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May-2-2005 10:52

There is already a way to do handwriting analysis, footprint analysis, and hair analysis. But what about fingerprint analysis? It emerged in the late 19th century, so it wouldn't be out of time period. Not to mention that adding a manicurist (or another job that would involve fingers) would add another element to the game.

May-2-2005 19:25

It is a cool thought tho ral315...one I hadn't thought of before.

May-3-2005 05:03

A nice idea, however, it would make the game too easy for everyone that has this skill.

Think about it - everyone's fingerprint is unique; no other people in the world will share the same fingerprint with anyone else. If you can collect and analyze fingerprints on crime scene, it will suddenly point to one and only one suspect, ending the case immediately.

Of course, there is another problem: would the suspects be willing to let you take their fingerprint samples? Taking someone's samples means that you highly suspect him. A real suspect will never let you do that. Even an innocent one would be insulted by it and refuse to comply. As a private detective, we don't have the authority to tell them to do so.

Taking blood samples has the same problem. Although you can determine the blood in the crime scene, you can't determine suspect's blood type just by looking at them. And I HIGHLY doubt that any suspect would agree to let you stab a needle into him and take his blood away.

There are also 4 types of blood, contrary to 2 types of hair, footprint, thread, and handwriting. It could make the game harder instead of easier.

May-3-2005 11:43

Well actually thinking more about the fingerprint issue, not necessarily so cut and dried...there is always evidence for people who are innocent at the scene. While other evidence narrows down to a group of people, it might narrow it completely down to one person but the trick is does that person have an alibi?

May-3-2005 12:43

Exactly. It's just like finding a hair- you have to find out whether they have an alibi, etc.

And you technically couldn't get a suspect's hair for comparison either, but we do anyway.

May-3-2005 16:00

Perhaps fingerprinting could work something like research? With a detective calling into the police station to see if a suspect has a criminal record and was in jail and can therefore be eliminated?

May-3-2005 16:15

Sounds like a great topic to envolve when writing write a feature mystery.

May-3-2005 16:24

Next stop, DNA evidence. LOL

May-3-2005 19:16

Haha good idea Sheerluck! :-D LOL can you see it now...you can go talk to the Doctor who can test your DNA evidence. Hahahaha

May-4-2005 11:02

And you can use a supercomputer in your special crime lab to do the DNA matching for you too, regardless of the fact that the first computer was invented during the World War II...