Forensic Science B: Fingerprint Analysis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fingerprint analysis in forensic science, such as the types of fingerprints, methods for identification, and the historical context behind fingerprinting techniques.

What is dactylography?

The study of fingerprints for identification purposes.

What are dermal or friction ridges?

Small ridges on fingers, palms, toes, feet, and lips that allow us to grip objects.

What key evidence helped identify Richard Ramirez?

A shoe print.

What was Richard Ramirez convicted of?

13 counts of murder, 11 counts of sexual assault, and 14 counts of burglary.

What percentage of the population has arch fingerprints?

5%.

What are the three layers of skin?

Epidermis (outer), Basal (middle), and Dermis (inner).

What are the three types of fingerprints?

Arch, loop, and whorl.

What are minutiae in fingerprints?

Unique ridge patterns where ridges come together or end.

What is considered a match between fingerprints?

At least 12 matching minutiae according to the 12 match guideline.

What is the difference between patent and plastic prints?

Patent prints are visible prints on smooth surfaces; plastic prints are indentations left in soft substances.

What is the process of ridge count?

Drawing an imaginary line from the core to the delta and counting the intersecting ridges.

How are latent prints made visible with ninhydrin?

Dipping or spraying the suspected object in ninhydrin, revealing the prints after reaction with amino acids in sweat.

What type of fingerprint opens toward the same side of the hand?

Ulnar loop fingerprints.

What is a delta in fingerprint analysis?

A triangular region near a loop or whorl.

What fingerprint characteristics are considered when identifying prints?

Core and delta.

What percentage of the population has loop fingerprints?

65%.

What is IAFIS?

Automated fingerprint identification system used by the FBI.

Who developed the U.S. fingerprint classification system?

Sir Frances Galton and Sir E.R. Henry.

What common ways can latent prints be revealed?

Carbon powder, magnetic powder, ninhydrin, cyanoacrylate vapor, silver nitrate, iodine fuming, RUVIS.

How should documents with prints be preserved?

Placed in individual envelopes, wrapped in cardboard, and kept in a box.