In fingerprint powdering, which step comes last?

In the process of fingerprint powdering, the last step is dressing the print. Dressing the print involves carefully enhancing the visibility of the fingerprint to ensure it is clear and usable for evidence collection. This step comes after applying the powder, as it gives the print its final appearance and helps in preserving the details necessary for analysis.

To effectively dress the print, officers often use a gentle and precise technique to ensure that the fingerprint's features are well-defined without disturbing the delicate patterns of the print. This can involve using an additional tool or technique to refine the appearance, making it suitable for comparison or further forensic examination.

The preceding steps, such as preparing the brush, dipping it into powder, and applying the powder, are all critical for laying down the fingerprint powder adequately. However, dressing the print is where the final touches are applied, ensuring the evidence collected will be of the highest quality for investigation purposes.