Criminalistics and Forensic Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of a second fingerprint examiner in the verification process?

To create identification for the firearms.

To confirm the results of the first examiner. (correct)

To register firearms with the FEO of the PNP.

To conduct the initial analysis of the fingerprints.

What must occur for the identification conclusion to be considered valid?

It must be approved by a legal authority.

It must be documented in a report.

It must be confirmed by another fingerprint examiner. (correct)

It must be verified by the firearm owner.

Who is responsible for registering all firearms owned by the National Government?

The Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the PNP. (correct)

Individual government agencies.

The Chief of Police.

The Secretary of Defense.

Which statement about firearm ownership by the National Government is accurate?

Firearms must be registered in the name of the Republic of the Philippines. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of fingerprint examination might the second examiner verify?

The suitability of determinations made in the analysis phase. Signup and view all the answers

What does criminalistics primarily involve?

Application of forensic science to criminal matters Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the art of personal identification through body measurement?

Anthropometry Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'forensic' imply in the context of forensic science?

Application to law or justice administration Signup and view all the answers

Dactyloscopy is best defined as the:

Art of fingerprint recording Signup and view all the answers

Which condition describes someone born with more than the usual number of fingers?

Polydactyl Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of dactylomancy?

To interpret personality through fingerprints Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ridge' refer to in the context of fingerprints?

The black lines with tiny white dots Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'syndactyl' refer to?

Side fusion of fingers Signup and view all the answers

What does fingerprint classification refer to?

The arrangement of fingerprint records into groups for filling purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a classification system for fingerprints mentioned?

Category Classification Signup and view all the answers

In the FBI modified version of the classification system, which classification comes after Primary Classification?

Secondary Classification Signup and view all the answers

Which is the first step in fingerprint classification?

Recording of fingerprint impressions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of patterns are fingerprints classified by?

Shape, position, and relative size. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sub-classifications is associated with the index finger?

Secondary Classification Signup and view all the answers

What does the classification line exhibit?

The classification formula of the given ten rolled fingerprints. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification method primarily focuses on loops and whorls based on ridge count?

Final Classification Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic ridge characteristics identified in fingerprint analysis?

Ridge ending, bifurcation, and dot Signup and view all the answers

What principle did Dr. Henry Faulds propose regarding fingerprints?

Fingerprints are unchangeable and can survive superficial injuries Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited as the 'Father of Chiroscopy'?

Sir William Herschel Signup and view all the answers

What issue did the case of Will West and William West expose regarding the Bertillon System?

It could not distinguish between two different individuals Signup and view all the answers

How long was the Bertillon system widely accepted before its credibility was challenged?

30 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measurements was NOT part of Bertillon's anthropometric system?

Body weight Signup and view all the answers

What did Herman Welcker's principle emphasize about fingerprints?

Fingerprints are consistent and immutable Signup and view all the answers

Which method did Sir William Herschel employ to prevent impersonation among laborers?

Fingerprinting the entire palms Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an Inner Whorl in fingerprint patterns?

The tracing ridge goes above or inside to the right delta with three or more intervening ridges. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Meeting Whorl?

A tracing ridge going above or below the right delta with less than three intervening ridges. Signup and view all the answers

For the left thumb, if the ridge count is 12 to 16, what classification is assigned?

Medium (M) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of major division in fingerprint classification?

It is specific to the thumb only and modifies ridge counting. Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed first when determining ridge counts for loops appearing on thumbs?

The left thumb should be looked at first. Signup and view all the answers

If the ridge count on the right thumb is 18 to 22, what classification is given?

Medium (M) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Outer Whorl is correct?

The tracing ridge goes below or outside to the right delta with three or more intervening ridges. Signup and view all the answers

What is disregarded during ridge counting and/or whorl tracing in major division?

Arches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Criminology Overview

Brenyl Doning Abilla ranked Top 1 in the December 2021 Criminologist Licensure Examination.
Criminalistics applies forensic science to criminal matters, aiding in law enforcement and legal processes.

Forensic Science

Derived from the Latin "Forum," referring to public discussions; focuses on the application of scientific knowledge to legal matters.
Involves various fields including science, technology, and medicine to assist courts in resolving disputes.

Key Definitions

Anthropometry: Personal identification through body measurements.
Dactylography: Art of fingerprint recording for identification.
Dactyloscopy: Science of examining fingerprints.
Dactylomancy: Study of fingerprints for personality interpretation.

Finger Conditions

Polydactyl: More than ten fingers.
Macrodactyl: Enlarged fingers.
Microdactyl/Brachydactyly: Smaller than average fingers.
Ectodactyl: Missing fingers at birth.
Syndactyl: Fusion of fingers.

Fingerprint Characteristics

Fingerprints consist of ridge outlines on finger joints and are crucial for identification.
Basic ridge characteristics include ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots.

Principles in Fingerprint Science

Herman Welcker: Confirmed the immutability of fingerprints over 41 years.
Dr. Henry Faulds: Advocated the unchangeable nature of fingerprints and proper inking techniques.
Sir William Herschel: Known as the "Father of Chiroscopy"; used palm prints to prevent impersonation.
Alphonse Bertillon: Established anthropometric measurement system; based on five body measurements.

Bertillon System and Its Collapse

Bertillon’s system lasted until the Will West and William West case in 1903, which exposed its flaws when two individuals had similar measurements but different identities.

Fingerprint Classification

Classification organizes fingerprints for easy retrieval, primarily through general shape (arch, loop, or whorl) and relative size.
The Henry-Galton System is widely adopted across English-speaking countries, including the Philippines.

Classification Levels

Primary, Secondary, Sub-Secondary, Major Division, Final, and Key Classification: Different levels of organizing fingerprints based on specific characteristics and ridges.

Steps in Fingerprint Classification

Recording: Taking impressions of fingerprints.
Ridge Counting: Important for determining classification and helps ensure accuracy in identification.
Verification is critical for confirming fingerprint analysis and identification results, requiring another examiner's approval.

Firearms Ownership Regulations

All firearms owned by the National Government must be registered with the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the name of the Republic of the Philippines.

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Description

Explore the foundations of criminalistics as applied in forensic science. This quiz covers key concepts, definitions, and historical origins related to forensic science. Ideal for aspiring criminologists looking to solidify their understanding of this essential field.