Forensic Fingerprint

William Herschel

Required fingerprints on contacts in India, and also as a means of identifying prisoners

Alphonse Bertillion

Proposed body measurements as a mean of identification; termed anthropometry

Francis Galton

Developed primary classification scheme based on loops, arches, and whorls

Edward Henry

In collaboration with Galton instituted a numerical classification system

Juan Vucetich

developed a fingerprint classification based on Galton’s that used Spanish speaking countries

What are fingerprints composed of

patterns and ridges friction ridges on your finger

Anthropometry

proposed body measurements as a mean of identification

Dactyloscopy

the study of fingerprint identification

Ridgeology

the study of uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use

Minutiae

specific characteristics of ridge patterns, including ridge endings, holes, and bifurcations

What is the FBI’s database of fingerprints called

IAFIS

Describe how you would know if the loop print is radial or ulnar

ulnar loop- points inside the arm to the left

radial loop- points to the radial bone going right

What are the 3 main principles of using fingerprint identification

1. fingerprint is an individual characteristic, two people don’t have the same fingerprint

2. fingerprints remained unchanged for individuals life

3. general ridge patterns allow for systmatic identification

What are the three fundamental fingerprint patterns, and how do they differ from one another

1. loops- radial & ulnar

2. whorls- plain, central pocket loop, accidental

3. arches- plain and tented

What is the percentages of each of the three above in general population

60% loops, 35% whorls, 5% arches

What is a core? What is a delta?

Core is the center of whorl or loop

Deltas are triangular regions near a loop

What are latent fingerprints and why are they important in forensic

invisible residues of sweat, oils, and body secretions left on surfaces, requiring specialized techniques like dusting powders, chemical reagents, or alternate light sources for detection

What are patent fingerprints and what are they important in forensic

2D impressions that are visible, such as a print created by dirt or makeup on a flat surface

What are plastic fingerprints and why are they important in forensic investigations

3D impressions created in a softer material, such as wax clay and puddy

How are latent fingerprints typically developed or enhanced at a crime scene, 4 techniques

1. Fluorescent powder

2. UV light

3. Black powder, then lift with clear tape

4. cynocrylate fuming method (super glue method)

Define “minutiae in the context of fingerprint analysis. Why are they critical in identifying fingerprints

unique characteristics found within the friction ridge patterns of a finger

help distinguish more points of similarity in fingerprints

How much of a fingerprint is needed to make a positive comparison (how many minutiae points)

No standard number

Criminal courts generally accept 8-12 points of similarity

Provide examples of each type of minutiae

How can automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) assist forensic experts in identifying fingerprints, what are their advantages and limitations

help ready classify and match fingerprints

advantages- reduced search time , increases accuracy, improves collaboration

disadvantages- fails positive potential high maintenance costs

Name all the parts of the body where ridges prints can be found

foot

palm of hands

lips

teeth

ears

voice

shoe

Discuss the challenges and limitations of using fingerprints evidence in court. What factors can affect the accuracy of fingerprints identification

Prints can become smudged or partial, great chance human error, low quality prints or enough obtained to make a valid match