Vocabulary Terms
Characteristics of Fingerprints
Wild Card
Collecting Fingerprints
Prints 101
100
A type of print pattern in which a small circle or spiral originates in the center and all outer lines surround the center in a circular path.
What is WHORL?
100
What are the three types of fingerprint pattern categories?
What is... Arches Loops Whorls
100
T/F: Fingerprints are considered individual evidence.
What is True?
100
A hidden fingerprint made visible through the use of powders or ninhydrin.
What is latent fingerprint?
100
What does IAFIS stand for?
International Automated Fingerprint Identification System
200
A triangular ridge pattern with ridges that go in different directions above and below a triangle
What is DELTA
200
What type of pattern is this print?
What is Double Loop Whorl?
200
Which fingerprint pattern is most common in the U.S.?
What is Loops?
200
A visible fingerprint that happens when fingers with blood, ink, or some other substance on them touch a surface and transfer the pattern of their fingerprint to the surface.
What is patent fingerprint?
200
What is the official word for a fingerprint's individuality and unique characteristics?
Minutiae
300
A combination of details in the shapes and position of lines that make each fingerprint unique
What is RIDGE PATTERN?
300
A fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern originates from one side of the print, curves upward in one big wave, and leaves from the other side
What is ARCH?
300
How many ridge characteristics are needed in a latent print to make a positive comparison to an inked print?
What is 12?
300
What technique for collecting prints would be best for a shiny and dark surface?
What is magnetic dusting powder?
300
What is the classification of this type of loop on the left hand?
Left Radial Loop
400
What is this pattern?
What is CENTRAL POCKET LOOP or CENTRAL POCKET WHORL?
400
What type of fingerprint do approximately 35% of the US population have?
What is whorls?
400
What are two ways in which an individual could attempt to alter their fingerprints?
What is burning with acid, scraping/filing off skin, surgically removing/replacing, and/or laser mutation?
400
A three-dimensional fingerprint made in soft material such as clay, soap, or putty.
What is plastic fingerprint?
400
If a loop has its ridges entering and exiting from the right hand side, is it classified as an ulnar or radial loop?
Cannot be classified unless you know if the print was taken from the right or left hand.
500
A form used to record and preserve a person's fingerprints
What is TEN CARD
500
A fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern flows inward and returns in the direction of the origin.
What is LOOP.
500
Identify each of the ridge patterns that are zoomed in on this print:
What is short ridge, ending ridge, dot, eye, and fork?
500
Two ways a patent fingerprint can be lifted?
What is digital photograph or tape?
500
In what situation would fluorescent powder be used over dark powder?
If the surface is multicolored