Fingerprint Evidence in Crime Scene Investigation
26 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of learning about fingerprints in crime scene investigation?

  • To learn about the history of fingerprinting
  • To identify the basic evidentiary value of fingerprints found at a crime scene (correct)
  • To determine the guilt of a suspect
  • To detect forged fingerprints
  • What affects the quality of fingerprint impressions?

  • The type of ink used
  • The investigator's experience
  • The surface type
  • The factors such as pressure, moisture, and oil (correct)
  • What are the three pattern groups used to classify fingerprints?

  • Loops, composites, and accidental
  • Circles, squares, and triangles
  • Plain, rolled, and latent
  • Arches, whorls, and loops (correct)
  • What is the purpose of obtaining both suspect and elimination fingerprint impressions?

    <p>To eliminate innocent individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the standard method used to record fingerprints?

    <p>Completing a standard 10-print fingerprint card</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between rolled and plain fingerprint impressions?

    <p>Rolled impressions are captured in a specific sequence, whereas plain impressions are not</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of locating, developing, and lifting latent fingerprints?

    <p>To retrieve fingerprints from various surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using the standard 10-print fingerprint card?

    <p>To record suspect fingerprints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of a fingerprint is made up of perspiration?

    <p>98%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of fingerprint classification systems?

    <p>To store and retrieve fingerprint records for comparison</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using iodine fuming when obtaining fingerprints?

    <p>To detect oils in perspiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using a flashlight to locate fingerprints at a crime scene?

    <p>It enhances the visibility of latent fingerprints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using a glass plate when recording fingerprints?

    <p>To hold the fingerprint ink</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for having a subject wash their hands before recording their fingerprints?

    <p>To remove dirt and oils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the population has arch-type fingerprints?

    <p>5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of using powder and a brush to obtain fingerprints?

    <p>To reveal latent prints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of using a two-part system to record fingerprints?

    <p>To record basic pedigree information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using silver nitrate when obtaining fingerprints?

    <p>It detects salt water in perspiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary issue with using stamp pads for fingerprinting?

    <p>They produce faint impressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should the subject's hands be washed before taking fingerprints?

    <p>To remove dirt and oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the finger printer do to ensure a good impression?

    <p>Hold the wrist and press fingers simultaneously on the ink pad</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause mottled or patchy impressions?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a digit is missing?

    <p>Mark the space for the missing digit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should the fingers be rolled from a strained to a comfortable position?

    <p>To ensure a good impression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can cause ridge characteristics to be indistinct?

    <p>Working with acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of recording fingerprints in a specific sequence?

    <p>To compare with plain (PAT) impressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Fingerprint Evidence

    • A fingerprint is a deposit consisting of 98% perspiration, 1% amino acids, and 1% oil that forms on the friction ridges of fingers, palms, and feet and is left on a surface when contact is made.

    Factors Affecting Fingerprint Impression Quality

    • Condition of the hand:
      • Must be clean and dry
      • Age can affect the friction ridges
      • Occupation of subject can affect the friction ridges
    • Type of surface:
      • Smooth, hard, clean surfaces are most likely to reveal prints
      • Rough, porous, dusty, dirty, or greasy surfaces are least likely to reveal fingerprint impressions
    • Atmospheric conditions

    Fingerprint Classifications

    • Fingerprints are classified into three pattern types and eight sub-groups:
      • Arches (5% of population)
        • Plain arch
        • Tented arch
      • Loops (60% of population)
        • Radial loop
        • Ulnar loop
      • Whorls (35% of population)
        • Plain whorl
        • Double loop whorl
        • Accidental "unusual" whorl
        • Central pocket loop whorl

    Fingerprint Impressions

    • There are three types of fingerprint impressions:
      • Patent - visible
      • Latent - invisible
      • Plastic - molded
    • Methods used to obtain fingerprints at a crime scene:
      • Powder and brush
      • Photograph
      • Chemicals (iodine fuming, ninhydrin, silver nitrate, and super glue fuming)

    Lifting Prints

    • Precautions when dusting for fingerprints:
      • Use good clean equipment
      • Use the proper amount of powder
      • Use a light movement of the brush
    • After obtaining fingerprint impressions, they can be retrieved (lifted) with clear scotch tape and placed on a card and retained as evidence

    Fingerprint Records - Rolling Suspect/Elimination Prints

    • Standard 10-Print Record Card:
      • Currently used by most law enforcement agencies
      • Allows recording of basic pedigree information and rolling of all 10 digits
      • Two-part system which records rolled prints and plain (PAT) prints
    • Fingerprint Recording Equipment:
      • Commercially manufactured kit
      • Contains device for holding 10-print card, glass plate to hold ink, appropriate ink, ink roller, and cleaning material

    Recording Process - Procedures for Rolled Impressions

    • Have subject sign 10-print card and wash hands to remove perspiration and dirt
    • Roll four fingers away from center of subject's body
    • Roll thumbs toward center of subject's body
    • Grasp digits with both hands and apply steady/even downward pressure
    • Color of good impression should be dark gray, not black
    • Impression should be roughly square in shape and fill appropriate digit box

    Recording Process - Procedures for Plain (PAT) Impressions

    • Have subject sign 10-print card and wash hands
    • Have subject stand to immediate rear of officer
    • Subject should hold fingers together straight and stiff
    • Hand and wrist form level plane/no break at wrist
    • Finger printer hold wrist and presses fingers simultaneously on ink pad, then onto print card in appropriate box

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Learn about the physical process of fingerprint formation, types of impressions and patterns, and methods for obtaining fingerprint evidence. Practice rolling fingerprints on standard ten-print cards.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser