The book “Handling Reagents for Fingerprint Development” was developed in six months by students from the Catholic University of Cuenca, Ecuador, providing a comprehensive study of fingerprint development techniques. Its development followed a structured approach, divided into four fundamental stages. The first phase investigated the historical evolution of fingerprinting, exploring its precursors and the methods used over time. The second phase delved into the scientific foundations, reviewing key principles such as uniqueness and immutability, and examining different development techniques. A total of 160 experimental tests were conducted using chemical and magnetic reagents on various surfaces, including paper money and advertising materials. The third stage focused on applications of fingerprinting in areas such as security, justice, and forensics, establishing comparisons with techniques used in other countries in the region. Experts from Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia, Panama, and Ecuador were interviewed, allowing for the comparison of methodologies and the improvement of local procedures. Finally, the research was consolidated into structured modules with comparative tables, demonstrative images, and a development process flowchart, ensuring educational and accessible content. This work not only reaffirmed the effectiveness of the methods used in Ecuador but also became a key resource for the training of future criminologists and forensic experts.

This book is included in DOAB.