Chapter 6: Fingerprints & Other Personal Identification Patterns

Alternate Light Source

uses different wave lengths of light to make trace evidence, such as fingerprints, body fluids, fibers, & bruises, fluoresce or appear darker, enhancing their visibility for detection & documentation

Anthropometry

a scientific practice of taking measurements of the human body, often in skeletal remains, to create a biological profile to aid in identification

Core

the approximate center of a fingerprint impression, specifically the inner most point where the friction ridges form a U-turn, creating a loop

Dactyloscopy

the scientific method of using the unique ridge patterns on a person’s fingers, palms, & feet to identify individuals for criminal & civil law purposes

Latent Print

the scientific examination & comparison of invisible impressions left by the friction ridge skin of fingers, palms, or feet on a surface

Minutiae

the unique, local features of a fingerprint, specifically the points where friction ridge lines end fork (bifurcate), such as ridge endings, bifurcations, dots, or islands

Plastic Print

a 3D impression of a fingerprint that is formed when finger pressed into a soft, moldable material like wax, fresh paint, soap, mud, or tar

Ten Print Card

a standard card that contains a complete set of an individual’s fingerprint impressions, including all ten rolled fingers & four flat (or slap) prints from each hand

Patent Print

a fingerprint left when a substance like blood, paint, ink, or dirt is on a finger & then transferred to a surface, creating an immediately visible mark

Loop

a primary fingerprint pattern characterized by ridges that enter on one side of the finger, recurve around, & then exit on the same side from which they entered

Whorl

a fingerprint pattern characterized by at least one friction ridge that forms a complete circuit, appearing as a spiral, oval, or circular shape

Arch

1 of 3 basic fingerprint patterns, characterized by ridges that enter on one side, form a rise or wave in the center, & then exit on the opposite side