Expert: Neil Wileman - 4/9/2005

Question
Hey, nto sure if I am asking the right person...I was wondering if you could answer a question for me. How much does it cost to have something dusted for fingerprints and all that. I recently had a couple hundred dollars stolen out of my wallet at someone's house and we know it was one of 3 people who did it. I would be willing to pay for the test myself 9it's the principle of the thing) if I could afford it. But i didn't think this was something the cops would waste their time taking fingerprints, which i fully understand. I just figured that would probably be the only way we would know who the thief is (it was my boyfriend's house and he too wants to know who the thief is). And seeings how I'm the only one who ever touches my wallet, the only other fingerprints on there will be the person who took the money. Anything you know about the cost or how to go about doing this would be very helpful. Thanks:-)
Amber

Answer
Amber,

Even once you have got the item fingerprinted, what are you going to do with the results. Lets assume that the suspects have never been fingerprinted - how are you going to get a match? Even if you did get their fingerprints, say for example, off a drinking glass, you would have to ensure a tight chain of evidence. As to cost, I wouldnt know where to start - you would be best speaking to somebody in your local law enforcement - or a private investigator - but that would cost you (probably more than was in the wallet in the first place.)

Regards

Neil