CJ 328 -01 Forensic Fingerprint Analysis Unit 2

CJ 328 -01 Forensic Fingerprint Analysis Unit 2 Seminar Tim Clouse Adjunct Professor Courtesy of Jonathan Dorriety

Seminar Topic • Difficulties in Obtaining Inked Fingerprints • We will discuss difficulties that may arise while obtaining inked fingerprints of an individual, in assessing damaged and diseased fingerprints, and in pattern recognition.

Proper Equipment • First you need the proper equipment. • It may be modern such as “Live Scan” • Live Scan is using electronic equipment to record fingerprints without the use of ink. • The advantage is the operator sees the fingerprint on a monitor as it is taken. If the print is unacceptable it is repeated. • The finished prints can be instantly transferred into an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) database.

Proper Equipment • Many agencies still use the ink method. • Quality fingerprint ink should be used, not a stamp pad, writing ink or printer’s ink because they are not dark enough and too thin. • Ink roller, ink plate (usually made of glass, but sometimes a smooth metal is used).

Taking Fingerprints • Term means exactly what it says. • You take someone’s fingerprints, they do not give them to you. • Even a cooperative person gives complete control of their hands and fingers to the person taking the prints. • No one should ever be allowed to take their own prints.

Problems in Taking Prints • What type of difficulties might occur while attempting to print a live individual?

Problems in Taking Prints • What type of difficulties might occur while attempting to print a live individual? • Uncooperative = Put them in a cell • You don’t need fingerprints to check in, but you will need them to check out.

Problems in Taking Prints • What type of difficulties might occur while attempting to print a live individual? • Too much or too little pressure applied by the person taking the prints. • Too much or not enough ink on the plate • Finger not rolled completely from side to side • Allowing finger to slip, twist or otherwise move improperly

Problems in Taking Prints Bad Fingerprints

Fingerprinting the Deceased • There are different kinds of deceased to deal with when it comes to fingerprints • • • Recently dead Rigor mortis dead Decomposing dead (this can vary) Mummified dead Burned dead

Fingerprinting the Deceased • Tools needed

Fingerprinting the Deceased • Tools needed • Helps with rigor Finger Straighteners

Fingerprinting the Deceased • Standard technique

Fingerprinting the Deceased • In cases of rigor, the fingers must be straitened by force.

Fingerprinting the Deceased • In the case of dried or decomposing skin, solutions are available to make the skin pliable for processing. • In some cases the fingers must actually be cut off in order to be successful at obtaining prints. • Every good postmortem fingerprint kit has scalpels and a bone cutter.

Types of Patterns • Arch • Plain arch • Tented arch • Loop • Radial loop • Ulnar loop • Whorl • • • Plain whorl Double loop whorl Central pocket loop whorl • Accidental whorl

Types of Patterns • To give your some practice and you’re not being graded on this. Try to see if you can identify the following patterns that come up. • They will be from the categories that were listed earlier. • Kept in mind we are just looking at some of the basic patterns.

Types of Patterns

Types of Patterns Plain Whorl - Double Loop Whorl

Types of Patterns

Types of Patterns Loop - Central Pocket Loop Whorl

Types of Patterns

Types of Patterns Tented Arch - Loop

Types of Patterns

Types of Patterns Plain Arch - Tented Arch

Types of Patterns

Types of Patterns Double Loop Whorl – Accidental Whorl

Unusual Patterns • This is a very unusual pattern with characteristics of the three main types, whorl, loop, and tented arch. • More of an Accidental Whorl • Loop and Tented Arch

Unusual Patterns • An unusual Double-Loop Whorl

Questions up to this point?

Unit 2 Project • Create Your Own Fingerprint • Part 1 • Obtain a small ink pad (any color). • Roll your fingerprints on the pad from nail edge to nail edge until the finger is covered with ink. • Roll your finger from nail edge to nail edge onto a white index card or piece of white paper. Be careful to make this one smooth movement without double rolling.

Unit 2 Project • Create Your Own Fingerprint • Part 2 • Examine your own fingerprint, keeping in mind the types of fingerprints discussed in your textbook and that you saw on your web trip. • Share your results and respond to others on the discussion board. • This will be graded as a project not part of the discussion board.

Reference • Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2006, August 10). The science of fingerprints, classification and uses. Retrieved from http: //www. dermatoglyphics. com/sof/ • This book is in the Public Domain.

Final thoughts or questions?

Have a great evening and thanks for attending, I appreciate it!