Introduction

In criminal investigations, forensic science is essential since it helps with evidence analysis and identification. The recovery and examination of fingerprints is an essential component of forensic investigations. Since fingerprints are distinctive to each person, they may be an important piece of evidence used to connect suspects to crime scenes. In police forensic work, recovering latent fingermarks from paper is a regular duty, nevertheless the developed marks are sometimes very faint, or their quality prevents identification. The most frequent method of visualization is to utilize chemical reagents that react with some of the chemical components of sweat to generate a color or luminescence, which makes the latent traces apparent. Since the amount of sweat in the latent markings may be minuscule and contain only very little amino acids which are common targeted components for chemical enhancement on paper making a significant fraction of the latent marks remain undetected (Kanjan et al., 2017). The term " Reversed " fingerprint development refers to a process where latent fingerprints are enhanced in a reversed manner, that is the response occurs not on the ridges themselves, but outside and between them. The fingermark substance acts as a mask throughout this procedure and is not involved in the chemical reaction. Perhaps the best known example of such a process is the VMD (Vacuum Metal Deposition) technique, for development of fingermarks on polymeric materials, which is considered the most sensitive fingerprinting technique for e.g. plastic bags (Shenawi et al., 2013).

In general, impression, visible, and latent fingerprints are the three forms of fingerprint evidence that are frequently found at crime scenes. Latent fingerprints, which are those that are not readily apparent to the unaided eye, are the most prevalent kind found at crime scenes (Khare and Singla, 2022). Nevertheless, by using specific development methods, the latent fingerprints can be revealed. The fingerprint can be created if a clear contrast is produced between the fingerprint remnants and the substrate underneath. Numerous methods for generating fingerprints have been investigated over the past century, including optical, physical, and chemical techniques. It will be challenging to do accurate fingerprint analysis and identification if a latent fingerprint left at a crime scene cannot be clearly developed using a reliable technique. Therefore, latent fingerprint development is crucial to identifying individuals in forensic sciences (Almog et al., 2000).

Latent fingerprints which are frequently undetectable to the human eye, can yield incredibly useful information for criminal investigations. The discipline of forensic science has undergone a revolution because to advancements in imaging technology, especially in the area of latent fingerprint identification (Yamashita et al., 2011). The DCS5 Imaging System is one of these cutting-edge devices that is particularly effective in detecting and interpreting latent fingerprints. DCS5 is an all-inclusive imaging system that can identify, capture, and enhance any kind of fingerprint on any surface or background. In addition to producing images of extraordinary quality, the DCS 5 high resolution, 36.3MP camera equipped with application-specific macro lenses also allows for advanced digital processing that when used simply maximizes print detail to increase the value of evidence. Precise wavebands of illumination from UV through the visible to IR are provided to improve the visualization of every type of fingerprint whether it be latent, contaminated or chemically treated. This article explores the capabilities of the DCS5 system and its significant impact in development, detection, capture and enhancement of fingerprint on any surface, highlighting its impact on forensic investigations with the aim of providing a reference for future research and application of DCS 5 in forensic science.