A method of and apparatus (2) for locating and detecting a fingerprint deposited on a surface (10), the method comprising setting up an electric field such that a differential charge density is produced coincident with the location of a fingerprint deposited on the surface. By deploying a conductive powder or other detection element selectively attractable to the surface (10) coincident with the differential charge density in the region of the fingerprint deposit a fingerprint deposited on the surface (10) is located and detected.
