Chapter 6 - Fingerprints

FSCI book, fingerprints

fingerprints

Unique patterns made by the skin ridges on the fingers, used for personal identification.

anthropometry

A system of identifying individuals through measurements of various body parts.

arch

A type of fingerprint pattern characterized by ridges that enter from one side and flow out the other side.

digital imaging

The process of converting a picture into a digital file composed of pixels for analysis.

fluoresce

To emit visible light when exposed to a shorter wavelength of light.

iodine fuming

A technique for visualizing latent fingerprints using iodine vapors.

latent fingerprint

An invisible print made by the deposit of perspiration or oils left on surfaces.

livescan

An inkless device that captures digital images of fingerprints and palm prints.

loop

A class of fingerprints characterized by ridges that enter from one side and exit the same side.

ninhydrin

A chemical reagent used to develop latent fingerprints on porous surfaces by reacting with amino acids.

Physical Developer

A silver nitrate-based reagent used to visualize latent fingerprints on porous materials.

pixel

A square electronic dot used to compose a digital image.

plastic print

A fingerprint impressed in a soft material.

portrait parlé

A detailed verbal description of a suspect provided by an eyewitness.

ridge characteristics (minutiae)

The individual features of a fingerprint such as ridge endings and bifurcations.

sublimation

A process in which a substance transitions from a solid to a gas without passing through a liquid phase.

superglue fuming

A technique for visualizing latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces using cyanoacrylate vapors.

visible print

A fingerprint made when the finger deposits a visible material such as ink, dirt, or blood onto a surface.

whorl

A class of fingerprints that includes ridge patterns that are generally rounded or circular in shape.

ACE-V

A four-step process used in fingerprint analysis: Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification.

AFIS

Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a biometric system for storing and comparing fingerprints.

deposition factors

External factors affecting the quality and clarity of a fingerprint impression.

dry surface techniques

Methods for developing fingerprints on hard, nonabsorbent surfaces.

enrollment process

The initial phase in biometric systems where an individual's data is recorded.

extraction process

The phase in biometric systems where feature data is extracted for identification.

template generation

Creating a digital representation of an individual's biometric features for storage and retrieval.

Eigenfaces

A technique used in facial recognition that represents variations in facial images as vectors.

IrisCodes

Binary codes derived from the unique patterns found in the iris of the eye, used for identification.

bifurcation

A point in fingerprint ridge where a single ridge divides into two, considered a minutia.

ridge ending

The termination point of a ridge in a fingerprint, also a type of minutia.

characteristics

Unique features that help in identifying and differentiating fingerprints.

modulus of ratio

Refers to methods of comparing the proportions and relationships between different fingerprint characteristics.

investigation process

The overall approach taken by law enforcement to identify suspects through the gathering of evidence.

biometric identification

The process of identifying an individual based on their biological characteristics.

biometric verification

Confirmation that a captured biometric matches an existing template of a claimed identity.

behavioral biometrics

Measurements of patterns in human activities, such as keystroke dynamics and gait analysis.

physiological biometrics

Identification methods based on physical traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans.

high-pass filter

An image processing technique that enhances the intensity difference between pixels, useful in fingerprint analysis.

low-pass filter

An image processing technique that reduces edge detail in images, often used to smooth out noisy images.

laser illumination

A method of visualizing fingerprints using laser light to induce fluorescence.

photo enhancement

Techniques applied to improve the quality of images for better visibility and analysis.

chemical reagents

Substances used to initiate a chemical reaction for developing latent fingerprints.

crime scene analysis

Assessment of physical evidence gathered at a crime scene, including fingerprints.

fingerprint development

Methods used to visualize, enhance, and preserve fingerprints from various surfaces.

systematic classification

A methodical approach to categorizing fingerprints based on their patterns.

molecular interactions

Chemical processes that occur when latent prints react with developed agents.

research implications

The potential lessons and applications drawn from studies regarding fingerprint technology.

court admissibility

The legal standard that determines whether fingerprint evidence can be presented in a court of law.

privacy concerns

Issues surrounding the collection, storage, and potential misuse of biometric data.

evidentiary value

The significance of fingerprint evidence in establishing a connection to a crime.

compounded identification

The use of multiple biometric characteristics to enhance accuracy in identification.

self-destructive methods

Attempts by individuals to alter or destroy their fingerprints to avoid detection.

expert testimony

A legal declaration from a qualified professional regarding the evidence, including fingerprints.

international standards

Agreed-upon measures and guidelines for fingerprint analysis and biometrics worldwide.

fingerprint analysis

The process of evaluating two or more fingerprints to identify similarities or differences.

error rate

The frequency of inaccurate readings or identifications by biometric systems.

public safety applications

Use of fingerprint technology in law enforcement and security for crime prevention.

latent print visualization

Techniques employed to reveal invisible fingerprints for investigative purposes.

systemic integrity checks

Procedures to ensure that biometric systems operate accurately and without faults.

scientific advancements

Recent progress in technologies that enhance the process and reliability of fingerprint analysis.

identification algorithms

Computational methods used to match fingerprint data against existing records.

remote identification

The capability of biometrics to identify individuals from a distance through technology.

canvas integration

Combining multiple sources of data to form a comprehensive overview in investigations.

investigative leads

Initial information gathered that directs law enforcement towards potential suspects.

effective training protocols

Educational guidelines designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of fingerprint examiners.

automated screening

Using technology to quickly review and filter fingerprint databases for matches.

unique identifier

A distinctive element used to recognize an individual based on their biometric data.

field investigation tools

Equipment and software used by investigators to collect and analyze fingerprint evidence.

evaluation criteria

Standards used to assess the quality and reliability of fingerprint identifications.

database algorithms

Set methods for storing, processing, and retrieving fingerprint information from a digital database.

security protocols

Predefined procedures followed to protect biometric data from unauthorized access.

pattern recognition

The ability of systems to identify unique characteristics within fingerprint data.

digital fingerprinting

Capture and processing of fingerprints in a digital format for analysis.

comparative methodology

The systematic approach of comparing fingerprint characteristics side by side.