How do you take fingerprint without using any electronic device?

Answer 1

The 'traditional' method was to use ink and paper. The suspect would have each finger 'rolled' onto an ink pad - then the finger would be pressed against a piece of paper. This left an impression of the fingerprint on the paper.

To 'lift' a fingerprint from most surfaces - the print would be 'dusted' with Silver Iodide powder. The powder sticks to the grease in the finger print, and a piece of adhesive tape will 'lift' the print from the surface. The adhesive tape is then stuck to white card to make the print more visible.

Electronic methods are much better because - (a) The suspect isn't left with ink on their hands - and (b) the electronic prints can be instantly matched against the police database to either confirm the person's identity or see if they're wanted for other crimes.