Latent Fingerprint Program
Hear what KREM-TV has to say about C.O.P.S. new Latent Fingerprint Program.
Spokane C.O.P.S. trained Latent Fingerprinting volunteers will provide this service to the citizens of Spokane by appointment through our C.O.P.S. Shops. We will also strive to assist the Spokane Police Department in this endeavor. Our goal is to increase the solvability of prowled vehicles by processing those vehicles for latent fingerprints left behind by the suspect(s).
Spokane C.O.P.S. volunteers are trained to lift latent fingerprints off vehicles only. When a citizen reports to Crime Check at 456-2233 that their vehicle has been compromised by either prowling or vandalism, they will be asked if they would like to have a volunteer check for prints that may be left by the perpetrator.
The Process
Specialized fingerprint powder is gently brushed over surfaces which may hold fingerprints to see if any appear. If latent fingerprints emerge after dusting, they are photographed and then carefully lifted with clear tape before being affixed to fingerprint cards. The fingerprints are brought back to the Police Forensic Unit for analysis.
- Citizens call Crime Check at 456-2233 to report a vehicle break-in.
- Crime Check will ask citizen if he/she wants a volunteer to dust for latent fingerprints.
- Crime Check will forward the information to C.O.P.S. Logan.
- The Latent Fingerprint Coordinator will contact the citizen to verify the information.
- The Latent Fingerprint Team will call the citizen to make an appointment for a the team to come to their location.
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Latent Fingerprinting Brochure
If you have questions about the Latent Fingerprint Program, please fill out the form below. If you’d like, you may type in your contact number for a telephone response to your inquiry.