This one-day, hands-on short course introduces participants to the science and practice of fingermark visualisation in forensic investigation. It explores why we have fingerprints, the principles of uniqueness and persistence, and how these characteristics underpin their use in personal and criminal identification.

The course focuses on the properties of crime scene fingermarks and the techniques used to reveal them through chemical and physical processes. Participants will gain first-hand experience of professional fingermark visualisation methods in LSBU’s specialist forensic laboratories.

Led by an internationally recognised expert in fingermark visualisation, this course offers a rare opportunity to combine scientific insight with practical, real-world investigation techniques.

Participants will:

• Learn why fingerprints are unique and persistent, and their importance in forensic science.
• Understand the principles of fingerprint identification.
• Explore the differences between fingerprints and fingermarks left at crime scenes.
• Examine the chemical and physical properties of fingermarks.
• Practise techniques used to visualise fingermarks in both crime scene and laboratory settings.
• Develop practical skills through guided, hands-on exercises in LSBU’s professional forensic facilities.

The course combines:

• Short lectures introducing key forensic and scientific principles
• Demonstrations of visualisation techniques
• Practical sessions in LSBU’s fingerprint and crime scene laboratories
• Group discussion and reflection on results

Stephen Bleay

Dr Stephen Bleay joined London South Bank University in 2019 after nearly 25 years in the UK scientific civil service, working on stealth materials and later as Senior Technical Specialist in the Home Office Fingerprint Research Group. He holds a BSc and PhD in Materials Science from the University of Bath and is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. His research explores how environmental factors affect trace evidence and its recovery, combining materials science and forensic science.

Dr Bleay is a co-author of the Home Office Fingermark Visualisation Manual and author of Fingerprint Development Techniques – Theory and Application (2018).

This course is ideal for:

• A Level or BTEC students considering a Forensic Science degree
• Graduates exploring postgraduate study in forensic disciplines
• Members of the public with a genuine interest in the science behind fingerprints
• Professionals seeking a practical introduction to fingermark visualisation for CPD

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand the biological and forensic basis of fingerprints
• Recognise the properties and composition of crime scene fingermarks
• Gain practical experience in visualising fingermarks using laboratory methods
• Understand how fingermark evidence contributes to forensic identification

There is no formal assessment. Learning is reinforced through practical participation and feedback.

This course is unaccredited but participants will get an LSBU branded certificate of attendance.

For information on our policies (payment, cancellation, terms and conditions, etc.) visit our general information page.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, please contact lsbushortcourses@lsbu.ac.uk and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.