Chapter 6: Fingerprinting

Student Learning Objectives

Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 2nd ed., Bertino & Bertino, 2015

At the conclusion of this chapter, the student should be able to:

_____1. Discuss the history of fingerprinting.

_____ 2. Label a diagram of human skin. Include in your diagram:

  1. Epidermis
  2. Dermis
  3. Sweat gland
  4. Oil gland
  5. Hair follicle
  6. Pores

_____ 3. Describe how and when fingerprint ridges form.

_____ 4. Explain the physical advantage of fingerprint ridges.

_____ 5. Describe characteristics of fingerprint ridges.

_____ 6. Distinguish among the three basic types of fingerprints ridge patterns.

_____ 7. Describe characteristics of a delta ridge pattern within a fingerprint. Include in your answer a description of the ridge pattern around the delta.

_____ 8. Compare the number of deltas found in an arch, a loop, and a whorl pattern.

_____ 9. Demonstrate how a ridge count in a fingerprint is obtained.

_____10. Describe any changes that may occur to fingerprints over time and their significance to forensic fingerprint identification.

____ 11. Describe the appearance of a scar on a fingerprint.

____ 12. Describe the effect of someone trying to alter their fingerprints.

____ 13. Compare and contrast fingerprint ridge patterns of

  1. Identical twins.
  2. Fraternal twins.
  3. Brother and sister.
  4. Family members.

_____ 14. Distinguish among the following types of fingerprints.

a. Plain arch

b. Tented arch

c. Plain whorl

d. Central pocket loop whorl

e. Radial loop

f. Ulnar loop

g. Double loop

_____ 15. Given a reference sheet and several fingerprints, be able to identify the following

fingerprint minutiae:

a. Island

b. Hook or spur

c. Bifurcation

d. Double bifurcation

e. Ridge ending

f. Bridge

g. Delta

h. Dot

_____ 16. Debate the reliability of fingerprint evidence. Support your argument with evidence that supports your claims.

_____ 17. Define with an example each of the three types of fingerprints that could be found at a crime scene. Include in your answer how each is formed.

a.  Latent

b.  Patent

c.  Plastic

_____ 18. Compare and contrast a plastic fingerprint with a patent fingerprint.

_____ 19. Given a partial crime-scene fingerprint and fingerprints of suspects, be able to identify which suspect’s fingerprint is consistent with the partial latent print. Use reference points on the crime-scene and suspect’s fingerprint to compare the two fingerprints.

_____ 20. Demonstrate the proper technique for inking and collecting fingerprints.

_____ 21. Analyze an inked print and identify errors in how the print was produced.

_____ 22. Prepare a ten card of fingerprints.

_____ 23. Explain the significance of "lifting" a fingerprint.

_____ 24. Distinguish among the various powders used to lift a fingerprint:

a. When one should use a dark powder vs. a light-colored powder

b. Compare and contrast the use of magnetic powders over non- magnetic powders

_____25. Compare and contrast the following chemicals used in lifting a fingerprint.

  1. Ninhydrin
  2. Cyanoacrylate
  3. Silver nitrate
  4. Iodine fuming

Include in your answer:

(1) What is the chemical reacting to in the latent fingerprint?

(2) How is the chemical used?

(3) What are the safety concerns when using the chemical?

_____ 26. Lift a fingerprint from a surface, and analyze the fingerprint for identifying features.

_____ 27. Summarize the procedures used to take a fingerprint from a dehydrated or decomposed body.

_____ 28. Discuss the role of AFIS or IAFIS in criminal investigations. Include in your answer how computerized databases help solve crimes.

_____ 29. Describe the role of population databases and statistical analysis of fingerprints for improved evidence reliability.

_____ 30. Describe the latest technologies used in fingerprint identification.

_____ 31. Compare and contrast fingerprint analysis performed in 1950 to fingerprint analysis performed today. Include in your answer any new technologies used to analyze and compare fingerprint ridge patterns.

_____ 32. Analyze a fingerprint and compare the fingerprint to the fingerprints of a suspect. Include in your answer:

a. If the fingerprints are loops, whorls or arches

b. If the fingerprint represents a specific subdivision of loops, whorls, or arches

c. Identify minutiae patterns found in the fingerprint

d. Whether or not the suspect can be excluded or included based on your fingerprint analysis

_____ 33. Describe how fingerprint identification today uses points of minutiae, algorithms, and new scanning technologies.

_____ 34. Compare and contrast fingerprinting to DNA fingerprinting. What do they have in common? How do they differ?

_____ 35. Provide evidence of how fingerprint analysis can be applied to solving the following crimes:

a. Strangulation

b. Suspect that used gloves to commit the crime

c. Body found underwater

d. A body that is dehydrated or decomposed. Can fingerprints be obtained to help identify the deceased?

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