Questions and Answers
Patent fingerprints, or visible fingerprints, are left on a smooth surface when blood, ink, or some other liquid comes in contact with the hand and is then transferred to that surface.
True
Patent fingerprints are caused by the transfer of oils and other body secretions onto a surface.
False
Latent fingerprints, or surface fingerprints, are caused by the transfer of skin onto a surface.
False
Criminals began to devise ways to alter their fingerprints as soon as fingerprints were discovered to be a reliable means of identification.
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Fingerprint matching is carried out by a computer in a matter of seconds.
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Who verified that fingerprints do not change with age?
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What percent of latent prints at a crime scene come from the palm or the side of the hand?
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Actual indentations left in soft material such as clay, putty, or wax is which type of fingerprint?
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In the novel Pudd'nhead Wilson, what does Lawyer Wilson refer to as forensic evidence?
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In western culture, what is the earliest record of the study of the patterns on human hands?
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Fingerprint collection began in what year?
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Who created a way to identify criminals in 1879?
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In 1888, who developed the classification system for fingerprints that is still used today?
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Beginning in 1896, who created a system for grouping fingerprints?
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The imprint of a fingerprint consists of natural secretions of the sweat glands that are present where?
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During which week of gestation are fingerprints formed?
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Which type of loop opens towards the little finger?
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Fingerprint whorl patterns may be what?
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Fingerprint arches may be what?
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What unique ridge patterns are called that ensure every individual has a unique fingerprint?
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The chemical used purely for recovering fingerprints from paper is?
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Who was the first to make studies of the fingerprints left behind by artists?
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Who is conducting research to learn how traces left by criminals can provide more information?
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In a test conducted with 156 fingerprint examiners in 1995, how many examiners made at least one false identification?
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There are about _____ individual ridge characteristics...
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Study Notes
Fingerprints Overview
- Patent fingerprints are visible imprints left on smooth surfaces from substances like blood or ink.
- Latent fingerprints result from skin oils transferred onto a surface, not from skin itself.
- Criminals, such as John Dillinger, attempted to alter fingerprints to evade capture, but this is uncommon.
Identification Techniques
- Fingerprint matching is a complex process, not completed in seconds by computers as often depicted in media.
- Sir Francis Galton proved that fingerprints remain unchanged throughout a person’s life.
- Sir William Herschel initiated systematic fingerprint collection in 1856.
Historical Context
- Alphonse Bertillon developed an identification system in 1883 specifically for repeat offenders in Paris.
- Sir Francis Galton and Sir E.R. Henry created a widely used classification system for fingerprints in 1888.
Fingerprint Formation and Patterns
- Fingerprints are formed by the 10th week of gestation.
- Types of fingerprint loops include ulnar loops which open towards the little finger.
- Whorl patterns can be categorized into central pocket loop, plain whorl, and double loop whorl.
- Arches in fingerprints can be classified as plain or tented.
Unique Identification
- Individual fingerprint uniqueness is determined by ridge patterns known as minutiae.
- Recovery methods for fingerprints differ based on surface texture; ninhydrin is specifically used for paper.
Contemporary Research
- Peter Paul Biro studies fingerprints left by artists to identify their works.
- Dr. Sue Jickells researches trace substances left by criminals that could reveal more about their identities and behaviors.
Error in Identification
- Despite claims of flawless fingerprint identification, human error can occur; one in five examiners made false identifications in a 1995 study.
Additional Facts
- Approximately 150 individual ridge characteristics are used as a basis for fingerprint analysis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on patent and latent fingerprints with this quiz. Learn the differences between visible, patent, and latent fingerprints and how they are formed. Perfect for students in forensic science or criminal justice.
