A Compact Fingerprint Outfit
| Author | A. E. Heathcote |
| Date | 01 November 1962 |
| Published date | 01 November 1962 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X6203500613 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
DET.
CONSTABLE
A.
E.
HEATHCOTE
Blackpool Borough Police
A
Compact
Fingerprint
Outfit
THE DAYS have long since gone in most forces when the fingerprint
officer and his equipment were viewed as a novelty in crime detection.
It
was often considered
that
the only items required for fingerprint
search work were ink, roller and forms, two brushes and two jars of
powder. Perhaps acommercially made outfit was purchased many
years ago and has been in constant use ever since. Used by many
and cared for by few, the outfit no doubt suffered and deteriorated.
The replacement
of
a kit can be expensive today and many of the
commercial outfits. appear to have been assembled for sales appeal
more than practical use. Many items are included which will rarely
be used and others are excluded which are needed daily.
Techniques change, different situations demand different tools and
each individual officer, whilst following a broad general pattern, will
search a scene
of
crime in his own manner. Experience counts for
much and while poor tools do not always produce acomplaining
workman, they never contribute to efficiency. Through the years
many serious crimes have
been"
cleared
up"
with the aid of the
fingerprint outfit and at any time an officer may be called to a
serious crime which requires immediate and thorough investigation.
His colleagues depend upon him for his work in a specialized field
and his efforts may well mean a satisfactory conclusion to the case,
when all other lines
of
inquiry have been exhausted.
The fingerprint outfit here described has been in use for many
years. Jt has been altered, added to and items deleted according to
their usefulness in everyday work. The tools and equipment listed
have been found to be the best combination for daily search work
in a busy town. The kit's greatest asset is compactness whilst being
absolutely practical.
It
is easily carried up ladders or down into
cellars and can be stowed away under the seat
of
a car when not
in use.
The basis of the outfit is an ex-Government fibre case measuring
13i
in. X10in. X2t in. These cases can be purchased from many sur-
plus supply stores and are identified by the Government Part No.
SYKO IOGj10407 stamped on the lid. At first sight these cases
appear to be flimsy and light. They are not, and the case illustrated
has had no repairs, apart from renewal
of
the stitching
of
the handle,
the old thread having worn away with constant handling. The most
expensive item in the case is the three-inch magnifier. The torch
429 November-December 1962
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