Questions and Answers
Fingerprints are a result of oil and secretions from skin mixing with dirt.
True
Fingerprints are generally considered to be a form of class evidence.
False
It is necessary to obtain a full print from a suspect in order to compare his fingerprint with a fingerprint found at the crime scene.
False
It is important to always photograph a fingerprint before you attempt to lift it.
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Plastic prints must be dusted or treated in order to identify the ridge patterns.
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Fingerprints are formed deep within the dermis layer of the skin.
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IAFIS improves the speed and accuracy of fingerprint searches because it electronically accesses fingerprints from local, state, and national agencies.
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The type of powder used to dust prints will vary depending upon the weather conditions when the print is lifted.
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Fingerprints of the left hand are mirror images of the fingerprints on the right hand.
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Similar print or ridge patterns can also be found on the toes.
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When are fingerprints formed?
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What are fingerprints that are actual indentations left in some soft material referred to as?
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Why is the use of fingerprints in identification not perfect?
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What does the presence of two deltas in a fingerprint indicate?
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What are the steps in taking a ridge count from a fingerprint?
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How are fingerprints formed?
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Is it possible to alter fingerprints?
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What component of a fingerprint chemically reacts with ninhydrin?
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What component of a fingerprint chemically reacts with cyanoacrylate?
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What component of a fingerprint chemically reacts with silver nitrate?
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What component of a fingerprint chemically reacts with iodine fuming?
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What is an arch in fingerprint patterns?
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What is minutiae in relation to fingerprints?
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What does core mean in fingerprint terminology?
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What is a patent fingerprint?
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What is a delta in fingerprint patterns?
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What is a plastic fingerprint?
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What is a fingerprint?
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What is IAFIS?
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What is ridge count in fingerprint analysis?
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What is a ridge pattern?
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What is a latent fingerprint?
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What is a ten card?
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What is a loop in fingerprint patterns?
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What is a whorl in fingerprint terminology?
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Study Notes
Fingerprints Overview
- Fingerprints result from the combination of oil and skin secretions mingling with dirt.
- They serve as individual evidence rather than class evidence, making them unique to each person.
Fingerprint Collection Techniques
- Always photograph a fingerprint prior to attempting to lift it.
- Full prints are not necessary for comparison with crime scene fingerprints.
- Plastic prints (three-dimensional) do not require dusting or treatment for identification.
Fingerprint Formation
- Fingerprints begin to form at around 10 weeks of gestation, influenced by skin cell growth in the fetus.
- Fingerprints consist of ridge patterns distinct to each individual.
Types of Fingerprints
- Patent fingerprints are visible prints left by fingers coated in substances like blood or ink.
- Latent fingerprints are hidden prints made visible using powders or chemicals.
- Plastic fingerprints are impressions in soft materials such as clay or putty.
IAFIS and Fingerprint Technology
- The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) enhances fingerprint search efficiency by electronically accessing databases from various agencies.
- Current fingerprint identification technology can be prone to human error due to reliance on manual input and analysis.
Fingerprint Analysis Components
- The presence of two deltas in a fingerprint indicates a whorl pattern.
- Ridge count is determined by counting the ridges between the delta and the core.
- Specific components in fingerprints chemically react with various substances for analysis:
- Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids.
- Cyanoacrylate also reacts with amino acids.
- Silver nitrate reacts with chloride from perspiration.
- Iodine fuming reacts with carbohydrates in latent prints.
Fingerprint Patterns and Characteristics
- Fingerprints are categorized into three primary patterns: arches, loops, and whorls.
- The minutiae of fingerprints include unique ridge details such as shapes and positions, contributing to their individuality.
- A core is the center point found in loop and whorl patterns.
- Deltas are triangular ridge formations that diverge at a distinct angle.
Alteration of Fingerprints
- Fingerprints can be altered through methods such as applying acid, surgical removal, or inverting them surgically.
Additional Fingerprint Terminology
- A ten card is a form used for recording and preserving a person’s fingerprints.
- Ridge patterns are formed by recognizable configurations at the end joints of fingers, critical for fingerprint analysis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 6 of Forensics with these flashcards. This quiz covers key concepts related to fingerprints and their significance in forensic evidence. It's a great way to reinforce your understanding of individual versus class evidence.
