This section of the research aimed to simulate the results that
might be obtained in casework. Samples of randomly and
realistically deposited fingermarks were obtained in the form of
used student examination booklets from the University of
Technology, Sydney’s Centre for Forensic Science (lined white
paper). These booklets consisted of 8 A4 pages that had been
handled by students in the course of their exams in the spring
semester of 2003. One hundred sheets were analysed by each of
the fingermark reagents – ninhydrin, DFO and 1,2-indanedione
Each sheet was viewed under white light. DFO and 1,2-
indanedione treated sheets were subsequently examined using
the Polilight lamp at 530 nm excitation and observed using
orange goggles. To ensure consistency, only developed
fingermarks with six or more ridge characteristics were
counted.