Dactyloscopy and Fingerprint Identification

The scientific study and use of fingerprints for identification and related forensic purposes.

Raised skin formations on fingers, palms, and soles that create characteristic patterns and impressions.

Individuality, persistence, and the possibility of systematic classification.

Friction ridge arrangements generally remain stable throughout life unless affected by significant injury, disease, or other changes.

During prenatal development, generally becoming established before birth.

The overall arrangement of friction ridges on the friction skin of a finger.

Loops, whorls, and arches.

A pattern in which one or more ridges enter from one side, recurve, and exit toward the same side.

A loop opening toward the little-finger side of the hand.

A loop opening toward the thumb side of the hand.

A pattern generally containing circular, spiral, or related recurving ridge formations meeting the applicable classification criteria.

Plain whorl, central pocket loop whorl, double loop whorl, and accidental whorl.

A pattern in which ridges generally enter from one side, rise across the pattern area, and exit on the opposite side.

Plain arch and tented arch.

A ridge-pattern feature at or near the point where ridge flows diverge, used in pattern interpretation and classification.

The approximate central reference area of certain fingerprint patterns used for classification and analysis.

One.

Two.

None.

Small friction ridge features such as ridge endings and bifurcations used in fingerprint comparison.

A point where a friction ridge terminates.

A point where a single friction ridge divides into two branches.

A small isolated friction ridge segment that does not connect with neighboring ridges.

A ridge feature where a ridge divides and rejoins, enclosing a small area.

A very short friction ridge unit that appears approximately dot-shaped.

A friction ridge impression not readily visible without suitable lighting, enhancement, or development techniques.

A visible friction ridge impression formed by transferring a substance such as blood, ink, or dirt onto a surface.

A three-dimensional friction ridge impression left in a soft material such as wax, putty, or fresh paint.

To make certain latent friction ridge impressions visible by adhering to residue on suitable surfaces.

Smooth, relatively nonporous surfaces, subject to surface condition and residue characteristics.

A latent print development method in which cyanoacrylate vapors polymerize on suitable residues, commonly on nonporous surfaces.

To react with amino acids in certain latent print residues, especially on porous materials such as paper.

1,8-Diazafluoren-9-one, a reagent used to develop certain amino-acid-containing latent impressions on porous surfaces.

To improve the visibility or detection of certain residues or treated impressions through controlled illumination.

Photography preserves its appearance and location before any lifting procedure potentially changes or damages it.

The transfer of a developed friction ridge impression from a surface onto a suitable backing or collection medium.

A labeled backing material used to preserve and document a lifted friction ridge impression.

Its position and orientation may be important for reconstructing contact and interpreting the evidence.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

To search and compare encoded friction ridge features against stored records and produce possible candidates for examination.

No. Candidate results require appropriate examination and verification under applicable procedures.

Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification.

The examiner assesses the questioned impression's quality, quantity, clarity, and suitability for comparison.

The examiner evaluates corresponding and differing friction ridge features between questioned and known impressions.

The examiner determines the appropriate conclusion supported by the observed evidence and the laboratory's criteria.

To provide an additional qualified review of the examination and conclusion according to established procedures.

No. A universal numerical threshold is not accepted across all forensic systems; conclusions depend on the quality and significance of the observed detail and applicable standards.

A friction ridge impression originating from the palm of a hand.

Yes. Palm friction ridge details may be compared with suitable known palm impressions.

Whether sufficient reliable ridge detail is present for meaningful comparison, without overstating the conclusion.

Do not declare identification solely from the AFIS ranking; evaluate the differences and reach a conclusion supported by the actual ridge evidence.