Advances in Fingerprint Technology.pdf

RECOGNITION
IDENTIFICATION
INDIVIDUALIZATION
RECONSTRUCTION
Evaluation
· location
· position
· orientation
· condition
Figure 2.1 Latent fingerprint examination.
niques to process such an area with the objective of developing those latent
prints and making them visible. A latent print examiner can then evaluate each
print and make a judgment as to whether or not there are sufficient ridge
characteristics for identification. If there are insufficient ridge characteristics
present, then one has to determine what other methods could be applied to the
developed print for further enhancement of the print. Once a positive decision
is made, the second mission is to compare the developed latent print with a
known print, with the objective of either positive identification or elimination.
Although there have been tremendous advances in fingerprint technology
during recent years, the basic principle and logic of these two missions
have remained the same. In fact, the latent print examination process is the
same as in any other type of forensic examination. The process is concerned
with recognition, examination, identification, individualization, and evaluation
(Figure 2.1).
Recognition and Examination
Scene Processing for
Latent Prints
Preliminary Screening
Photography
Lifting
Laboratory Processing
Enhancement
Known vs. Questioned Comparison
Matching (Identification)
Non-Matching (Exclusion)
AFIS Search
Recognition of the areas where one is most likely to find latent prints is
probably the most important step in the examination of latent print evidence.