Fingerprints

Fingerprints CI 5: Demonstrate methods of fingerprint development. EQ: What are the patterns and characteristics of fingerprints?

Fingerprint • An imprint made by ridge patterns on the tip of a finger.

dactyloscopy • The study of fingerprints

anthropometry • The study of human body measurements

Loop • Fingerprint pattern with one or more ridges entering from the side, curving, then going out on the same side entered

Delta • Triangular area found in all loop and whorl patterns

Core • Area found near the center of all loop and whorl patterns

whorl • Fingerprint pattern with at least 2 deltas and a core

arch • Least common and simplest fingerprint pattern. • Arches have no delta or core. All ridges enter one side and exit the other.

Minutiae • Ridge characteristics used to describe fingerprints

Plastic print • 3 D print made as indentation in soft material such as fresh paint, putty or wax. • Also called an indented or molded print

Visible print • Fingerprint left by a finger that has touched blood, paint, ink, or the like.

Latent print • Fingerprint made by the deposit of perspiration or body oils • Invisible to the naked eye until developed

bifurcations • Common minutiae, shaped like a 2-pronged fork.