ETC ETC Fingerprint & Biometric Evidence 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the three fundamental fingerprint pattern types recognized in classification systems?
- Loops, whorls, and arches (Correct answer)
- Ridges, valleys, and deltas
- Tented arches, plain whorls, and accidentals
- Radial loops, ulnar loops, and composites
Correct answer: Loops, whorls, and arches
All fingerprint patterns are classified into three fundamental types: loops (most common), whorls, and arches.
Question 2: Which powder is preferred for developing latent prints on dark, non-porous surfaces?
- White or light-colored powder (e.g., titanium dioxide) (Correct answer)
- Black powder (e.g., carbon or graphite)
- Fluorescent powder under alternate light source
- Magnetic powder for rough surfaces
Correct answer: White or light-colored powder (e.g., titanium dioxide)
Light-colored powders provide the necessary contrast to visualize latent prints on dark non-porous surfaces.
Question 3: What does AFIS stand for and what is its primary function?
- Automated Fingerprint Identification System — it electronically searches fingerprint databases for matches (Correct answer)
- Advanced Forensic Intelligence System — it stores DNA profiles
- Automated File Indexing System — it catalogs crime scene photos
- Analog Fingerprint Imaging Software — it scans paper cards
Correct answer: Automated Fingerprint Identification System — it electronically searches fingerprint databases for matches
AFIS is an Automated Fingerprint Identification System that digitally encodes fingerprint minutiae and searches large databases to identify potential matches.
Question 4: Cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming is primarily used to develop latent prints on which type of surface?
- Non-porous surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal (Correct answer)
- Porous surfaces such as paper and cardboard
- Rough concrete or brick surfaces
- Fabric and clothing materials
Correct answer: Non-porous surfaces such as plastic, glass, and metal
Cyanoacrylate fuming causes superglue vapors to polymerize on the amino acids, fatty acids, and proteins in latent print residue on non-porous surfaces.
Question 5: What is a minutiae point in fingerprint analysis?
- A specific ridge characteristic such as a ridge ending or bifurcation used for comparison (Correct answer)
- The center point of a fingerprint whorl
- The overall pattern classification of a fingerprint
- A smudge or distortion that obscures ridge detail
Correct answer: A specific ridge characteristic such as a ridge ending or bifurcation used for comparison
Minutiae are individual ridge features—primarily ridge endings and bifurcations—that are used as the basis for fingerprint comparison and identification.
Question 6: When lifting a developed latent fingerprint with tape, what should be done immediately after lifting?
- Place the tape on a contrasting backing card and label with case information (Correct answer)
- Submit the tape directly to the lab without further processing
- Photograph the tape under UV light before backing it
- Apply a second layer of tape for protection
Correct answer: Place the tape on a contrasting backing card and label with case information
After lifting with tape, the print must be immediately placed on a contrasting backing card to preserve ridge detail and labeled with case, date, and location information.
ETC ETC Fingerprint & Biometric Evidence 1
What are the three fundamental fingerprint pattern types recognized in classification systems?