Advances in Fingerprint Technology.pdf

Figure 2.7 Example of pressure distortion. (left) Core of print with a ridge ending;
(right) same ridge is part of a recurving ridge.
conclusion into full logical form constitute a mathematical formula termed
a syllogism. Valid reasoning from true premises must lead to a true conclusion.
The premises used throughout the decision-making processes involved
in the tasks of the evaluation and comparison processes are true if they are
based on visual data and experience regarding the analysis of similar data,
both of which are verifiable facts.
Conclusion
It has been suggested by some lay people that latent print identification may
not be scientific because there is no minimum standard regarding the total
number of ridge characteristics required for a positive identification. This
belief reflects a simplistic view that the identification process is merely the
totaling of clearly defined ridge characteristics to obtain an arbitrary number,
a task that may be easily performed by marginally trained technicians.
Latent print identification is more than simply counting ridge characteristics.
It involves many factors, including the skill gained only through
experience. Latent print identification is a visual information-processing system
employing scientific methodologies and human problem-solving techniques
and requiring considerable experience for their proper employment.
Experienced examiners, consciously or unconsciously, will consider, in addition
to the number of characteristics, the overall quality and clarity of the
impression, the rarity of the pattern type or ridge flow, and the uniqueness
of the ridge characteristics.