1. Fingerprinting

2. FRICTION RIDGE Fingerprints Palm Prints Barefoot Impressions
Friction ridges are raised layers of skin with openings for sweat glands. They cover the fingers and palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
A fingerprint is an inked impression of friction ridges. Prints cannot be used to determine the age, race or sex of any person. However, each print is unique to each person.
Prints are the most positive form of identification used in law enforcement. They out perform DNA and all other human identification systems to identify more murderers, rapists and other serious offenders. Prints solve ten times more unknown suspect cases than DNA in most jurisdictions.
There are three basic types of friction ridge impression evidence that may be left at the crime scene.

3. PATENT/VISABLE PLASTIC LATENT
FRICTION RIDGE IMPRESSIONS
PATENT/VISABLE PLASTIC LATENT
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
The three basic types of friction ridge impressions are referred to as patent/visible, plastic and latent impressions.
In this day and age all friction ridge impression evidence recovered from or in conjunction with a crime is referred to as latent prints or latent impression evidence.
A systematic search of the crime scene should be used to locate latent impression evidence. Depending on the type of crime, the search should start at possible points of entry continuing into the immediate area surrounding the actual crime scene. Once that is completed, the search
should continue in a logical way trying to follow a path of exit that may be the same as the point of entry that the suspect may have taken. Search for friction ridge impressions on any item(s) that have been moved or seems out of place. If possible, ask the victim to assist you with locating what had been moved.
The following are some suggested areas and objects to consider:
The pathway traversed by the criminal, which may include the doors, windows, hallways, staircase handrails, windowsills, and other possible points of entry and exit.
Objects or materials that may have been touched by the criminal such as light switches, tables, drawers, doors, door knobs, mirrors, desks, closets, telephones, refrigerators, liquor cabinets, counter tops, and toilet seats, etc.
Weapons or tools used by the criminal, such as knives, screwdrivers, credit cards, flashlights, or vehicles.
Locations where valuables are kept such as a wallet or pocketbook, cash register or security boxes, safes.
Objects or materials destroyed by the criminal, such as broken glass, broken doorknobs, torn papers, etc.
Articles or materials that the criminal may have left at the scene, such as bottles, cans, cigarette butts, empty cigarette packages, matchbooks or any personal property.
There are two types of surfaces to consider when looking for latent impression evidence, non-porous and porous. Consider that on a non-porous surface, the latent impression “rests” on the surface, and special care must be taken as to not wipe the latent print from the surface. While the latent prints deposited onto porous surfaces are “absorbed” into the item.

4. PATENT/VISABLE PRINT
Friction ridges that are stained with a foreign colored substance, such as blood, ink, paint, grease or dirt. This makes a visible impression that can be seen with the naked eye.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
Friction ridges that are stained make visible friction ridge impressions with colored substances such as blood, ink, paint, grease or dirt. A visible print usually requires no further development techniques to be seen by the naked eye.
Patent/Visible prints must be photographed as found. A data card should be prepared which would contain the case number, your initials, date, location of impression, the name of the officer who discovered the print, and the name of the photographer. Take a second photograph containing the data card and a ruler for scale. The aim is to compose a photograph with clear friction ridge detail along with the documentation necessary for later identification. You should also complete a sketch of the object on which the impression was found. Indicate the exact location of the impression and the orientation of the impression if you are able to determine that.

5. PLASTIC PRINT
An indentation into a soft substrate such as chewing gum, wax, soap, putty, tar, butter or clay which leaves a three-dimensional impression. This makes a visible impression that can be seen with the naked eye.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
A plastic impression is actually an indentation into a soft substrate such as chewing gum, wax, soap, putty, tar, butter or clay which leaves a three-dimensional impression. A visible plastic impression usually requires no further development techniques to be seen by the naked eye, however you can sometimes do a cast impression to lift the print.
Plastic prints must be photographed as found. In some cases you may be able to collect or cast the impression but before doing anything be
sure to photograph the impression. A data card should be prepared which would contain the case number, your initials, date, Location of impression, the name of the officer who discovered the print, and the name of the photographer. Take a second photograph containing the data card and a ruler for scale. The aim is to compose a photograph with clear friction ridge detail along with the documentation necessary for later identification. You should also complete a sketch of the object on which the impression was found. Indicate the exact location of the impression and the orientation of the impression if you are able to determine that.

6. IMPRESSION EVIDENCE
Formed when one object is pressed against another material.
Footprints
Tire Tracks
Bite Marks
Tool Marks.
Impression evidence describes marks, prints or any form left on a surface such as soil, cement, wood, or metal. Impression evidence is formed when one object is pressed against another material.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
Most common impressions are footprints, tire tracks, bite marks and tool marks.

7. CASTING THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
Casting is a process where three-dimensional impression evidence is collected by filling the form with a material that will duplicate and retain the characteristics of the impressing.
When you’re casting footprints and tire tracks, use dental stone. If the soil is soft or sandy, first use hairspray to firm it up so that you’ll be able to lift the cast. For moist or muddy soil, use a thin layer of cooking spray oil on the surface as a releasing agent. This will allow you to create the cast and then get it to come up without debris. If the print is in snow, apply Snow Print Wax before the dental stone. You can also use heated sulfur pellets to cast snow prints. This method works well, but it requires more preparation and additional equipment. Two additional materials used for casting include silicone (for footprints and tool marks) Accutrans and Mikrosil (for small items like tool marks, breech face marks on weapons and cartridge casings, and latent finger prints).

8. LATENT PRINT
Fingerprint impressions secreted on a surface or object. Latent prints are usually invisible to the naked eye.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
Latent impressions in the true sense, means hidden or not visible. These impressions require some sort of developing technique to be seen by the
naked eye.
After any process is used to develop a fingerprint, it needs to be photographed. It is vital that prints are photographed before being lifted. The photograph captures where the print was located in comparison to other objects and captures the orientation of the print. Photographing the print’s location at the crime scene also guards against tampering of evidence. After photographs are taken, the print can be lifted.

9. DEVELOPING FINGERPRINTS
Nonporous Surfaces
Glass
Marble
Metal
Plastic
Finished Wood
Light
Powder
Superglue Fuming
Porous Surfaces
Fabric
Paper
Un-Finished Wood
Iodine Fuming
Silver Nitrate
Ninhydrin
There are several techniques that can be utilized to develop a latent impression. It will depend on the surface as to which technique will be used.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
For Nonporous surfaces such as glass, marble, metal, plastic and finished wood, the most common technique used is powder. Another technique that can be used is superglue fuming. This is a chemical process that exposes and fixes fingerprints on the nonporous surface. You can also use a strong flashlight held at an oblique angle to look at the surfaces to locate impressions.
For Porous surfaces such as fabric, unfinished wood and paper, chemical methods are used such as iodine fuming, silver nitrate, or ninhydrin. When one of these chemicals comes into contact with the chemicals present in the fingerprint residue (natural oils, fats), the print becomes visual. These techniques are normally done in the crime lab.
While there are a lot of evidence items that may provide a latent fingerprint, not EVERY item of evidence can be fingerprinted, i.e. fluids.

10. DUSTING FOR FINGERPRINTS
Select an appropriate powder and brush
Fan the brush
Dip fan tips in SMALL amount of powder
Fan off excess powder
Dust area with gentle strokes or light spinning of the brush
Dusting for fingerprints:
Select an appropriate powder and brush - If you are unsure of the type to use, place a test impression on the surface away from the suspected area. Dust this area and check the results.
Powder: Select a powder color that contrasts with the surface. Before starting be sure that the fingerprint powder does not contain lumps. Shake or stir the powder in the container.
Brush: Non-magnetic versus magnetic. For field use the most common practice is to use a powder brush. Magnetic "brushes" can be used to “dust” almost any surface type but are mainly used within a laboratory environment.
Before using a regular powder brush, “fan” the brush to get rid of powder residues, contaminants and “open” up the fibers.
Dip the tips of the brush in a SMALL amount of powder poured out from the container. Do not attempt to put a powder fiberglass brush inside a container, if the mouth is smaller than the diameter of the brush. This will damage the fibers.
Gently “fan” off the excess powder. Too much powder is one of the most common mistakes made.
Carefully dust the suspected area using gentle strokes, or a light spinning of the brush. As the impression develops follow the flow of the ridgelines. If you dust across the ridgelines, you could destroy the impression. Gently clean up the developed impression until the ridges become clear and distinct.

11. LIFTING THE PRINT Use Clear Plastic Tape
Apply end of tape away from print and carefully smooth out over print
Lift the tape
Place tape on a backing card
Document necessary information on backing card
Collection of latent impressions:
Once a fingerprint has been developed, and photographed, other methods of preserving and collecting it may be attempted. With objects such as paper or glass, which are small, you may retain the entire object as evidence. The object should be handled with gloves or a handkerchief and touch the object as little as possible. When the print appears on a moveable object, such as a weapon or a bottle, it may be advisable to cover the print with the fingerprint tape, and then transfer the entire item to the laboratory. Use care in applying the tape so as not to destroy the ridge details. All such evidence should be packaged in proper containers, secured, labeled and sealed, before transporting it to the crime lab.
If a fingerprint appears on an immovable object, such as a wall or a counter top, the print can be lifted after it has been photographed. Use a clear plastic tape. In applying the lifting tape, the end is placed a little distance away from the print and the tape is carefully smoothed out over it. Press the tape around the print. Hopefully, air bubbles may be avoided by using a gradual but deliberate technique to apply the tape. The tape is carefully removed and placed on a backing card. Prior to placing the print on the lift-backing card it should contain important information such as the date, time, location, case number, and the object from which the impression was recovered. The name of person lifting the impressions, and a small diagram illustrating the specific area from which the impression was lifted should also be included. Create a chain of custody for the lift-backing cards and secure them until they are submitted to the laboratory for comparison with a known suspect.

12. LABORATORY TESTING Blood Items to be tested for DNA Known DNA samples
Firearms
Porous materials (paper, unfinished wood, cardboard, etc.)
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
There are evidence items that should not be “field processed” and instead be sent to the crime lab for processing. Specifically, fingerprints which are located on porous materials, because there is a strong chance the evidence will be damaged or lost if done incorrectly.
Also, several items collected as evidence will need to be sent to the crime lab for processing prior to being booked into the evidence vault. Think about any evidence that would need to be identified: firearms, blood, saliva, semen, fingerprints, etc.
Ask the class if there are other items they can think of that would need to go to the crime lab for processing.

13. WESTERN IDENTIFICATION NETWORK AUTOMATED FINGERPRINTING IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
The Automated Fingerprinting Identification System (AFIS) is a high-speed computer system which digitizes, stores, and compares fingerprint data and images. Fingerprints entered to AFIS are searched against millions of prints on file and identified by experts from resulting candidate lists. The Western Identification Network (WIN) was formed in May 1988 to facilitate the purchase of a multi-state AFIS System. In June 1989, the funding was appropriated by legislatures in Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming to create the first multi-state AFIS network. The WIN host computer system was installed in Sacramento, California, with remote subsystems in Cheyenne, Wyoming; Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, Idaho; Carson City, Nevada; and Salem and Portland, Oregon. Alaska and Washington were had stand only AFIS systems that were connected to WIN in 1990 which completed the initial network. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Postal Inspection Service and the Secret Service joined WIN in Montana joined in The Internal Revenue Service joined in The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) joined in 1997 and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Alaska joined 1998.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION
WIN AFIS can currently search over 29 Million fingerprint records (only fingerprints).
WIN / AFIS

14. National Crime Information Center
Computerized Index of Documented
Criminal Justice Information
Over 20 Files of Information
Available 24 hours a day 365 days a year
Performance Objective #9
Information collected by criminal justice agencies that is needed for the performance of their legally authorized, required function. This includes:
wanted person information
missing person information
unidentified person information
stolen property information
criminal history information
information compiled in the course of investigation of crimes that are known or believed on reasonable grounds to have occurred, including information on identifiable individuals; and information on identifiable individuals compiled in an effort to anticipate, prevent or monitor possible criminal activity.

15. PRACTICAL EXERCISE Practical Exercise:
Let’s dust and lift some fingerprints.
Instructor should have available:
Plastic Bottles
Glass Bottles
Aluminum Cans
Shotgun Shell Casings
Brass Shell Casings
Fingerprinting Supplies (brushes, powder, lifting tape, backing cards, etc.)
Butcher Paper
Tape down white butcher paper on the tables to help control some of the mess the powder will make. Have the cadets use the fingerprinting equipment to dust and lift fingerprints off of several different items.

16. ROLLING FINGERPRINTS
The best possible end result is arresting a suspect for the crime in which you have investigated. Once a suspect is in custody, their fingerprints will be obtained and entered into AFIS. Then they can be compared to unknown latent prints that were taken as evidence from the crime scene and hopefully matched.
Let’s talk about the proper procedure for rolling a subject’s inked fingerprints.

17. ROLLING INKED PRINTS
Roll the finger on the ink so the entire pad is covered nail to nail
Thumb is rolled towards the subject’s body (1st Digit rolled)
Fingers are rolled away from the subject’s body (Order - Index, Middle, Ring, Little finger)
Plain Impressions done last (4 fingers 1st, then thumbs)
Rolled Ink Fingerprints:
Use ink to record fingerprint images on standard fingerprint cards.
Standard Fingerprint Card
The recommended height for recording legible fingerprints is approximately 39 inches from the floor. This allows the forearm of an average adult to be parallel with the floor. This is the recommended position to record fingerprints.
Subject should wash hands with soap and water; however, rubbing alcohol may be substituted.
If hands are moist, wipe each finger with rubbing alcohol.
If hands are dry or flaky use a small amount of hand lotion and wipe off any residue.
Instruct the individual to look away from the fingerprint device, not to assist in the fingerprint process, and to relax.
Grasp the individual’s right hand at the base of the thumb with your right hand. Cup your hand over the individual’s fingers, tucking under those fingers not being printed. Guide the finger being printed with your left hand.
Roll the finger on the inking plate or pad so the entire fingerprint pattern area is evenly covered with ink. The ink should cover from one edge of the nail to the other and from the crease of the first joint to the tip of the finger. Using the correct amount of ink is vital.
When taking the rolled impression, the side of the finger bulb is placed upon the card. The finger is then rolled to the other side until it faces the opposite direction. Care should be exercised so the bulb of each finger, from tip to below the first joint, is rolled evenly. Generally, the weight of the finger is the maximum pressure needed to clearly record a fingerprint. In order to take advantage of the natural movement of the forearm, the hand should be rotated from the more difficult position to the easiest position. THIS IS A TEST QUESTION - This requires the thumbs be rolled toward the subject’s body and the fingers away from the subject’s body.
THIS IS A TEST QUESTION - You roll the thumb first, then index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and then the little finger.
Roll each finger from nail to nail in the appropriate space, taking care to lift each finger up after rolling to avoid smudging.
Plain impressions are typically printed last. You simultaneously presses the individual’s four fingers, keeping the fingers together on the surface of the card at a 45-degree angle to capture all four fingers in the allotted space. Then do a plain impression of both thumbs.
Complete all required information on the card. It is important to enter the appropriate data in all fields when known.

18. FINGERPRINT CARD Performance Objective #8
The purpose for the simultaneous finger prints at the bottom of the card is to establish the natural spacing.

19. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Deformed or Missing Fingers
Fully Amputated
Tip-Amputated
Extra Finger
Scarred Fingers
Worn Fingerprints
Special Circumstances:
Deformed or missing fingers:
If the finger is deformed, every attempt should be made to record the fingerprint in both the rolled and plain impression blocks. A postmortem kit, which is more commonly known as a spoon, can be utilized to assist in recording these images. If unable to record the image, simply place a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., deformed, webbed) Missing fingers are fingers physically present but cannot be recorded at the time of capture due to injury. Each missing finger should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., bandaged, injured, crippled, paralyzed)
Fully amputated fingers:
An amputated finger occurs when the finger’s first joint is no longer physically present. Amputated fingers should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., amp, missing at birth, severed)
Tip-amputated fingers:
If a portion of the first joint is present, record the available fingerprint pattern area in both the rolled and plain impression blocks.
Extra fingers:
When fingerprinting an individual with an extra finger, record only the thumb and the next four fingers. Do not record the extra finger as either a rolled or plain impression.
Scarred fingers:
Record scarred fingers in both the rolled and plain impressions without a notation.
Worn fingerprints:
An individual, by the nature of their work or age, may have very thin or worn ridges in the pattern area. Apply light pressure and use very little ink to record these types of fingerprint impressions. A technique known as “milking the finger” can be used to raise the fingerprint ridges prior to printing. This technique involves applying pressure or rubbing the fingers in a downward motion from palm to fingertip.

20. REASONS FOR REJECTION Finger was not fully rolled
Allowing the fingers to slip or twist
Use of improper inks
Failure to clean the subject’s fingers
Failure to keep equipment clean
Use of too much or too little ink
Recording fingerprints impressions within the wrong blocks on the print card
REASONS FOR REJECTION
Advise the class that if they do not follow the proper procedure for rolling fingerprints, they could be rejected by the FBI which will only delay the timeframe for receiving a possible match.

21. PRACTICAL EXERCISE Practical Exercise: Items Needed: Ink Pads
Standard Fingerprint Cards
Butcher Paper
Tape down white butcher paper on the tables to help control some of the mess they will make with the ink. Have the cadets use the fingerprinting equipment to roll each others fingerprints onto fingerprint cards. Ensure they are using the correct procedures and not smudging the prints.
PRACTICAL EXERCISE

22. QUESTIONS
Answer any questions the cadets have. Thank the class for their participation.