Chapter 4 Recording Living and Postmordem Friction Ridge Patterns

What is the primary purpose of obtaining legible recordings of friction ridge skin?

To compare against latent impressions from crime scenes, previous records, or for input into automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS).

What are common terms used to describe the recording of friction ridge details?

Inked prints, record prints, standards, and exemplars.

What essential equipment is needed for the ink-and-roller method of recording fingerprints?

An ink roller, an inking plate (glass or stainless steel), fingerprint/palmprint cards, and forensic-grade black ink.

Why should only inks formulated for forensic purposes be used for fingerprinting?

Other inks are often too light, too thin, or do not dry quickly enough, which can lead to smearing.

What are the advantages of using micro-reticulated thermoplastic resin or ceramic inking pads?

They contain permanent, nonfading ink, require no replenishment for up to 50,000 prints, offer easy cleanup, and dry quickly.

What is the standard size of a fingerprint card?

8 inches by 8 inches.

Why must fingerprint cards be made of durable material like heavy paper or cardboard?

Because they are handled frequently and may be stored in files for many years.

What is the purpose of the plain or flat impressions recorded at the bottom of a fingerprint card?

They serve as a verification of the finger sequence of the rolled impressions.

How are the fingers numbered on a standard fingerprint card?

Right thumb is #1 through right little finger #5; left thumb is #6 through left little finger #10.

What is the basic principle behind the ink-and-roller recording method?

Applying a thin coat of ink to the skin and pressing it onto a contrasting surface to capture the elevation difference between ridges and furrows.

What is Livescan technology in the context of fingerprinting?

A digital scanning process that records friction ridge detail without the use of ink.

What does it indicate if the ink on the inking plate appears gray?

There is not enough ink on the plate.

What does it indicate if the ink on the inking plate appears wet?

There is too much ink on the plate, which could cause smearing.

What should be done if a subject's fingers are too dry before recording?

Apply a moisturizing hand lotion sparingly to soften the skin.

What should be done if a subject's fingers are too moist before recording?

Dry them individually or wipe them with an alcohol wipe and then dry them.

What is the correct rolling direction for fingers during the recording process?

Fingers should be rolled away from the body.

What is the correct rolling direction for thumbs during the recording process?

Thumbs should be rolled toward the body.

What is the sequence for recording rolled impressions on a fingerprint card?

Starting with the right thumb and ending with the left little finger.

How are plain (flat) impressions recorded?

By grouping the fingers from each hand and pressing them simultaneously onto the card or scanner.

Should fingers be rolled when recording plain impressions?

No, they should not be rolled from side to side.

What is the benefit of rolling fingers toward the tips while lifting them from the card?

It records as much friction ridge detail as possible toward the top of the pattern area.

What information besides fingerprints is typically recorded on a fingerprint card?

Subject's name, date of birth, agency information, date, and signatures of the subject and technician.

What is the primary function of a fingerprint stand?

To provide a comfortable height for recording and built-in storage bins for necessary equipment.

What is the skin on the palmar surfaces of the fingers and hands called?

Friction ridge skin.

Why is it important to clean the inking plate before applying ink?

To ensure contaminants do not interfere with the quality of the recording.

What is the main advantage of digital images produced by high-resolution scanners?

They are easily reproduced and distributed electronically.

What are the two key factors to remember when recording fingerprints?

Control and pressure.

How should a subject be positioned when rolling their fingers for prints?

Standing in front of and facing the cardholder.

What is the recommended rotation for a finger or thumb during the rolling process?

180 degrees, from nail edge to nail edge.

What is the purpose of using a cylindrical device when recording palmprints?

To facilitate the process and ensure complete recording of all friction ridge detail.

How is ink applied to the palms when recording palmprints?

An ink roller is used to apply a thin coat of ink directly to the hands from the base and edges of the palms to the tips of the fingers.

What is the 'writer's palm'?

The edge of the hypothenar area of the palm.

Where should the hypothenar area (writer's palm) be recorded on a palmprint card?

To the right of the right palmprint and to the left of the left palmprint, if space allows.

Where should the thenar (thumb) area of the palm be recorded on a palmprint card?

To the left of the right palmprint and to the right of the left palmprint, if space allows.

What is the preferred direction for rolling a palm across a cylinder?

From the base of the palm toward the fingers, as it provides better control over the subject and print position.

Why is it recommended to pull rather than push the hand across the cylinder during palmprinting?

It helps prevent lateral movement of the subject's hand.

How can a technician eliminate voids in the center of a recorded palmprint?

By extending the thumb to the side during the rolling process.

What is an alternative method for recording palmprints without using an inking plate?

Using white adhesive lifting material (e.g., Handiprint) and black fingerprint powder.

What are 'major case prints'?

A recording of all friction ridge detail covering the hands, and sometimes the feet.

What is the current preferred terminology for 'major case prints' according to SWGFAST?

Complete friction ridge exemplars.

What additional areas are included in major case prints beyond standard fingerprints and palmprints?

Tips of the fingers (from below the nail to the center) and the lower joints of the fingers, including extreme sides.

How are the lower joints of the fingers recorded in major case prints?

By recording the extreme left side, the center, and the extreme right side of the finger, followed by a continuous roll of the tip.

What is the recommended procedure if a subject has a temporary injury on their finger?

Make a note in the corresponding block on the card; if possible, defer recording until the injury has healed.

What equipment is needed to record footprints?

A larger cylinder and larger paper than those used for palmprints.

What is the primary goal when recording palmprints in one smooth motion?

To prevent smudging or distortion.

How should the adhesive lifter be applied to the palm when using the powder method?

By smoothing from the center to the sides to ensure it conforms to creases and crevices.

Why might a latent print examiner prefer to roll the entire finger in one continuous motion?

To ensure the continuity of the impression, including the lower phalanges.

What should be done if there is not enough space on a single card for the thenar and hypothenar areas?

Separate cards should be used for these recordings.

How is the paper typically attached to the cylinder for palmprinting?

Using removable adhesive tape or rubber bands.

What is the role of the operator's hand that is not grasping the subject's hand during fingerprinting?

It holds the end of the finger or thumb to prevent slipping, apply light pressure, and guide the roll.

What is the benefit of using adhesive lifting material for palmprints?

It produces a high-contrast, completely recorded print with minimal slippage.

What is the final step in the major case print process?

Recording a legible and complete set of palmprints.

How can friction ridge detail be improved for individuals with rough or dry skin?

Apply skin-softening lotion to the hands and fingers prior to recording.

What technique helps prevent ink from filling the furrows of friction ridges?

Apply only a very small amount of ink to the inking plate to ensure only the tops of the ridges are covered.

What are the recommended specifications for the cylinder used to record footprints?

Approximately 5 inches in diameter, holding an 8.5 inch by 14 inch sheet of heavy white bond paper.

What is the proper motion for rolling a foot across a cylinder to obtain a print?

A smooth, continuous motion from the heel toward the toe, with the toes passing completely over the cylinder.

What is a potential drawback of having a subject walk across paper to record footprints?

Excessive pressure and movement of the feet may blur or smear the impressions.

What is an alternative method for recording footprints if the subject is sitting?

Mount paper on a flat board and press it against the subject's inked foot while the leg is elevated and supported.

What can be used to help record fine ridge detail in elderly individuals or small children?

Holding ice against the friction ridge skin.

When should black fingerprint powder be used instead of ink for recording prints?

When the friction ridges are so fine that ink completely covers both the ridges and the furrows.

How should impressions be recorded when using black fingerprint powder?

Use white opaque lifting material with a transparent cover to record the impressions directly from the fingers.

What should be done to ensure correct orientation when using lifting material for prints?

Mark the finger numbers on the transparent covers.

How should permanent disabilities be documented on a fingerprint card?

A notation should be made in the appropriate block (e.g., 'missing at birth' or 'amputated').

How should a partial amputation of the first joint of a finger be recorded?

Record the remaining portion as completely as possible and include a notation on the card.

What tools are recommended for recording prints from bent or disfigured fingers?

Special ink rollers, spatulas, and a curved strip holder (tools typically used for deceased individuals).

How should polydactyly (more than 10 fingers) be handled on a fingerprint card?

Record the thumb and the four fingers next to it normally, then record any remaining fingers on the other side of the card with a notation.

How should webbed fingers (syndactyly) be recorded?

Record them as completely as possible and include a notation regarding the congenital abnormality.

What is the primary factor that dictates the methods used to record friction ridge detail?

The condition of the friction ridge skin.

Why is it often necessary to obtain postmortem footprints for deceased infants?

Because hospital personnel usually only record footprint standards for newborns.

What is the recommended position for a deceased individual to facilitate recording prints?

Prone position, with the face and palms down on a table.

What should be done if rigor mortis makes it difficult to record prints?

Forcibly straighten the digits or use the rigor to your advantage by bending the wrist to separate and straighten the fingers.

What safety precaution is mandatory when handling biohazardous postmortem materials?

Wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, a face mask, and eye protection.

What is the definition of maceration in the context of postmortem skin?

The separation and softening of skin caused by soaking in liquid.

What is the definition of desiccation?

The state of being dried out.

What is the definition of putrefaction?

Skin that is in a state of decomposition or rotting, often due to bacteria, fungi, or fermentation.

What should be done if decomposition or maceration prevents traditional recording methods?

The hands, fingers, or feet may be surgically removed by a medical examiner and submitted to a laboratory for advanced procedures.

How can individual fingers be straightened if the hand is in a state of decomposition?

Press on the finger just above the knuckle to straighten it and separate it from the others.

How can the palm of a deceased individual be recorded if the wrist is stiff?

Bend the palm forward at the wrist or record various areas of the palm separately.

What is the extreme measure taken if rigor mortis prevents the straightening of fingers for fingerprinting?

It may be necessary to cut the tendons causing the curling.

Why should only legally designated persons perform the cutting of tendons on a deceased individual?

There are legal restrictions in some jurisdictions regarding the dissection of human remains.

What is the recommended first step before performing any technique that might cause further deterioration of friction skin?

Photograph the visible ridge detail.

How can a technician record friction ridge skin that is too fragile to ink in the usual manner?

The skin can be removed, cleaned, dried, and placed over the technician's own gloved finger to be inked and recorded.

What chemical solution is used to firm up rubbery or fragile friction ridge skin?

A 10-15% soaking solution of formaldehyde.

What is a potential risk of using formaldehyde to firm up friction ridge skin?

It can cause the skin to become overly firm and brittle, leading to splitting.

What is the purpose of rinsing the skin in laboratory-quality isopropanol after a formaldehyde soak?

To remove excess moisture.

What tool is commonly used to transfer ink to the fingers of a deceased individual?

A spatula containing a thin coat of ink applied by an ink roller.

How are fingerprints recorded when using a strip holder or spoon?

The strip or block is placed in the spoon, and the inked fingers are rolled from nail edge to nail edge in the corresponding blocks.

What alternative method can be used for recording fingerprints in extremely difficult cases?

Using black fingerprint powder and white adhesive lifting material like Handiprint.

If the top layers of friction ridge skin are decomposed, what other areas might reveal ridge detail?

The bottom layers (underside) of the friction ridge skin or the dermis.

What is the definition of maceration in the context of friction ridge skin?

Maceration occurs when skin is immersed in liquid (usually water) for an extended period, causing the epidermal layer to swell and loosen from the dermis.

How can wrinkled skin be smoothed to facilitate inking and recording?

By pinching the skin tightly from the back of the finger to stretch the pattern area.

What is the process for recording the underside of macerated friction ridge skin using fingerprint tape?

Coat the underside with fingerprint powder, ink the skin, and roll it onto the adhesive side of fingerprint lift tape.

What is the tonal result of recording macerated skin on adhesive tape?

The impressions will be tonally reversed (white ridges) because the furrows are inked instead of the ridges.

How can tonal reversal of prints recorded on adhesive tape be corrected?

It can be corrected photographically.

Why is it important to use fingerprint powder before applying ink to macerated skin?

The powder facilitates the removal of the skin from the adhesive tape.

How does the size of 'de-gloved' epidermis compare to the dermis?

The epidermis can be up to 33% larger than the dermis.

What adjustment should be made if an AFIS search fails to identify a print from de-gloved skin?

The print should be searched again at 70% of its original size.

What can be injected into the bulb of a finger to round out the pattern area if the skin is wrinkled but not pliable?

Tissue builder or glycerin.

What is the purpose of tying a string above an injection site when using tissue builder?

To prevent the fluid from escaping the finger.

How should skin be prepared if it is too brittle to be stretched or inked?

It should be trimmed, flattened between two pieces of glass, and photographed.