Which method is used to lift fingerprints from evidence?

When lifting fingerprints from evidence, the use of adhesive tape is a widely recognized and effective method. This technique involves placing the adhesive side of the tape onto the surface where the fingerprint is located. The tape adheres to the oils and residues that constitute the fingerprint, allowing for the transfer of the print onto the tape itself.

Once the fingerprint is lifted with the tape, it can be placed onto a contrasting background, like a piece of white paper, for further examination or analysis. This method is particularly useful for non-porous surfaces, such as glass or metal, where traditional ink methods would be impractical.

In contrast, other methods listed, such as using distilled water or photographing the evidence, serve different purposes within the realm of forensic investigation but are not methods for directly lifting fingerprints. Using chemical powders is another common technique for revealing latent fingerprints, but it involves dusting the surface with powder and does not involve the direct lifting process that the tape method entails.