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Talk

Leaving a mark: 125 years of fingerprinting at the Met

Discover the evolution of fingerprinting over the last 125 years.

Date
15 July 2026
Location
Online

Important information

This event will be discussing historic cases and will include some images of human remains from crime scenes used in forensic examinations. While these will be dealt with sensitively the content may not be suitable for all. We advise that attendees are aged 18 years or over.

On 1 July 1901, the Metropolitan Police formally opened its Fingerprint Bureau, placing fingerprint evidence at the centre of criminal investigation.

Learn how fingerprinting has evolved over the last 125 years, from the first murder case solved with fingerprint evidence, through to the technological advances of the present day. Explore the role of fingerprint evidence in solving crime and supporting victims and how new technologies and challenges have led to now innovations in the field.

Join Katie Ann Smith, Head of Museums, Heritage & Engagement at the Metropolitan Police Service, Lisa Hall, Fingerprint Consultant for the Metropolitan Police and Hollie Heard, Reporting Fingerprint Examiner, Metropolitan Police Service to mark the start of the 125th anniversary of the Met’s forensic services.

In partnership with

  • Metropolitan Police Crime Museum (125 years)

Event details

Date
15 July 2026, 19:30 to 20:30
Price
Free

Pay what you can

Age
16 or over
Location
Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo

This event has sold out.

Dates for this event

15 July 2026 (past event)

  • 19:30 to 20:30

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Speakers

  • Katie Ann Smith

    Head of Museums, Heritage & Engagement at the Metropolitan Police Service

  • Lisa Hall

    Fingerprint Consultant for the Metropolitan Police