Forensics Chapter 6: Fingerprints
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Questions and Answers

List 2 new technologies or gadgets in which fingerprints are needed.

An iPhone 5S and a safe.

Is fingerprint identification reliable?

True

List the three patterns of fingerprints and sub-patterns with percentages.

Loops (65%): Radial and Ulnar; Whorls (30%): Plain (24%), Central Pocket (2%), Accidental (0.01%), Double (4%); Arches (5%): Tented (1%) and Plain (4%).

What does IAFIS stand for?

<p>Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how fingerprints are formed.

<p>Fingerprints are formed at the 10th week of gestation when the basal layer creates new skin cells that fold and bend to create patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List the 3 fundamental principles for fingerprints.

<p>1: A fingerprint is an individual characteristic; 2: Patterns remain unchanged throughout a person's life; 3: Ridge patterns allow for systematic identification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as American public enemy #1 in the history of the US, and what did he do to try to change his identity?

<p>John Dillinger, he dipped his fingerprints in acid to burn off the first layer of skin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the person falsely accused of being involved in the Madrid Bombing? What was the reason for the mistake?

<p>Brandon Mayfield; the actual criminal and he had similar fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the simplest fingerprint pattern?

<p>Arches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are plastic prints?

<p>Prints left by pressing into a soft surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are patent fingerprints?

<p>Prints left in a colored substance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are latent prints?

<p>Prints left in the sweat and oils from the skin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name three uses of fingerprints.

<p>1: Link a suspect to a scene; 2: Identifying bodies; 3: Grip objects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which prints are visible to the naked eye?

<p>Patent prints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which prints are invisible to the naked eye?

<p>Latent prints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is it possible to alter fingerprints?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe three methods previously used by criminals to try to alter their fingerprints.

<p>1: Putting acid or chemicals on their fingertips; 2: Surgically removing them; 3: Switching their fingerprints upside down in surgery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many points of similarity are needed in the US?

<p>12 points.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are dactylograms?

<p>Fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is dactyloscopy?

<p>The study of fingerprint identification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

KOALAS have fingerprints that more closely resemble humans than CHIMPANZEES.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why even identical twins have different fingerprints?

<p>Blood flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Loop?

<p>A fingerprint pattern that has at least one ridge entering one side and exiting the same side.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an Arch?

<p>A fingerprint pattern that all ridges come in on one side and exit the other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of fingerprint pattern?

<p>Loops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Ridge Impression/Ridge Pattern?

<p>The pattern left behind by an individual's fingerprint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who discouraged the idea that everyone has a different arrangement of patterns on their fingers that do not change with time?

<p>William Herschel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the classification system for fingerprints?

<p>Sir Francis Galton and Sir Edmund Richard Henry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was credited with solving the first murder using fingerprints?

<p>Alphonse Bertillon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can fingerprints be taken from a dead body?

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes our fingertips moist and able to grip better?

<p>Microscopic sweat pores.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the basal layer.

<p>One of the three layers of the skin where the creation of fingerprints occurs and new skin cells are produced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fingerprints and Identification

  • iPhone 5S and safes utilize fingerprint technology for security.
  • Fingerprint identification is highly reliable; no two individuals have the same fingerprints, and they remain unchanged over time.

Fingerprint Patterns

  • Three primary fingerprint patterns and their percentages:
    • Loops (65%): Includes Radial and Ulnar sub-patterns.
    • Whorls (30%): Divided into Plain (24%), Central Pocket (2%), Accidental (0.01%), and Double (4%).
    • Arches (5%): Contains Tented (1%) and Plain (4%).
  • Simplest pattern is Arches; the most common is Loops.

Formation and Characteristics of Fingerprints

  • Formed at the 10th week of gestation; patterns arise as the basal layer folds and bends new skin cells.
  • Fingerprints are unique characteristics, making individual identification systematic and permanent.

Historical Figures and Cases

  • John Dillinger attempted to change his identity by burning off his fingerprints with acid.
  • Brandon Mayfield was falsely accused in the Madrid Bombing due to similarity in fingerprints with the actual perpetrator.
  • Alphonse Bertillon credited with solving the first murder using fingerprints.

Types of Fingerprints

  • Plastic Prints: Indentations made in soft materials.
  • Patent Fingerprints: Visible prints left in colored substances.
  • Latent Prints: Invisible prints formed by sweat and oils.

Criminal Techniques and Alteration of Fingerprints

  • Fingerprints can be altered; however, attempts can render them more unique.
  • Criminals have used methods like applying acid, surgical removal, or flipping fingerprints during surgery to try and alter their prints.

Fingerprint Analysis

  • In the U.S., 12 points of similarity are required for identification.
  • Dactylograms refer to fingerprints, and dactyloscopy is the study of fingerprint identification.

Genetic and Biological Aspects

  • Koalas have fingerprints resembling those of humans more than chimpanzees.
  • Identical twins possess different fingerprints due to variations in blood flow.
  • Microscopic sweat pores on fingertips help improve grip.

Notable Figures in Fingerprint History

  • William Herschel recognized the unique arrangement of fingerprints.
  • Sir Francis Galton and Sir Edmund Richard Henry developed a fingerprint classification system.

Fingerprint Recovery

  • Fingerprints can be successfully retrieved from deceased individuals using chemical treatments or surgical methods.
  • The basal layer of skin is crucial for fingerprint formation, producing new skin cells where the prints develop.

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Description

Test your knowledge of fingerprints with this quiz based on Chapter 6 of Forensics. Learn about the reliability of fingerprint identification and discover new technologies that utilize fingerprints. Explore the different patterns of fingerprints and their characteristics.

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