts fight against crime

Independent:
Police forces are to introduce a revolutionary method of taking fingerprints, which makes it virtually impossible for offenders to erase incriminating evidence.

This wipe-proof fingerprinting technique gives a much clearer image of the whorls and ridges of the finger than the fluorescent powder currently used by detectives. Scientists at the University of Sunderland have developed this new tool for detectives, which is based on a special dust made up of millions of minuscule specks called nanoparticles.

Only one billionth of a metre in length, each nanoparticle has a sticky surface which enables it to attach itself tightly to the oily residue left by a fingertip. They are also impregnated with a special dye to help scene-of-the-crime officers to identify prints left by criminals.

Nanoparticle technology has already been used by "nuisance control" officers to prevent vandals defacing buildings with graffiti. Forces, including Avon and Somerset and West Midlands police, are already planning to carry out trials of this advance in forensic science within the next 12 months. There has also been interest from the US where police in Texas and Florida are hoping nanoparticle technology will increase their clear-up rate for all types of crime.

Professor Fred Rowell, from the University of Sunderland's school of health, natural and social sciences, said that one of the advantages of nanoparticle-fingerprinting is that results can be obtained more quickly than from DNA screening.

"Using nanoparticles should get better definition of fingerprints. It should improve the detection rate in the long-term," said Professor Rowell. "It makes identification easier, and provides better sensitivity. Even with a fraction of a print, police are able to make an identification."