I've had an idea for a panel/demonstration - inspired by the few who have posted here about being involved in (or studying to for) Forensics or Evidence Collection. But before I suggest it to the nice programming folks, I want to sound out and see if anyone here feels they would like to host or sit on such a panel.
Fingerprints: One of the oldest and most commonly-known clues used in identifying criminals and connecting them to a crime scene. And while not every police cadet goes on to become a detective or crime-scene specialist, almost every one is introduced to taking fingerprints when booking in an arrestee, and detecting and collecting "latent" prints from the crime scene, for later analysis and match-ups.
We could have a panelist actually fingerprint audience members using a legitimate fingerprint card (actually, this may be done with bio-scanners nowadays), and then have someone demonstrate how to "dust" for prints on objects previously printed, and then the challenge of "lifting" those prints and storing them.
Regarding the print cards, these would be presented to the people who volunteered, or shredded on-site; I realise there are serious privacy concerns held by most europeans - particularly germans - and would understand if the actual fingerprinting was considered too sensitive to attempt (not to mention the fact that fingerprint ink does not clean up as easily as it should!), but a demonstration of the detecting, collecting, and preserving part should be fun! (there is a delicate touch required, and in some cases a judgement made on an appropriate powder for s specific surface or condition).
We could have the Police Furry with the best technique guide interested audience members dusting and lifting a print! Not that many "civilians" can truthfully claim that they have actually done such a thing, and it may be worth bragging points someday.
SO - is this a good or bad idea?