Which method is NOT typically used for collecting fingerprints?

Embedding fingerprints in plaster is not a typical method used for collecting fingerprints. The conventional techniques for fingerprint collection include dusting with powder, which makes the prints visible for lifting; using tape to actually lift those visible prints off a surface; and photographic capture, which involves taking pictures of fingerprints for documentation or further analysis.

In contrast, embedding prints in plaster is more associated with impressions left by three-dimensional objects or fingerprints found in soft materials, like mud or sand, rather than collecting ridge detail from surfaces. This technique is generally not applicable when discussing standard fingerprint collection methods used in forensic investigations. Therefore, identifying that embedding in plaster does not fit within the conventional practices is key to understanding fingerprint collection techniques.