Can you get finger prints from an item that has been under water?

It is possible to obtain fingerprints from items that have been submerged underwater. The success of fingerprint recovery, however, depends on several factors such as the condition and type of the item, the water environment, and the duration of the submersion. Here's an explanation of fingerprint retrieval from underwater items:

1. Latent Fingerprints: Fingerprints left on an object before submersion are known as latent fingerprints. They are invisible to the naked eye and require special techniques for their visualization and recovery.

2. Water Conditions: The water environment can affect the longevity and quality of fingerprints. Factors like temperature, salinity, presence of chemicals, or microorganisms can impact the preservation of fingerprints.

3. Porous vs. Non-Porous Objects: Porous surfaces, like paper or fabric, absorb water and can lead to the distortion or damage of fingerprints. Non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, or plastics have a higher chance of preserving fingerprints despite being underwater.

4. Time Factor: The duration of the underwater submersion plays a crucial role. The longer an object remains underwater, the chances of fingerprint recovery decrease due to potential degradation.

5. Fingerprint Preservation: Depending on the circumstances, some underwater environments can preserve fingerprints for longer periods. For instance, cold temperatures or lack of oxygen can slow down the degradation of fingerprints.

Recovery Techniques:

a) Visualization: Techniques such as powder dusting, cyanoacrylate fuming, or chemical enhancement are used to make latent fingerprints visible.

b) Lifting: Once fingerprints are visualized, they can be carefully lifted using special tapes or adhesive materials.

c) Digital Imaging: Advanced digital imaging techniques, including multi-spectral imaging, can capture and enhance fingerprints that are difficult to see with traditional methods.

It is important to note that retrieving fingerprints from underwater items can be challenging and sometimes requires specialized equipment and expertise. Law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories often have specially trained personnel and techniques for such situations.