2. FINGERPRINT COMPARISON ENDING RIDGE ARCH WHORL NON-IDENT RIDGE CORE BIFURCATION DOT DELTA LOOP IDENT

7. FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION Facial Characteristics Voice Recognition DNA / Genetic Profile Osteology (bones) Odontology (teeth)

8. FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION “Fingerprints”

9. WHY FINGERPRINTS? Fingerprint evidence is the most positive investigative means for identifying people. Fingerprints form on a person before birth and remain unchanged until the body decomposes after death. Every fingerprint is unique!

10. WHAT IS A FINGERPRINT? A fingerprint is a pattern of friction ridge details, that are comprised of ridges and valleys. A Ridge – is a high. A Valley – is a depression or low. Friction ridges are also found on our palms, feet and toes.

11. Valley Ridge

12. THE PATTERN The pattern is the unique characteristics of the ridges and valleys that make up the print. It is defined by the spatial relationship of lines with each other, their beginning and terminating points, and the unique pattern they make. The genes from our parents determine the general characteristics of the patterns.

13. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION 1. What are fingerprints? Recorded impressions of the friction ridges located on the surface of the finger. 2. What is the purpose of fingerprint identification? To establish the identity or non-identity of two sets of fingerprints.

14. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION 3. What are fingerprint characteristics? These are also known as ridge detail, points of identification, or identifying characteristics. Ending Ridges Bifurcations Dots Enclosures Short Ridges

15. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION 4. How are fingerprints compared? Fingerprints are compared by noting the ridge characteristics on two prints to determine whether or not they match. An identification is established when a number of these characteristics occupy the same relative position on the two prints.

16. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION How many points of identification (characteristics) are sufficient to establish an identification? A. No set standard number required. B. Left to each individual fingerprint examiner. C. Deciding factors: 1. Clarity of impressions 2. Uniqueness of formations Fingerprint examiners experience and ability

17. POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION United States No Set Numbe England 16 France 17 Germany 12

18. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION Be extremely cautious! The integrity of the identification process depends on the fingerprint examiner devoting his or her attention to comparison work at all times. Always be certain that the fingerprints have been printed in the proper finger blocks. Be absolutely certain of your decision NOTE: As many as 150 ridge characteristic can be noted in the average fingerprint.

19. Ending Ridge Enclosure Trifurcation “T” Junction Ridge Crossing Bifurcation Short Ridge Row of Dots Dot RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS COMMON OCCASIONAL RARE

21. 1 11 10 2 9 3 8 4 5 7 6 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS MAGNIFIED Points 1, 2, 4, 5 are Ending Ridges Points 3 and 9 are Dots Points 8, 10, 11 are Bifurcations Point 6 is an Enclosure (ISLAND) Point 7 Short Ridge

24. An identification is established when a number of characteristics occupy the same relative position in the two fingerprint impressions.

25. First observation should be the pattern type.Loops - 65% Whorls - 30% Arches – 5%

28. Never non-identfingerprints using onlyone finger. This will help eliminate errors.

33. FINGERPRINT COMPARISONPlain or Flat Impressions

34. FINGERPRINT COMPARISON

35. FINGERPRINT COMPARISON

36. FINGERPRINT COMPARISON

37. FINGERPRINT COMPARISON

38. “THINGS TO REMEMBER” Look for theobviouscharacteristics Utilize theentirefingerprint Never base your decision on ascar Never non-ident byonefinger only Ensuresequenceis correct Unablewhen not 100% positive of decision Utilize existingenhancementtools Takesufficient time to process Avoiddistractions& beware ofcomplacency Maintaingoodwork habits

39. QUESTIONS?