A novel, fluorescent small particle reagent (SPR) based on zinc carbonate hydroxide monohydrate, ZnCO₃·2Zn(OH)₂·H₂O – also called basic zinc carbonate – has been formulated. The other ingredients of the formulation are crystal violet dye and a commercial liquid detergent. The composition develops clear, sharp and detailed fingerprints on a large number of non-porous items, after these were immersed in water for up to 36 h. The fluorescent nature of the reagent helps enhance weak, fragmented and chance fingerprints that are often found at crime scenes. The raw materials used to prepare the SPR are cost-effective and non-hazardous. The novel formulation develops prints of a better quality as compared to the conventional, molybdenum(IV) sulfide-based composition.

Multimetal deposition is a versatile technique of detecting latent fingerprints on porous items, for example, fabric tape, masking tape, cardboard; on semi-porous items, for example, expanded polystyrene, latex gloves, waxed paper; as well as on non-porous items, for example, metals and plastics. It is so named because it is a two-step process, the first involves deposition of gold and the second deposition of silver on the ridges, thereby visualizing the latent impressions. Although a technique with a very wide range of applications, multimetal deposition is not very popular since the process of detecting fingerprints is quite cumbersome. In its modified form, called multimetal deposition II, some of the demerits of the original method are overcome. Multimetal deposition III and IV endeavor to further improve the performance of this technique. Yet another modification of the original multimetal deposition version is the fluorescent multimetal deposition - a technique which produces a better contrast of the ridges vis-à-vis the background.

Study objective The aim was to compare palmar dermatoglyphic patterns in Criminal and Control groups. Design This design was a case-control study. Participants Participants for control group were volunteers and for Criminals group prints were obtained from Fingerprint Bureau. The study was conducted on 100 subjects of each group. Methods and Materials Complete hand prints obtained from both hands by the traditional ink method were examined. On palms, patterns occurring on ID area, Thenar area and hypothenar area were described. The data was entered on excel sheets. Result Presence of more patterns in palms of criminal group than in the control group Conclusion Dermatoglyphics is an economical tool for predictive analysis to detect criminal tendency at an early age.