Friction Ridge Skin

Here is a complete guide to the collection, classification, and comparison of friction skin prints and the determination of identity and nonidentity. It discusses: the cause and significance of variations in prints; the importance of class characteristics in print; the application of probability in decision making; and photographic techniques and considerations.

Here is a complete guide to the collection, classification, and comparison of friction skin prints and the determination of identity and nonidentity. It discusses: the cause and significance of variations in prints; the importance of class characteristics in print; the application of probability in decision making; and photographic techniques and considerations.

Since its publication, the first edition of Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions has become a classic in the field. This second edition is completely updated, focusing on the latest technology and techniques—including current detection procedures, applicable processing and analysis methods—all while incorporating the expansive growth of literature on the topic since the publication of the original edition. Forensic science has been challenged in recent years as a result of errors, courts and other scientists contesting verdicts, and changes of a fundamental nature related to previous claims of infallibility and absolute individualization. As such, these factors represent a fundamental change in the way training, identifying, and reporting should be conducted. This book addresses these questions with a clear viewpoint as to where the profession—and ridge skin identification in particular—must go and what efforts and research will help develop the field over the next several years. The second edition introduces several new topics, including Discussion of ACE-V and research results from ACE-V studies Computerized marking systems to help examiners produce reports New probabilistic models and decision theories about ridge skin evidence interpretation, introducing Bayesnet tools Fundamental understanding of ridge mark detection techniques, with the introduction of new aspects such as nanotechnology, immunology and hyperspectral imaging Overview of reagent preparation and application Chapters cover all aspects of the subject, including the formation of friction ridges on the skin, the deposition of latent marks, ridge skin mark identification, the detection and enhancement of such marks, as well the recording of fingerprint evidence. The book serves as an essential reference for practitioners working in the field of fingermark detection and identification, as well as legal and police professionals and anyone studying forensic science with a view to understanding current thoughts and challenges in dactyloscopy.

A thumb print left at the scene of a grisly murder. Fingerprints taken from a getaway car used in a bank robbery. A palm print recovered from the shattered glass door of a burglarized home. Indeed, where crimes are committed, careless perpetrators will invariably leave behind the critical pieces of evidence—most likely in the form of fingerprints—needed to catch and convict them. But the science of fingerprint identification isn’t always as cut and dry as detective novels and movies make it out to be. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, a new book in the ongoing Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations series, examines the latest methods and techniques in the science of friction ridge identification, or ridgeology. David R. Ashbaugh examines every facet of the discipline, from the history of friction ridge identification and its earliest pioneers and researchers, to the scientific basis and the various steps of the identification process. The structure and growth of friction skin and how it can leave latent or visible prints are examined, as well as advanced identification methods in ridgeology, including Poroscopy, Edgeoscopy, Pressure Distortion and Complex or Problem Print Analysis. The book, which features several detailed illustrations and photographs, also includes a new method for Palmar Flexion Crease Identification (palm lines) designed by the author and which has helped solve several criminal cases where fingerprints were not available. For crime scene technicians, forensic identification specialists, or anyone else pursuing a career in forensic science, this book is arguably the definitive source in the science of friction ridge identification.

The idea of The Fingerprint Sourcebook originated during a meeting in April 2002. Individuals representing the fingerprint, academic, and scientific communities met in Chicago, Illinois, for a day and a half to discuss the state of fingerprint identification with a view toward the challenges raised by Daubert issues. The meeting was a joint project between the International Association for Identification (IAI) and West Virginia University (WVU). One recommendation that came out of that meeting was a suggestion to create a sourcebook for friction ridge examiners, that is, a single source of researched information regarding the subject. This sourcebook would provide educational, training, and research information for the international scientific community.

With an A–Z format, this encyclopedia provides easy access to relevant information on all aspects of biometrics. It features approximately 250 overview entries and 800 definitional entries. Each entry includes a definition, key words, list of synonyms, list of related entries, illustration(s), applications, and a bibliography. Most entries include useful literature references providing the reader with a portal to more detailed information.

Latent prints are chance or accidental impressions left by friction-ridge skin on a surface, regardless of whether they are visible or invisible at the time of deposition. Recognition of evidence that may contain fingerprints and the processes that can develop these latent prints is crucial in preventing valuable evidence from being left undetected. Latent Print Processing Guide goes beyond the basic police training, covering latent prints in detail and providing first responders with adequate training and guidelines. To process latent prints, examiners use various techniques including electronic, chemical, cyanoacrylate, and physical methods. Latent Print Processing Guide offers a broad understanding of latent print detection, development, and recovery, including insights on stateof-the-art technologies. Includes history of latent print identification and some of the pioneers and their contributions. Defines the differences between chemical and physical processes and explains process sequence protocols and recovery methods for different types of evidence. Chapters include: process selection, application and recovery, special considerations for specific materials, protocol sequence and process formulas, including required materials, application method, expected results, safety measures, and references. The text is written so that non-crime scene or non-crime laboratory personnel can also gain valuable information from it.

Fingerprint identification is the most efficient, rapid, and cost-effective forensic identification modality. Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains is a consolidated and thorough guide to the recovery, identification, and management of unidentified postmortem fingerprint records - topics from postmortem fingerprint processing to database submission and case management are discussed. Additionally, a postmortem processing workflow is described, which delineates various basic and advanced fingerprint recovery techniques used to acquire examination-quality records. Furthermore, Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains discusses the complexity of antemortem fingerprint databases and how to access each database for humanitarian purposes, bringing a modern value perspective to the topic.