Advances in Fingerprint Technology.pdf

advancement throughout the spectrum. Experience is the foundation for
superior problem-solving ability in all professions; in latent print identification,
it is the hone for sharpening all essential skills.
As individuals progress from one level to another along the spectrum of
expertise, they also progress up the phylogenic scale of problem-solving
development . 17 Experience is a vital factor in problem-solving ability because
the greater the individual’s experience, the greater the likelihood that the
same set of circumstances has been previously encountered and that previous
solutions can be applied to the problem at hand.
Superior problem-solving ability may, however, present a false impression
to lay persons and novices. They may observe only the rapidity of the
problem-solving processes. To such persons, the evaluation and comparison
tasks may appear to have been too easily performed and without complete
analysis of the empirical data. Such false impressions usually give rise to the
term “art” in describing the identification processes, a term that readily identifies
its source as lacking an understanding of the scientific methodologies and logical
reasoning processes required in this forensic science discipline.
Latent print processing and visualization procedures require logical decision
making based on past knowledge. Selection of a target area to process
is based on the principles of transfer theory and human behavior. Selection
of a correct technique to process the target surface is based on the training
and experience.
Identification Protocol
Figure 2.5 presents a problem-solving protocol and flowchart for the evaluation
and comparison required in the examination of a latent print. To limit
the description, the area for examination has been restricted to those ridge
characteristics depicted in Figure 2.6(b). Figure 2.6(a) depicts the fingerprint
from which the area of ridges was selected. Figure 2.6(c) is an illustration of
how the area being examined would appear if only the spatial positions of
the ridge characteristics were to be considered. Figure 2.6(d) is a conceptual
enhancement of Figure 2.6(c). These last two illustrations are included to
show the limitations of any protocols that take into consideration only the
spatial positions of the ridge characteristics.
Several decisions that are based mostly on experience must be made
before comparing a latent print with an inked impression. Was the impression
made by friction ridge skin? Is there color reversal in the image of the latent
print? What area of friction skin made the impression? Is it possible to
determine pattern type or ridge flow? Are there sufficient ridge characteristics
present for comparison with an inked print?