Untitled Flashcards Set

Anthropometry

A system of identification devised by Alphonse Bertillon using detailed descriptions, photographs, and body measurements.

Francis Galton

Published the textbook 'Finger Prints' in 1892, leading to the adoption of fingerprinting in criminal identification.

Dr. Juan Vucetich

Developed a fingerprint classification system used primarily in Spanish-speaking countries.

Sir Edward Henry

Developed the fingerprint classification system adopted by most English-speaking countries.

Will West Incident

A case in 1903 where fingerprinting distinguished two individuals that anthropometry could not, significantly promoting fingerprint use.

Fingerprint

Reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of fingers and thumbs.

Principle #1

Fingerprints are individual characteristics; no two fingerprints have identical ridge characteristics.

Minutiae

Ridge characteristics of a fingerprint, such as bifurcations, ridge endings, dots, and enclosures.

Principle #2

Fingerprints remain unchanged throughout an individual's lifetime.

Dermal Papillae

Layer between epidermis and dermis determining fingerprint ridge patterns.

Latent Fingerprints

Invisible fingerprints formed by perspiration and oils transferred to a surface.

Principle #3

Fingerprints can be systematically classified into loops, arches, and whorls.

Loops

Fingerprint patterns with ridges entering from one side, recurving, and exiting the same side; includes radial and ulnar loops.

Whorls

Fingerprint patterns divided into plain whorl, central pocket loop, double loop, and accidental.

Delta

Ridge point nearest the divergence of two type lines in fingerprint loops and whorls.

Core

Approximate center of a fingerprint loop pattern.

Arches

Least common fingerprint patterns, divided into plain and tented arches, lacking deltas, cores, and type lines.

Fingerprint Identification Process

Includes analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification (ACE-V).

Levels of Fingerprint Comparison

Level 1: General ridge flow and pattern configuration. Level 2: Ridge characteristics or minutiae. Level 3: Ridge pores, breaks, creases, scars, and permanent minutiae.

Primary Classification (Henry System)

Assigns numerical values based on whorl patterns to classify fingerprints systematically.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

Scanning system converting fingerprint images into digital minutiae for computerized searching.

IAFIS

FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, now integrated into the NGI system.

Visible Prints

Fingerprints left when fingers touch a surface after contacting colored materials like blood or ink.

Plastic Prints

Ridge impressions left in soft materials like putty or wax.

Super Glue Fuming

Cyanoacrylate ester chemical technique to develop latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces.

Alternate Light Sources

High-intensity lights used to visualize latent fingerprints through fluorescence.

Chemical Methods for Porous Surfaces

Iodine Fuming: Temporary visualization using iodine vapor. Ninhydrin: Reacts with amino acids producing purple-blue prints. Physical Developer: Silver nitrate-based chemical for developing prints when other methods fail or the object was wet.

Fingerprint Preservation

Methods include photography, lifting with adhesive tape, and transporting small objects intact.

Digital Imaging

Converts fingerprint images into digital files, allowing enhancement and comparative analysis using specialized software.