Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why are fingerprints considered individual evidence rather than class evidence?
Why are fingerprints considered individual evidence rather than class evidence?
Because no two fingerprints are the same.
What are fingerprints composed of, and how are they deposited?
What are fingerprints composed of, and how are they deposited?
They are composed of patterns and ridge-like characteristics and deposited by transferable oils such as perspiration.
What is the difference between a fingerprint pattern and a ridge characteristic?
What is the difference between a fingerprint pattern and a ridge characteristic?
Fingerprint patterns consist of arches, loops, and whorls, while ridge characteristics are the minutiae.
How can fingerprint patterns be changed?
How can fingerprint patterns be changed?
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What is the most common type of fingerprint pattern?
What is the most common type of fingerprint pattern?
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What is the least common fingerprint pattern?
What is the least common fingerprint pattern?
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A loop pattern that opens toward the thumb is known as a __________.
A loop pattern that opens toward the thumb is known as a __________.
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All whorl patterns have __________ deltas.
All whorl patterns have __________ deltas.
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What is meant by a latent print, and how can one be developed?
What is meant by a latent print, and how can one be developed?
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Explain what IAFIS is and how it is used.
Explain what IAFIS is and how it is used.
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How is the 'final verification' made using the AFIS system?
How is the 'final verification' made using the AFIS system?
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What is the difference between a plastic, latent, and visible fingerprint?
What is the difference between a plastic, latent, and visible fingerprint?
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What is the significance of the Donald and Ronald Smith case?
What is the significance of the Donald and Ronald Smith case?
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What is a fingerprint?
What is a fingerprint?
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What are microns?
What are microns?
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What is dactyloscopy?
What is dactyloscopy?
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What is anthropometry?
What is anthropometry?
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What is a loop in terms of fingerprint patterns?
What is a loop in terms of fingerprint patterns?
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What is a whorl?
What is a whorl?
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What is a core in fingerprint patterns?
What is a core in fingerprint patterns?
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What are deltas in fingerprint patterns?
What are deltas in fingerprint patterns?
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What is an arch in fingerprint patterns?
What is an arch in fingerprint patterns?
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What is minutiae?
What is minutiae?
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What is a plastic print?
What is a plastic print?
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What is a visible print?
What is a visible print?
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What are latent prints?
What are latent prints?
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What is Ninhydrin?
What is Ninhydrin?
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What is a bifurcation in fingerprint analysis?
What is a bifurcation in fingerprint analysis?
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What is biometrics?
What is biometrics?
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Study Notes
Fingerprint Characteristics
- Fingerprints have class characteristics including loops, whorls, arches, cores, deltas, bifurcations, ridges, and spurs.
- Considered individual evidence since no two fingerprints are identical.
Composition and Deposition
- Composed of ridge patterns and characteristics.
- Deposited through oils from perspiration and other bodily fluids.
Fingerprint Patterns vs. Ridge Characteristics
- Patterns: Arches, loops, and whorls.
- Ridge characteristics: Specific minutiae used for identification.
Changeable Fingerprint Patterns
- Can be altered due to scarring or burns.
Common and Rare Patterns
- Most common pattern: Loops.
- Least common pattern: Arches.
Loop Types
- Radial loop: Loops that open toward the thumb.
Whorl Characteristics
- All whorl patterns contain two deltas.
Latent Prints
- Invisible fingerprints that require development to be visible, usually with dust or powder.
IAFIS Overview
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System connects a global fingerprint database.
Final Verification in AFIS
- Conducted by a certified latent print examiner for accuracy in identification.
Types of Fingerprints
- Visible fingerprints: Clearly seen, left in substances like blood or paint.
- Plastic prints: Indentations in soft surfaces (e.g., putty).
- Latent prints: Invisible prints made by body oils, requiring treatment.
Notable Case: Donald and Ronald Smith
- Case significance lies in verification errors leading to a lawsuit against the US government for $2 million.
Definitions
- Fingerprint: Ridge pattern imprint from a finger's tip.
- Micron: One-millionth of a meter; one-thousandth of a millimeter.
- Dactyloscopy: Study of fingerprints, originating from Greek 'daktulos' (finger).
- Anthropometry: Study of human body measurements, derived from Greek 'anthropos' (man).
Fingerprint Patterns Details
- Loop: Ridge pattern flows inward and returns toward the origin.
- Whorl: Pattern includes at least two deltas and a core.
- Core: Central area found in loops and whorls.
- Deltas: Triangular areas in loop and whorl patterns.
- Arch: Simplest fingerprint pattern with ridges entering one side and exiting the other, lacking delta or core.
Minutiae and Print Types
- Minutiae: Detailed ridge features for fingerprint matching.
- Plastic print: Three-dimensional impressions in soft materials.
- Visible print: Fingerprints left in substances like blood or paint.
- Latent prints: Invisible impressions from sweat or oils until developed.
Ninhydrin
- A reagent used to detect amino and carboxyl groups in proteins, producing a purple color known as Ruhemann's purple.
Bifurcation
- A common minutiae pattern resembling a two-prong fork.
Biometrics
- Utilizes measurable biological characteristics for authentication or identification processes.
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Description
This quiz explores the characteristics of fingerprints and why they are classified as individual evidence. It discusses the composition of fingerprints and their deposition methods. Test your understanding of forensic science concepts related to fingerprint analysis.