Lecture 10: Physical Evidence IV (Fingerprints) Flashcards

1
Q

What are the three layers of skin in vertebrate animals?

A

Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis

The hypodermis is often not mentioned in basic discussions of skin layers.

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2
Q

What are the two assumptions regarding fingerprints for personal identification?

A
  1. The fingerprints of an individual stay unchanged throughout life
  2. No two fingerprints are identical.
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3
Q

Why do we have fingerprints?

A
  • More friction -> better grip
  • Prevent skin from tearing early
  • Improve sense of touch
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4
Q

What are the three main classifications of fingerprints?

A
  1. Arch
  2. Loop (most common 65%)
  3. Whorl
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5
Q

What is a core?

A

Center of a loop or whorl

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6
Q

What is a delta?

A

A triangle ridge pattern

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7
Q

What type of fingerprint pattern has no deltas?

A

Arches.

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8
Q

What is a characteristic feature of tented arches in fingerprints?

A

They have a spike in the center.

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9
Q

Describe the features of loops

A
  • One delta
  • One or more ridge that leave on the same side
  • Named according to position relating to radius and ulna
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10
Q

Describe the features of whorl

A
  • Two or more delta
  • One or more ridge (forms complete circuit)
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11
Q

What are the four subtypes of whorls in fingerprint classification?

A
  1. Plain whorl
  2. Central pocket whorl
  3. Double loop whorl
  4. Accidental whorl.
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12
Q

How to differentiate between plain whorl and central pocket whorl?

A
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13
Q

What is the primary characteristic of double loop whorls?

A

Made up of any two loops combined into one print.

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14
Q

What are the three main categories of fingerprints?

A
  1. Visible/patent
  2. Plastic
  3. Latent
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15
Q

What are visible fingerprints?

A
  • Visible by naked eye
  • when an appropriate substance is transferred by the fingertips onto a suitable surface
  • e.g. inks, blood
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16
Q

What are plastic fingerprints?

A

Fingerprints pressed into a suitably soft material such as putty or clay.

17
Q

How are latent fingerprints different from visible and plastic fingerprints?

A

Cannot be seen with the naked eye

18
Q

What is the composition of latent fingerprints?

A

Perspiration exuded from sweat pores, containing 95% water and 5% other substances including salts and amino acids/ body oil and grease

19
Q

Name the 7 methods for development of latent fingerprints

A

• Fluorescence examination
• Superglue fuming
• Iodine fuming
• Powders
• Acid dyes
• Ninhydrin and/or DFO application
• Gentian violet

20
Q

What technique is used for developing latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces (e.g. rubber/metal)?

A
  • Superglue fuming (ethyl cyanoacrylate)
  • Apply before applying powders/dye stains
  • Cyanoacrylate vapors adhere to amino acids left behind by fingerprint secretions
21
Q

What substance is used for porous surfaces (e.g. paper) for latent fingerprint development?

A
  • Ninhydrin
  • Reacts with amino acid to give bluish-purple color
  • spray with ZnCl2 for fluorescence
22
Q

What is the oldest technique to develop latent fingerprints?

A
  • Ioding fuming
  • On any surface
  • Heat iodine solid and undergo sublimation
  • fingerprint reacts with iodine vapor to form yellow-brown print
23
Q

What is a common visualization technique for fingerprints on hard surfaces?

A
  • Powders
  • Adheres to grease or dirt
  • For hard, relatively smooth, non-porous surfaces
24
Q

How do acid dyes develop latent fingerprints?

A
  • For fingerprints contaminated with blood
  • Stains proteins present in blood e.g. RBC
  • e.g. acid black 1, acid violet 17, acid yellow 7
25
What is the role of acid dyes in fingerprint analysis?
To develop fingerprints contaminated with blood.
26
What is the method used to visualize latent fingerprints with fluorescence?
* Fluorescence examination * lasers or high-intensity light sources * due to contaminants (grease) * or chemical treatment (ZnCl2 + ninhydrin)
27
What is the technique used for developing fingerprints on adhesive surfaces?
* **Gentian Violet** (purple dye) * On adhesive surface of sticky tape except Sellotape * Stains fatty components of sweat
28
What is the purpose of the ACE-V method in fingerprint analysis?
A standard method for fingerprint examiners: Analysis Comparison Evaluation Verification
29
What does IAFIS stand for?
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
30
Describe how the IAFIS works
* Computerized program * Databank with fingerprints of over 47M ppl * Searches a set of ten fingerprints at 500,000 in less than a second * Uses algorithms or formulas to assign each possible match a score * Takes about 2 hours to find possible matches
31
What is the average number of minutiae found on a fingerprint?
Approximately 150.
32
Fill in the blank: Fingerprint identification requires a minimum of _______ points to be considered a match.
12.
33
True or False: Fingerprints can be permanently erased.
False. ## Footnote Only temporarily; they will grow back if removed with chemicals
34
True or False: Fingerprint identification is completely error-proof.
False.
35
What famous criminal case involved fingerprint evidence linking to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King?
James Earl Ray.
36
What is the outcome of the Brandon Mayfield case regarding fingerprint misidentification?
He was falsely accused due to misidentified fingerprints.