Certain types of gloves can prevent leaving fingerprint on objects that you touch, and conceal hand features like skin color or tattoos. Gloves that are too thin are useless as they will leave print impressions (e.g. surgical gloves). Some materials will transfer prints between objects (e.g. latex or leather gloves).
Always use gloves to handle any tools you'll be bringing so that you don't leave any fingerprints on them. It is easier to avoid leaving fingerprints on something in the first place than to rely on removing prints with a rag soaked in acetone, which can be less effective with some surface types. For example, on metal objects, the oil on your fingers can etch an imprint that can only be effectively removed with sandpaper.
Gloves can also prevent leaving DNA traces on objects that you touch. The best gloves for DNA traces are non-permeable; a new pair of dish washing gloves are best, and also cover the wrist region. Prior to putting on the gloves, thumb holes can be made in long sleeves of a shirt to prevent the sleeve from hiking up during use and exposing arm hairs and skin. Dish washing gloves won't be appropriate in a context like a demo - use a new pair of work gloves that have a thick impermeable coating on the palms and fingers. All gloves will transfer DNA traces between objects, so you need to put them on carefully and not touch your skin afterwards - see the related mitigation DNA minimization protocols.
Additionally, fingerprints (and DNA) can be left on the inside of gloves, so they should be disposed of appropriately.
See the fingerprints topic and Handschuhe[1] (in german).
Techniques addressed by this mitigation
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Forensics | ||
| DNA |
Gloves can prevent leaving DNA traces on objects that you touch. |
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| Fingerprints |
Certain types of gloves can prevent leaving fingerprint on objects that you touch. |
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