Finger Printing

What is finger printing?

• A finger print is a mark left behind after the ridges on the fingers, hands, toes or feet touch an object.

How they can be left behind.

• Direct- creates an impression• Latent- dirt, sweat, other residue pressed into

an object.

3 Basic Patterns of Finger Prints

• 1. Arch• 2. Whorl• 3. Loop

Why it is important in a crime scene.

• If finger prints are found at the scene of a crime, they can be linked back to that certain person which will link them to that crime scene.

3 Techniques used in analyzing Fingerprints.

• 1. Traditional- on paper imprinting. (ink)• 2. Digital- touch pad.• 3. Lifting- oil from hands left behind, captured

by powder placed on dark-light, light=-dark surfaces.

How technology has helped.

• Fingerprints are now stored in a data base on computers. If a finger print is ran through the computer it can be found much faster than the traditional way of finding them.

What is AFIS?

• AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)- open 24/7 to help police and give them quick results.