ETC ETC Fingerprint & Biometric Evidence

Question 1

What are the three fundamental fingerprint pattern types recognized in classification systems?

Accepted Answer

Loops, whorls, and arches

Answer

All fingerprint patterns are classified into three fundamental types: loops (most common), whorls, and arches.

Question 2

Which powder is preferred for developing latent prints on dark, non-porous surfaces?

Accepted Answer

White or light-colored powder (e.g., titanium dioxide)

Answer

Light-colored powders provide the necessary contrast to visualize latent prints on dark non-porous surfaces.

Question 3

What does AFIS stand for and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Automated Fingerprint Identification System — it electronically searches fingerprint databases for matches

Answer

AFIS is an Automated Fingerprint Identification System that digitally encodes fingerprint minutiae and searches large databases to identify potential matches.

Question 4

Cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming is primarily used to develop latent prints on which type of surface?

Accepted Answer

Non-porous surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal

Answer

Cyanoacrylate fuming causes superglue vapors to polymerize on the amino acids, fatty acids, and proteins in latent print residue on non-porous surfaces.

Question 5

What is a minutiae point in fingerprint analysis?

Accepted Answer

A specific ridge characteristic such as a ridge ending or bifurcation used for comparison

Answer

Minutiae are individual ridge features—primarily ridge endings and bifurcations—that are used as the basis for fingerprint comparison and identification.

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

ETC ETC Fingerprint & Biometric Evidence