Full Description
The unique composition of the skin on the inner hands and bottom of the feet affords not only a utilitarian benefit in providing friction but also provides a forensic marker for identifying individuals. Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding is the most fundamental, up-to-date resource available on the techniques of obtaining and analyzing latent fingerprint evidence.Using an outline format for rapid comprehension, this concise text is as easy to understand by those collecting evidence as it is by those in the branches of criminal justice who need to understand the principles. Divided into two parts, the book begins with the basics of analysis, providing a brief history, systematic methods of identification, fingerprint pattern types and their associated terminologies, and current classifications.The second section covers the identification and presentation of evidence in the courtroom, demonstrating both the traditional, manual method of lifting prints and the newer techniques for automated and live scans. The book provides instruction on searching and developing latent prints, storage, and comparison of prints.Author Mark R. Hawthorne is the lead instructor in physical evidence and crime scenes at the San Francisco Police Regional Training Academy. He brings his twenty-nine years experience in police work processing over 3000 crime scenes to present a practical, concise guide to a complex science, helping readers to understand the principles, applications, and uses of fingerprints, whether at the scene, or in the courtroom.
Contents
I. Fingerprint AnalysisThe History of FingerprintsOutline of the History of Fingerprints Early Nonsystematic Methods of IdentificationStudy Questions Systematic Methods of Identification BertillonageFingerprintsDefinitions Associated with FingerprintsFingerprint Patterns and Ridge Characteristics More Fingerprint Definitions Study Questions Fingerprint Pattern Types and AssociatedTerminology Loop Pattern Loop Ridge Counting Radial and Ulnar Loops Other Issues Pertaining to Loops Plain Arch and Tented Arch Patterns The Plain Arch The Tented Arch The Whorl Pattern Plain Whorl Central Pocket Loop Whorl Double Loop Whorl Accidental Whorl Ridge Tracing and Counting Whorl Patterns The Palm Print Study Questions Classification: Henry with FBI Extension, NCIC, and IAFISHenry With FBI Extension Ridge Count Conversion Conversion Chart for Ridge Counts Referencing Filing Sequence NCIC Classification System IAFIS Other Fingerprint Systems (Manual Methods or Systems) Study QuestionsII. Development, Identification, and Presentation of FingerprintsKnown/Direct/Inked Fingerprints; Unknown/ Latent Fingerprints Known Fingerprints Manual Method Live Scan Unknown Fingerprints (Commonly Referred to as Latent Prints) Conditions Affecting Latent Prints The Crime Scene Search and Fingerprint Development Fingerprint Development Techniques (see Appendix A) Powder Techniques Chemical TechniquesProcedure After Developing Prints Fingerprint Comparison and Identification Study Questions Court Presentation Preparation Court Presentation Verbal Nonverbal ReviewChallenges to the Science of Fingerprints Study QuestionsAppendix A Appendix B Bibliography Index
