Name:_____________________________________
Fingerprints Review
The use of anthropometry rests on the premise _________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.
What was Francis Galton’s contribution to the use of fingerprints as a means of personal
identification?
What determines the individuality of a fingerprint?
The fingerprint examiner must examine all of the individual ridge characteristics on every
fingerprint. True or False (Defend your answer).
Use finger 14-1 to complete the drawing below. Indicate on this drawing where the following
ridge characteristics are found.

Bifurcation

Ridge Endings

Short Ridge

Island

Enclosure

Ridge Crossing
The following fingerprint has been found at a crime scene. The fingerprint has been enlarged
for this exercise. Your job is to examine the fingerprint below for ridge characteristics. Again,
identify:

Bifurcation

Ridge Endings

Short Ridge

Island

Enclosure

Ridge Crossing
What is the most common type of fingerprint pattern?
What is the least common fingerprint pattern?
What type of fingerprint pattern enters from one side and exits from the same side?
What is another term for ridge characteristics?
How many deltas are there in a whorl fingerprint pattern?
How many deltas are there in a loop pattern?
What type of fingerprint pattern has ridges that enter from one side and exit from the other?
List the three types of chemical methods for uncovering a fingerprint.
What is the major disadvantage of super glue fuming?
What is the major disadvantage of iodine fuming?
What substance does ninhydrin react with?
You have an aluminum can that you think may have a fingerprint on it. What is the best method
that should be used for this type of surface?
List several surfaces that are porous.
True or False. Identical twins have the same fingerprints.
True or False. As you get older your fingerprint patterns change.
Who is the notorious criminal that tried to destroy his fingerprints with corrosive acid?
What is the outer surface of skin called?
When are your fingerprints developed?
In order to alter your fingerprint, what layer of the skin must be damaged?
Who was responsible for taking a series of measurements in order to identify someone?
List two (2) characteristics of surfaces that can be dusted.
List two (2) benefits of AFIS.
List two (2) reasons why fingerprint evidence is invaluable.
How does AFIS work?
True or False. AFIS is able to identify an exact fingerprint match.
Why is digital enhancing software necessary?
What is the role of RUVIS at a crime scene?
What is cheiloscopy? Is it individual or class evidence?