Caption

Forensic science. A fingerprint record being coded at New Scotland Yard. Traditional fingerprints are still a major means of linking a suspect with a scene of crime. The more topical DNA 'fingerprint' may only be used in certain cases, where body tissue or fluids have been found. Modern chemical methods can even 'amplify' the very feint fingerprints which used to be undetectable. Many fingerprint records are now entered on a computer database after their distinctive marks have been coded by experts. Photographed at the Metropolitan Police Support Headquarters in London.