Fingerprints ─ Analysis and Understanding

The unique composition of the skin on the inner hands and bottom of the feet affords not only a utilitarian benefit in providing friction but also provides a forensic marker for identifying individuals. Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding is the most fundamental, up-to-date resource available on the techniques of obtaining and analyzing latent fingerprint evidence.

Using an outline format for rapid comprehension, this concise text is as easy to understand by those collecting evidence as it is by those in the branches of criminal justice who need to understand the principles. Divided into two parts, the book begins with the basics of analysis, providing a brief history, systematic methods of identification, fingerprint pattern types and their associated terminologies, and current classifications.

The second section covers the identification and presentation of evidence in the courtroom, demonstrating both the traditional, manual method of lifting prints and the newer techniques for automated and live scans. The book provides instruction on searching and developing latent prints, storage, and comparison of prints.

Author Mark R. Hawthorne is the lead instructor in physical evidence and crime scenes at the San Francisco Police Regional Training Academy. He brings his twenty-nine years experience in police work processing over 3000 crime scenes to present a practical, concise guide to a complex science, helping readers to understand the principles, applications, and uses of fingerprints, whether at the scene, or in the courtroom.

I. Fingerprint Analysis
The History of Fingerprints
Outline of the History of Fingerprints
Early Nonsystematic Methods of Identification
Study Questions
Systematic Methods of Identification
Bertillonage
Fingerprints
Definitions Associated with Fingerprints
Fingerprint Patterns and Ridge Characteristics
More Fingerprint Definitions
Study Questions
Fingerprint Pattern Types and AssociatedTerminology
Loop Pattern
Loop Ridge Counting
Radial and Ulnar Loops
Other Issues Pertaining to Loops
Plain Arch and Tented Arch Patterns
The Plain Arch
The Tented Arch
The Whorl Pattern
Plain Whorl
Central Pocket Loop Whorl
Double Loop Whorl
Accidental Whorl
Ridge Tracing and Counting Whorl Patterns
The Palm Print
Study Questions
Classification: Henry with FBI Extension, NCIC, and IAFIS
Henry With FBI Extension
Ridge Count Conversion
Conversion Chart for Ridge Counts
Referencing
Filing Sequence
NCIC Classification System
IAFIS
Other Fingerprint Systems (Manual Methods or Systems)
Study Questions
II. Development, Identification, and Presentation of Fingerprints
Known/Direct/Inked Fingerprints; Unknown/ Latent Fingerprints
Known Fingerprints
Manual Method
Live Scan
Unknown Fingerprints (Commonly Referred to as Latent Prints)
Conditions Affecting Latent Prints
The Crime Scene Search and Fingerprint Development
Fingerprint Development Techniques (see Appendix A)
Powder Techniques
Chemical Techniques
Procedure After Developing Prints
Fingerprint Comparison and Identification
Study Questions
Court Presentation
Preparation
Court Presentation
Verbal
Nonverbal
Review
Challenges to the Science of Fingerprints
Study Questions
Appendix A
Appendix B
Bibliography
Index