Fingerprint Fundamentals
Name the three types of crime scene fingerprints.
Visible (patent), latent, plastic
The three main fingerprint pattern classes.
Loops, whorls, arches
Is hair class or individual evidence?
Class evidence (unless DNA used)
Name the 2 types of arches
Tented and plain
The “A” in ACE-V stands for this.
Analysis
The principle stating no two individuals have identical fingerprints.
Individuality (Uniqueness)
The fingerprint pattern that makes up about 65% of the population.
Loops
Name the three parts of a hair shaft.
Cuticle, cortex, medulla
The 2 types of loops
Ulnar and Radial
The “C” in ACE-V stands for this.
Comparison
The principle stating fingerprints do not change during a person’s lifetime.
Permanence
The fingerprint pattern that has at least on ridge that makes a complete circuit
Whorl
Why can fiber evidence not identify a specific garment?
No database and fibers are class evidence
A whorl with 2 distinct loop formations
a Double loop whorl
The “E” in ACE-V stands for this.
Evaluation
The principle stating fingerprints can be grouped into pattern categories.
Classification
The simplest fingerprint pattern
Arch
What is the medullary index difference between human and animal hair?
Humans < 1/3; animals > 1/2
A whorl pattern that does not clearly fit unto any of the other whorl categories.
Accidental Whorl
The “V” in ACE-V stands for this.
Verification
The small ridge characteristics used to compare fingerprints.
Minutiae
he loop type named for the bone on the thumb side of the forearm.
Radial Loop
Why is microscopic hair comparison considered subjective?
It depends on analyst interpretation and experience
A whorl where the center touches the imaginary line drawn between deltas.
Central pocket whorl
The computerized fingerprint database used for matching prints.
AFIS