Fingerprints

Question 1

What happens when an object is touched?

Answer 1

Small amount of the secretions is transferred onto an object in the exact same pattern as the ridges on the fingers.

Question 2

Modern developments

Answer 2

• fingerprints are now converted into digital images
• calculates the directions, positions and relationships among the basic patterns.
• Fingerprint experts only makes a manual search of these prints.

Question 3

Lasers

Answer 3

• it has made a major impact in situations where the prints at a crime scene have been damaged or weak.

Question 4

Advantages and disadvantages of lasers

Answer 4

Advantages:
• non destructive
• leaves no residue
• usually a first step in trying to find a method of developing any prints.

Disadvantages:
• very expensive ($50,000)