 Discovered that they are unique. No 2 alike.  A classification system was developed.  Loops  Whorls  Arches

 Computer database  AFIS Automated Fingerprint Identification System ▪ 1990  IAFIS Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System ▪ Criminal histories; mug shots; scars and tattoo photos; physical characteristics like height, weight, and hair and eye color; and aliases. ▪ Response time: ▪ 10 minutes for electronically submitted criminal prints. ▪ One hour for electronically submitted civil prints.

 Loop – comes in one side and out that same side. One delta on the side opposite from where it starts and exits. Most common Delta Enter Exit Turn

 Whorl – Circular shape. Two deltas on either side. Delta

 Arch – Up thrust, with a decline. Exits opposite side. EnterExit Up Thrust

 Plastic – finger contacts a soft surface such as putty.  Visible. Finger is covered with a liquid such as blood and then contacts a hard surface.  Latent – Invisible. Oils, salts and other debris stick to a surface when it is touched by a finger. Most common.

 Lighting – flash light, etc.  Chemical reaction  Iodine mixes with starches in the fingerprint and turns brown  Ninhydrin mixes with the amino acids in the fingerprints and turns purple.

 Dusting

 Used for slick surfaces.  Superglue and dusting.

 Identifying the pattern (loop, whorl, arch)  Looking for minutiae  Ridge ending  Bifurcation  Island  Core  Delta  Cicatrix

 What do you compare a lifted print to?  A known sample  How many points does the FBI use in identifying a print?  14  How does a fingerprint match become confirmed?  With a microscopic match by a human being.