Corporate Investigations · Empire Investigation · Pittsburgh, PA
Fingerprint Analysis
Fingerprint analysis remains one of the most reliable forensic disciplines available — and one of the most under-used in private and civil cases. Empire Investigation LLC offers professional latent print recovery, lifting, and comparison services for Pittsburgh businesses, attorneys, and private clients with concrete questions: Who actually opened this safe? Who was inside this office after hours? Who handled this document, this weapon, this device? Our investigators have been answering these questions since 1982 — 44 years of experience integrating forensic disciplines into civil and corporate investigations across Western Pennsylvania.
Most people associate fingerprinting with criminal cases handled by police labs — but in civil matters, employment investigations, theft incidents, contested document cases, and corporate intrusions, police rarely process scenes for prints. The crime threshold often isn't met, the case isn't a priority, or the matter is fundamentally civil rather than criminal. Yet the answers latent prints can provide — who touched what, when, where — are frequently decisive in employment terminations, theft documentation, partnership disputes, and harassment investigations.
Empire Investigation performs scene processing using powder development, chemical methods where appropriate, and digital photography of recovered prints. Latent lifts are documented with chain-of-custody from recovery through comparison. When the case requires identification, we work with credentialed latent print examiners for comparison and, when warranted, AFIS database submission through appropriate channels.
All work is structured to be admissible in Pennsylvania civil court and structured for written report or expert presentation. Call (800) 860-6068 for a confidential consultation.
What This Investigation Covers
- Scene processing for latent prints — powder and chemical methods
- Latent print lifting from doors, safes, documents, vehicles, and devices
- Chain-of-custody preservation from recovery through comparison
- Comparison against known exemplar prints from named subjects
- Photographic documentation of recovered latents for legal exhibit
- Written reports and forensic findings for civil proceedings
- Coordination with credentialed examiners for testimony when required
When This Service Is Needed
- A safe, drawer, or restricted area has been accessed without authorization
- A document of questioned origin needs to be tied to a specific individual
- An office or facility has been entered after hours and police will not process the scene
- An employee theft incident requires evidence of who handled a specific item
- Civil litigation requires forensic linking of a subject to physical evidence
- A device, weapon, or piece of property must be tied to a named party
Our Approach
We conduct structured, confidential investigations using proven methodologies and professional-grade tools. Every case is scoped carefully, executed with discretion, and focused on delivering actionable, documented results. We coordinate directly with legal counsel and executive leadership when required.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a private investigator do fingerprint analysis in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Licensed Pennsylvania private investigators may perform latent print recovery and engage credentialed forensic examiners for comparison work in civil and corporate matters. Empire Investigation has been integrating fingerprint analysis into Pittsburgh investigations since 1982.
Why would I hire a private fingerprint analyst instead of going to the police?
In most civil and corporate cases, police will not process scenes for prints — either because the matter does not meet criminal thresholds, the case is not a priority, or the dispute is civil. Empire Investigation processes scenes that police will not, allowing employers, attorneys, and private clients to develop forensic evidence in matters that would otherwise produce no physical proof.
How are latent prints lifted from a scene?
Depending on the surface, we use latent powder development (for non-porous surfaces like glass, plastics, and finished metals), chemical methods such as ninhydrin (for porous surfaces like paper and untreated wood), and photographic documentation. Recovered latents are lifted with adhesive material onto backing cards and preserved with chain-of-custody documentation.
Can you identify whose fingerprints these are?
Comparison work answers two different questions. Against known exemplars — printed cards from named individuals — a credentialed latent examiner can confirm or exclude identity. Against unknown prints with no candidate, AFIS database submission is possible only through law-enforcement channels. Empire Investigation will tell you up front which questions your case can answer.
Is fingerprint evidence admissible in Pennsylvania civil court?
Yes, when properly preserved, examined by qualified personnel, and presented with appropriate chain-of-custody. Empire Investigation structures all work for civil admissibility and coordinates expert testimony when required.
Confidential Inquiry
Request a Confidential Consultation
All inquiries are handled with complete discretion. We work directly with executives, legal counsel, and HR leadership to scope engagements appropriately.
All inquiries handled with complete discretion.