Board Prep Flashcards
Define Fingerprint
Is the pattern of friction ridges, found on the palm side surfaces of fingers, or the impression made by same.
3 dimensional structures on a 2 dimensional surface (generally)
What are the 4 basic premises of personal identification using impressions
1- FR develop on the foetus in their definitive form before birth
2- FR are persistent throughout life except for permanent scarring
3- FR patterns and the details in small areas of FR are unique and never repeated
4- Overall FR patterns vary within limits, which allow for classification
What is a latent fingerprint?
Is a FP that is not visible without the use of a development method
What is level 1 detail?
There is the presence of FR and show an overall ridge pattern
What is level 2 detail?
Major ridge paths and ridge path deviations (ridge characteristics)
What is level 3 detail?
Specific shapes of the ridges and details within the characteristics, such as pores and ridge shapes
Define loop pattern
One or more ridges enter from one side, recurve and exit from the same side
Pattern has a core and one delta
Define an Arch pattern
Ridges enter from one side and exit from the opposite side
Forms a wave like pattern
No delta
Define a tented arch
Ridges enter from one side and exit from opposite side, except for an up thrusting ridge or ridges in the centre that tend to bisect ridges above
Define whorl
Generally a circular arrangement of ridges in the central pattern area
Pattern has a core and at least 2 deltas
Counter clockwise generally indicates right hand
What is a delta?
It is where 3 sets of ridges meet.
What is the core?
It is the central focal point, but not necessarily the centre of the print.
What are the major ridge characteristics that can be found on impression?
Ridge endings Bifurcations Ridge dots Short ridges Enclosures
What are the areas of the palm?
Thenar - by the thumb
Hypothenar
Interdigital
What are the three palm creases?
Distal transverse
Proximal transverse
Radial longitudinal
What are the types of impressions you can find?
Latent Visible Take away Moulded Deposit - most prints are this type
What is Locard’s exchange principle?
Every contact leaves a trace
When looking at a surface, what things may affect the likelihood of finding prints at a crime scene?
Size
Continuity
Material
What factors affect the choice of powder to use at a crime scene?
Colour and composition of substrate
Type of suspected matrix
What type of brushes do we use and what for powders
Zephyr fibreglass - granular powders
Camel hair brush - to clean a print with too much powder
Magnetic wand - used on magnetic powders
What are the characteristics of metallic powders?
Lightest and most finely ground May become electrostatic Use sparingly Best on hard, smooth non-porous surfaces Avoid sticky surfaces
What are the characteristics of granular powders?
Tend to be abrasive
Gritty
What are the characteristics of magnetic powder?
Contains ferrous particles which carry the powder
Can be used on paper, cardboard, vinyl, plastics and leather
Do not use on ferrous metal surfaces - examples CD, computer equipment or other electronic equipment w/o owner permission (destructive)
What is the purpose of forensic photography?
To provide and accurate and unbiased visual record of a crime scene and/or evidence.