Friction Ridge Skin Comparison and Identification of Fingerprints

Here is a complete guide to the collection, classification, and comparison of friction skin prints and the determination of identity and nonidentity. It discusses: the cause and significance of variations in prints; the importance of class characteristics in print; the application of probability in decision making; and photographic techniques and considerations.

IntroductionTaking Inked PrintsPrints of the Living. Other Devices and Materials for Recording Prints. Major Criminal Prints. Printing Problem Suspects. Printing the Deceased.ClassificationFingerprints. Palm Prints. Sole Prints.The Evidence PrintThe Latent Print. The Visible Print. The Plastic Impression. Locating, Developing, Preserving, and Collecting Evidence Prints. Determining the Age of an Evidence Print.Photography of Prints and ImpressionsThe Camera. Film. Use of Colored Filters. Lighting.The Basis of the ComparisonClass Characteristics. Individual Characteristics. Determining Identity.Comparing PrintsOrienting the Evidence Print. Locating Minutiae. Tonally Reversed Prints. Laterally Reversed Prints. Distortion. Overlain Prints.Some Comparisons of Evidence PrintsReporting and Testifying to ConclusionsReferencesIndex