Friction Ridge Analysis

Question 1

What is Analysis?

Answer 1

Friction Ridge Analysis is the assessment of details present in a latent print impression to determine suitability.

Question 2

Ridgeology Formula

Answer 2

Summarizes the relationship between the scientific basis and the identification process.

Question 3

The components of the Ridgeology formula:

Answer 3

1) Scientific Basis
2) Identification Process
3) Clarity
4) Protocol
5) Philosophy
6) Methodology (ACE)
7) Verification

Question 4

The Scientific Basis of friction skin identification is rooted in many sciences:

Answer 4

1) Biology
2) Embryology
3) Anatomy
4) Dermatoglyphics

Question 5

Identification Process

Answer 5

The Identification Process is derived from a scientific procedure describing how friction ridge identification is accomplished. It consists of:
o Protocol
o Philosophy
o Methodology
o Verification

Question 6

Clarity

Answer 6

Clarity is the bridge between a two-dimensional print and three-dimensional friction ridge skin.

Question 7

Relationship between clarity and discrepancy tolerance

Answer 7

Inverse

Question 8

A print is considered to have clarity when

Answer 8

A large amount of detail is reproduced in a print due to little
distortion.

Question 9

Philosophy

Answer 9

“Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient uniqueness to individualize.”

Question 10

“How much does it take to individualize?”

Answer 10

Philosophy

Question 11

Describes the scientific procedure followed to carry out a friction ridge identification.

Answer 11

The ACE-V Methodology

Question 12

Subjective

Answer 12

Influenced by or based on personal belief or feelings, rather than based on facts.

Question 13

Objective

Answer 13

Based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings.

Question 14

The clarity of a print is based upon three levels of detail:

Answer 14

o First level
o Second level
o Third level

Question 15

First Level Detail

Answer 15

overall design, or pattern, of the print

Question 16

Second Level Detail

Answer 16

Refers to the individual characteristics or ridge path deviations within a fingerprint impression. Includes formations such as ridge endings, bifurcations, dots, or combinations thereof.

Question 17

Third Level Detail

Answer 17

encompasses creases, scars, or imperfections.

Question 18

Orientation (Deltas)

Answer 18

Delta(s) will always be located at the bottom
of the core pattern area of a finger.

Question 19

Analysis

Answer 19

Structured intelligence gathering process.

Question 20

Matrix

Answer 20

The substance deposited by friction ridges

Question 21

Development Media

Answer 21

Used to enhance contrast between latent
friction ridge prints and the substrate

Question 22

Deposition pressure

Answer 22

Vertical weight placed on the friction ridges.

Question 23

Deposition Pressure Characterization

Answer 23

A** light touch**- wide furrows- clarity is good.
* A medium touch- flattens the ridges –maximum clarity with visible 2nd and 3rd level detail.
* A Heavy touch- the ridges flatten and broaden, and the furrows are narrow- clarity is poor.
* Extreme Deposition Pressure- obliterates 2nd and 3rd level detail. Clarity is absent.

Question 24

Pressure distortion

Answer 24

lateral or horizontal pressure.

Question 25

Suitability

Answer 25

When the examiner puts together all features examined during the analysis phase, the examiner will render a determination for suitability

1) Suitable for Comparisons
2) Of Value for Exclusions Only
3) No Value for Exclusions or Comparisons

Question 26

Comparison

Answer 26

The unknown (latent) print is compared to the known (exemplar) print in a systematic way which compares all available friction ridge units.

Question 27

Evaluation

Answer 27

Evaluation consists of two parts which answer the following questions:
* Is there agreement between the latent and exemplar print? And;
* Is the agreement sufficient to eliminate all possible donors in the world but one?

Question 28

Conclusions

Answer 28

Terminology used to express the opinion of an examiner following the comparison process.

Question 29

Verification

Answer 29

This “Peer Review” is an independent re-examination by a second examiner who does not know the outcome of the first examination.