ETC Fingerprint & Biometric Evidence Flashcards

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

Answer: Loops, whorls, and arches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a minutiae point in fingerprint analysis?

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

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

When lifting a developed latent fingerprint with tape, what should be done immediately after lifting?

Answer: Place the tape on a contrasting backing card and label with case information

After lifting with tape, the print must be immediately placed on a contrasting backing card to preserve ridge detail and labeled with case, date, and location information.