Fingerprints

Abstract

The chapter on fingerprints includes information on the History of Fingerprint Identification, the Henry and NCIC fingerprint classification systems, properly recording fingerprints, live scan fingerprinting, scientific methodology, and forged and fabricated fingerprint evidence. The reader will learn what a latent print is and how latent prints (prints found at the crime scene) are developed and preserved. The reader will also be introduced to what it takes to become a fingerprint examiner; educational requirements, certification, accreditation, and ethics. A section on frequently asked questions provides answers to several questions about latent prints. Several photographs are included that will give the reader an opportunity to see the various fingerprint patterns; note similarities between a partial print and a fully recorded print; and see how proper orientation is critical in comparing friction ridges. Courtroom testimony is discussed as well as information on various challenges to expert testimony. Questions are listed to challenge the reader to research and find answers. Numerous references to information on fingerprint identification are provided.

6.1 Questions

• 1. Why do you think that fingerprint identification has been relied upon for longer than 100 years as a positive means of personal identification?

• 2. Do twins have the same fingerprints?

• 3. Can a person’s fingerprints be destroyed?

• 4. If you touch something, is it safe to assume that you will leave a fingerprint on that object?

• 5. Are humans the only mammals that have fingerprints?

• 6. In fingerprint identification, what is the difference between classification and identification?

• 7. Because it is possible that every case a fingerprint examiner handles is a potential court case, at what point should you start thinking about preparing for court?

• 8. If you have identified/individualized a fragmentary latent print that was developed with fingerprint powder using a standard inked fingerprint card as the known exemplar and are asked in court: “are the two prints identical”; how would you respond?

• 9. If two latent prints are developed, one over the top of the other, is it possible to identify one or both of the prints?

• 10. What or who is an expert witness?

6.2 About the Author

Carmine Artone is a Certified Latent Print Examiner. He began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Division in 1956. He received his initial training in Fingerprint Identification at the FBI and subsequently worked in the FBI Identification Division for approximately 6 years. Upon leaving the FBI, he was employed by the Miami Dade Police Department (formerly Dade County Sheriff’s Office) where he worked as a Fingerprint Examiner from 1963 to 1970. During that period of time, he spent a year assigned to the Mobile Crime Laboratory. Upon leaving Miami in 1970, he was employed by the United States Secret Service as a Latent Print Examiner and subsequently retired as Branch Chief of the Identification and Research Branch, Forensic Services Division, in April, 2000. Since retirement, he has remained active in fingerprint identification by teaching fingerprint identification abroad in several countries for agencies of the United States Government.