Fingerprint Test Review
Topics on Your Test!
1.
Identify types of fingerprints left at a scene based upon description
 Latent, plastic, visible
2.
Chemical development techniques
 Superglue, Silver Nitrate, Iodine, Ninhydrin
 Which technique is best for different surfaces
3.
Identify general ridge pattern
 Whorl, Loop or Arch
4.
Identify minutiae
5.
Compare prints to determine if they are the same or different and give
explanation to your determination
6.
Primary Classification
7.
AFIS
What is the study of
fingerprints?
Dactyloscopy is the study of
fingerprints.
6
When do fingerprint
ridges form?
In the womb approximately 10.5
weeks estimated gestational age. It is
thought that the movement of the
fetus is what contributes to the unique
ridge characteristics.
8
What is the first fundamental
principle of the fingerprint
system?
First Principle:
A Fingerprint is an Individual
Characteristic; No two fingers have yet
been found to possess identical ridge
characteristics.
How is the individuality of a
fingerprint determined?
This individuality of a fingerprint is not
determined by its general shape or
pattern but by a careful study of its
ridge characteristics, also known as
minutiae.
Will a fingerprint change during
the life of an individual?
Second Fundamental Principle of
Fingerprints:
A Fingerprint will remain unchanged
during an individual’s lifetime.
What is the third fundamental
principle of the fingerprint
system?
Third Principle:
Fingerprints have general ridge patterns
that permit them to be systematically
classified. All fingerprints are divided into
three classes on the basis of their general
pattern:
Loops, Whorls, and Arches.
These three classes form the basis for all 10finger classification systems.
Definitions
of Ridge
Characteristics
What is the point at which a
friction ridge ends or begins?
Ridge Ending
What is a friction ridge that diverges
or “forks”?
Bifurcation
What is a very small portion of a
friction ridge?
Dot
What is a small flatter portion of a
friction ridge?
Short Ridge
What is it called when a dot or
short ridge have ridges on either
side of them?
Island
Which minutiae or ridge characteristic
occurs when a friction ridge bifurcates
(forks) and then converges (joins back
together) to form a continuation of a
single ridge?
Enclosure
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Bifurcation
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Dot
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Spur
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Bridge
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Ridge Ending
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Island or Short Ridge
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Eye or Enclosure
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Delta
Which Ridge Characteristic am I?
Double Bifurcation
Which Ridge Characteristic Am I?
Trifurcation
(Very Rare)
What is the approximate center of a
ridge pattern called?
Core
Why do we leave fingerprints?
The skin ridges of the fingerprints are populated with
sweat glands. Perspiration is discharged and
deposited on the skin surface. A fingerprint is a
deposit of 98% perspiration, 1% amino acids
(proteins) and 1% oils that forms on the friction
ridges of fingers, palms and feet and is left on a
surface when contact is made.
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What are the three categories
for describing fingerprints at
crime scenes?
• Plastic Prints
• Latent Prints
• Patent Prints
What are Plastic Prints?
 A plastic impression is a print that is
readily visible with the naked eye due to
the print detail being an impression in
usually a soft surface.
 The most common types of surfaces or
substances encountered at a crime scene
are window putty, dust, dirt or mud.
What are patent prints?
 A patent print impression is readily
visible to the naked eye.
 It usually results by a finger touching a
surface after it has been in contact with
a colored material.
 The most common substances found at
a crime scene are blood, paint, grease,
and ink.
What are Latent Prints?
 Latent print impressions are prints not
readily visible to the naked eye.
 These impressions are caused by the
transfer of body perspiration and oils to
a particular surface.
 There are several techniques to make a
latent print become visible, depending
upon the type of surface, the manner in
which the prints were left, and the
quantity of material left behind.
What are the national statistics for
fingerprint pattern types?
Loops: 60%
Whorls: 35%
Arches: 5%
What is the name of the fingerprint
classification system that is used to
classify prints according to how many
whorls a person has?
The Henry Classification System
Which is the simplest type of fingerprint
pattern?
 Arch
Which fingerprint pattern
must have at least two deltas
by definition?
 Whorls
Which fingerprint pattern has one
or more ridges that enter and exit
on the same side of the print?
 Loops