chapter 6

when do fingerprints first develop?

10 weeks gestation

a small triangular region is one characteristic found in a fingerprint. This triangular region is known as a

delta

T/F Fingerprints are considered to be a form of class evidence

false

T/F Fingerprints are formed deep within the dermis layer of the skin

false

T/F Fingerprints of the left hand are mirror images of the fingerprints on the right hand

false

T/F 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

T/F Plastic prints must be dusted or treated in order to identify the ridge patterns

false

T/F The type of powder used to dust prints will vary depending upon the weather conditions when the print is lifted

false

an impression left on any surface that consists of patterns made by the ridges on a finger

fingerprint

why do we have fingerprints?

grip

how would you classify fingerprints?

indirect, physical, individual

The three main types of fingerprints are classified as

loops, whorls and arches

a unique fingerprint resulting from unique ridge patterns

minutiae

Fingerprints that are actual indentations left in soft material such as clay or putty are referred to as

plastic fingerprints

T/F Fingerprints are a result of oil and secretions from skin mixing with dirt

true

T/F Loops are the most common form of fingerprints

true

T/F Similar prints or ridge patterns can also be found on the toes

true

T/F With the aid of IAFIS, it is possible to obtain a "match" within several hours

true

The use of fingerprints in identification is not perfect because

The current technology depends on humans to input and analyze the information, and humans make mistakes