I have an envelope I received in the mail that I haven't yet opened, and I would like to find out who sent it to me by having it fingerprinted. I have a few questions:
1. Can this work? Is this the type of thing that fingerprinting can be used for? I know it's probably not possible to take fingerprints from the outside, since I touched it and the mailman touched it, but can I get fingerprints from the inside?
2. How much would it cost? This is a VERY important case, so I am willing to pay and money isn't an issue, but I would like a rough idea.
3. If they can get fingerprints, how would they find the person? Is there some sort of database to compare to?
Please only answer if you are familiar with these things. Thanks.
2007-08-22 10:19:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Finger prints don't last forever, they will disappear over time. It may be possible to lift prints from the inside, but the longer you wait, the less and less likely it is. Paper isn't the ideal thing to lift prints from, especially since tape is involved. But it's not impossible.
2. No idea
3. There are state and federal databases. It's mostly arrest information and military records. If the person you are looking for has never been in trouble with the law, finger printed for a job or in the military, you won't be able to find them with finger prints.
I have no idea how a private citizen would go about doing this. Look in the phone book and call a few private detectives, they might be able to help.
If there is criminal activity on the end of the person sending you stuff, contact the police.
2007-08-22 10:32:22 · answer #1 · answered by Kenneth C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can be processed for latent prints. While magnetic latent print powders can be used on paper, it's the most time sensitive, and usually will eliminate the possibility of chemical development.
Usually, if you're trying to develop latents on paper, chemicals such as iodine, ninhydrin monohydrate, or silver nitrate are used. Latents that have been documented to have been left 20 years ago, have been developed with Ninhydrin. And, in some cases, cyanoacrylic esters (super glue) can be used.
A latent print doesn't necessarily prove that someone did something. It proves that they had contact with the item. If the person admits even limited, innocent contact with the item, it's effectiveness is reduced. As for you and postal employees touching the envelope, it can cause problems from overlapping latents, but sometimes you can still get an identifiable latent.
(By the way, letters that have been licked prior to closing may hold DNA evidence.)
As for the cost, that will depend on the latent print technician/LP examiner. Some work in the private sector, but most don't.
If your letter is part of a criminal investigation, the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction should be able to get it processed for you, and have access to a fingerprint database. Even then, information that can reduce the number of suspects would be extremely helpful.
Hopefully this helps a little.
2007-08-29 18:08:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three problems with your idea here:
1) It's possible that other people handled your mail. You might lift more that one print off of the envelope (increasing your costs 100% per differing print).
2) Cost and availability of the type of fingerprinting required (since the prints would be on paper, and therefore require chemical treatment) would be monumental.
3) The person you are attempting to identify may not have any prints on file.
2007-08-22 10:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you would be able to get it finger printed, that is a long process and if it's for your own personal knowledge than they really probably won't take you seriously. I really think they only use finger printing for crimes, not knowledge of an everyday person.
My mom got finger printed because someone stole her identity and she was going to be arrested. That was a serious case because the lady who stole her identity stole hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As for fingerprints, they have a database for criminals but other than that you are only fingerprinted if you are a suspect or if you have commited a serious crime.
I doubt it is that important to find it out. If you are in harm contact the police.
2007-08-22 10:28:20 · answer #4 · answered by Beautiful Monstrosity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forensic work can do this. you would have to find out from the forensic team closest to you what it would cost, i'm sure if its a legal situation your local law informent may be able to help. doesn't hurt to ask.
2007-08-29 04:41:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prolly not gonna happen.
2007-08-22 10:33:46 · answer #6 · answered by Kevy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why? What is the problem?
2007-08-24 07:01:37 · answer #7 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋