Fingerprint Science
This layer of skin contains the friction ridges that form fingerprints:
Epidermis
The most common fingerprint type
Loop
Investigators use this light source to enhance the appearance of fingerprints
Alternate Light Source (ALS)
This scientist is known as the "father of fingerprinting"
Francis Galton
Fingerprints begin forming in the womb at this week of fetal development
10-12 weeks
These natural skin secretions help leave fingerprints behind:
sweat, oils, organic matter
This pattern type includes tented and plain varieties
Arch
This purple in color chemical is commonly used on porous surfaces like paper
Ninhydrin
What system was commonly used for identification purposes before the use of fingerprints was adopted?
Anthropometry
This can temporarily damage fingerprints but they often grow back if the deeper skin layer is not destroyed.
Cuts and burns
This term refers to the unique ridge characteristics used to compare fingerprints.
Minutiae
This pattern has two deltas and circular ridges
Whorl
This common powder color is used on light colored surfaces
Black
This country was the first to officially adopt fingerprinting for criminal identification in 1892 after the Rojas Murders
Argentina
This layer of skin must be damaged for a fingerprint to be permanently altered.
Dermis, scar tissue will form!
What two types of fingerprints are visible to the naked eye?
Patent and Plastic
This triangular region found in loop and whorl patterns is called:
Delta
This superglue-based method is used to develop prints on nonporous surfaces.
cyanoacrylate fuming
In 1903, this U.S. prison helped prove fingerprints were more reliable than anthropometry.
Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary
Fingerprints are an example of this type of biological pattern, meaning no two are exactly alike.
Individual Characteristics
This type of fingerprint is not visible and requires forensic processing to be scene:
Latent Fingerprint
This system categorizes fingerprints based on ridge flow and pattern type
Henry Classification System
This digital system allows fingerprints to be compared across databases in the US.
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)
What is the strange case with two identical men who were imprisoned at the Leavenworth Penitentiary that helped prove that fingerprints are unique
Case of William and Will West
What type of fingerprint is three dimensional in nature and is typically found on tacky surfaces such as gum or putty