Instructor: Kasey Buckner Brager, CCSA, CFWE
Course length: 24 hours

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For over 100 years, the processing, preservation, and collection of fingerprint evidence has been a primary concern for crime scene investigators and forensic examiners. Crime Scene Investigators’ and latent print examiners’ toolboxes are often limited by budget restraints, lack of training, and a “that’s how we have always done it” mentality. Advancing your knowledge, using fluorescent dye stains and powders, will allow you to fully process your scenes and evidence efficiently and effectively.
 
Basic powders are a valuable method for the development of latent fingerprint evidence however there are situations in which basic powders do not yield the best results for the evidence. In these situations, contrast, texture, and/or distracting backgrounds can pose a challenge. Fluorescent dye staining and powdering methods are both ways to overcome this challenge. These methods permit the investigator or technician to visualize the evidence by creating greater contrast between the fingerprint and its background.
 
The use of alternate light sources and advanced photography are key components in the assessment and capture of fluorescent reactions of dye stains. Proficiency in these skills is crucial in cases where fingerprints either cannot be lifted or in cases where the lifted print is not readily visible to the naked eye.  To capture the fluorescent latent fingerprint evidence, skills and knowledge of alternate light sources and photography are imperative.  These skills and knowledge permit the investigator or technician to capture evidence that can be used as evidence for later analysis and in a courtroom setting.
 
This course will cover the how and when to use fluorescent dye stains and powders as well as photography workshops that will include specialized lighting techniques including the use of alternate light sources to visualize and photographically record the evidence. Students will practice these techniques with each development method ensuring they have the skills needed to not only use the advanced processing methods but to also capture examination quality images such as those needed for latent fingerprint analysis.
 
This advanced 24-hour course is designed for crime scene investigators, professionals responsible for developing latent fingerprint evidence, and law enforcement personnel. This course includes comprehensive training in mechanical and chemical processing of latent print evidence focusing on fluorescent chemical processing on various difficult surfaces including bloody latent fingerprint enhancement.
 
Chemicals planned to be covered include:

• UV Cyanoacrylate
• Ardrox
• RAY
• Rhodamine 6G
• Basic Yellow
• Basic Red
• Cyanoblue
• DFO
• Ninhydrin
• 1, 2-Indandione
• PD Mac Paper
• Hungarian Red
• Acid Yellow
• Merbromin
• Fluorescent Powder
• Black Fluorescent Powder

 
Proper PPE ad Safety Procedures will be covered and enforced. ***Validation study assistance will be accomplished when requested.***
 
Topics covered include:

• Understanding Friction Ridge Skin
• Understanding Latent Fingerprints
• Proper Protective Equipment
• Chemical Safety Protocols
• Camera Basics
• Basic Photography
• Macro Photography
• Specialized Lighting Techniques
• Alternate Light Sources
• Processing and Recovery of Latent Prints on Nonporous Surfaces
• Processing and Recovery of Latent Prints on Porous Surfaces
• Fluorescent Dye Staining
• Fluorescent Powders
• Fluorescent Enhancement of Bloody Impressions

 
Students in this course will be assessed for comprehension of the course principles through hands-on exercises.  Each student will be graded as pass, fail, or incomplete by the course instructor.  Grades will be recorded on the daily attendance rosters.

​Kasey Buckner Brager, CCSA, CFWE

Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University and her Associate in Science degree in Crime Scene Technology from Keiser University, Kasey Buckner Brager is a Certified Footwear Examiner, Certified Crime Scene Analyst and Latent Print Examiner for the Cape Coral Police Department.

​She is a Certified Footwear Examiner and Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the International Association of Identification (IAI). She serves as the Region 6 Director for the Florida Division of the International Association of Identification (FDIAI), Chairperson of the FDIAI Science and Practices Crime Scene Subcommittee and serves on the Advisory Board for Keiser University Fort Myers. 

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