Final exam Flashcards
What are fingerprints?
An impression of the friction ridges found on the inner surface of finger, thumb or palm. Belongs to one individual.
Could fingerprints be found somewhere else than on fingers?
Yes, on palm and feet.
What is friction ridges?
It is a corrugated condition of the skin that gives a gripping surface to the hands and feet.
What is bertillonnage?
Une technique criminalistique qui repose sur l’analyse biométrique accompagnée de photographies de face et de profil.
What is required to take fingerprints/photographs?
1) The individual must be in LAWFUL CUSTODY.
2) He/she must be charged with a criminal offense.
3) He/she has been convicted of a criminal offense.
What if a person refuse to give his f*prints?
1) The person could be charged with another criminal offense under the Criminal Code.
2) The judge can order the person to give his f*prints.
What are the 3 types of offense which a person can be charged?
1) Indictable
2) Summary conviction
3) Hybrid or dual procedure offence
What are the 2 reasons for taking involuntary f*prints?
1) For the purpose of identification (dead body)
2) Compilation of data on offender, to keep a criminal record : copy forwarded to Ottawa and an FPS # will be given.
What does voluntary taken prints mean?
That the person is willing to give his prints to the police for elimination purposes.
What was Sir Francis Galton convinced of?
That f*prints could be used for identification purposes.
What is minutia?
Tiny variations and irregularities within fingerprint ridges that are unique and identifiable (also know as ridge characteristics).
Who came up with a new classification system after Galton?
Sir Edward Henry
What is A.F.I.S.?
Automated fingerprints identification system
What are the factors affecting the condition of f*prints? (7)
- Skin condition
- Disease
- Dryness of skin
- Manual labour
- Scarring
- Reaction at the scene (nervous)
- Contamination
What are the types of surface? (f*prints)
- Porous/non porous
- Hard/soft
- Smooth/rough
- Clean/dirt
What are the atmospheric conditions?
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Wind
- Dust
Is it possible to tell the age of a f*prints?
No
What are the 2 properties of f*prints that make them invaluable for identification?
1) Persistency (it stays the same) : formed before birth, remain the same, decompose after death.
2) Uniqueness : even in the case of identical twins.
Explain the steps of the method in taking f*prints. (4)
- Explain to the person how you are going to proceed.
- Ask the person if they have any problem with their articulation.
- If the person sweat too much, keep them clean and make sure they are dry before applying the ink.
- Safety : wear gloves, put your weapon, pepper spray in a secure place (under lock & key)
Which particular equipment does fingerprints need?
Forms. The RCMP provides the form C-216-CRIMINAL
What are the 3 types of fingerprints and describe them?
1) Latent
2) Visible
3) Molded
What can you do to make latent fingerprints visible?
To create contrast :
- Dark surface = light color powder
- Light surface = dark color powder
- Multi-colored objects = fluorescent powder
I am also known as ridge characteristics, who am I?
Minutia
How can a positive identification be made?
It is based on the continuous agreement of ridge characteristics in sequence with no unexplainable differences.
