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ROLE OF IDENTIFICATION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT - AN HISTORICAL ADVENTURE

NCJ Number
7495
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 42 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1973) Pages: 8-13 & 29-31
Author(s)
J E HOOVER
Date Published
1973
Length
19 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF FINGERPRINTING TECHNIQUES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.
Abstract
USING AN HISTORICAL APPROACH, THIS ARTICLE TRACES THE DEVELOPMENT OF FINGERPRINTING TECHNIQUES AS A METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENDERS. TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPACT OF FINGERPRINTING METHODS IN THE AREA OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE AUTHOR CITES EXAMPLES IN WHICH THE TECHNIQUE WAS USED TO APPREHEND CRIMINALS WHOSE IDENTITIES WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE REMAINED UNKNOWN TO POLICE AND VICTIM. THE AUTHOR ALSO DISCUSSES THE ACTIVITIES OF THE F.B.I.'S IDENTIFICATION DIVISION AND NOTES THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE THAT FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION METHODS HAVE IN ITS OPERATIONS. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES BY EXAMINING THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMPELLING A CRIMINAL SUSPECT TO SUBMIT TO FINGERPRINTING.