- 1). Fingerprint the deceased person using the normal fingerprinting process if the fingers are flexible and intact. The normal process is conducted by spreading the blank printer's ink across the finger of the deceased person and placing each fingerprint on a post-mortem fingerprint card.
- 2). Break the rigor mortis by forcefully and manually prying the fingers into a straightened position. Rigor mortis causes the hands become clenched and restrained in the locked position. After the rigor mortis is broken, normal fingerprinting process can continue.
- 3). Inject a tissue building solution into the fingertips that allow the fingertips to become "rounded." The tissue building injection is used when fingertips are wrinkled due to excessive humidity, mummification or the hand being in water for a long period of time. Since the wrinkling will cause the fingers to lose definition and impression, using the tissue building injection will cause the definition to be restored.
- 4). Remove the skin from the fingertips and allow the skin to air dry. You can also use hardening solution to harden the skin, since decomposition can cause the flesh and skin to become flabby, soft and fragile. After the skin is hardened or completely dried, place the skin over the examiner's gloved fingers and use the normal fingerprinting procedure.
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