Chapter 6 Forensics Review

True or False: Fingerprints are a result of oil and secreations from the skin mixing with dirt.

True

True or False: Fingerprints are considered to be a form of class evidence.

False, fingerprints are trace evidence.

True or False: It is necessary to obtain a full print from a suspect in order to match his fingerprint with a fingerprint found at the crime scene.

False.

True or False: Plastic prints must be dusted or treated in order to identify the ridge patterns.

False.

True or False: Loops are the most common form of fingerprints.

True.

True or False: Fingerprints are formed deep within the dermis layer of the skin.

False.

True or False: With the aid of IAFIS, it is possible to obtain a "match" within several hours.

True.

True or False: The type or powder used to dust prints will vary depending upon the weather conditions when the print is lifted.

False.

True or False: The fingerprints of the left hand are mirror images of the fingerprints on the right hand.

False, each fingerprint is unique.

True or False: Similar print or ridge patterns can also be found on the toes.

True.

Finger prints are formed ...
a) shortly after birth
b) at about two years of age
c) at 10 weeks gestation
d) at 17 weeks gestation

C

Fingerprints that are actual indentations left in some soft material such as clay or putty are referred to as ...
a) plastic fingerprints
b) patent fingerprints
c) latent fingerprints
d) indented fingerprints

A

The use of fingerprints in identification is not perfect becasue ...
a) The current technology depends on humans to input and analyze the information and humans make mistakes
b) Many people have the same exact fingerprints
c) People can easily change thei

A

The three main types of fingerprints are classified as ...
a) loops, whorls and deltas
b) whorls, bifircations, arches
c) loops, whorls and arches
d) arches, core, and deltas

C

A small triangular region is one characteristics found in a fingerprint, this triangular region is known as a ...
a) spur
b) eye
c) bridge
d) delta

D

Describe how to take a ridge count from a fingerprint.

An imaginary line is drawn from the center of the core to the edge of the delta.

Write a breif definition of the term fingerprint.

An impression left on any surface that consists of patterns made by the ridges on a finger. Each one is unique and is identifiable to a specific person.

Describe how fingerprints are formed.

Fingerprints are formed in the basal layer of the skin, a special layer within the epidermis where new skin cells are produced. In a fetus, this layer grows faster than the epidermis on the outside and the dermis on the inside. Because it grows faster, th

Is it possible to alter fingerprints? Defend your answer.

No, not permanently, because the outer layer protects it.

Another way to make prints visable is to apply certain chemicals. What aspect of a fingerprint chemically reacts with each of the following?

a) Ninhydrin- It reacts with amino acids found in sweat.
b) Cyanoacrylate- It reacts with amino acids.
c) Silver Nitrate- It reacts with chloride from salts in perspiration on the prints which combining to form silver chloride.
d) Iodine Fuming- It reacts