NCJ Number
104482
Date Published
1987
Length
144 pages
Annotation
This book considers the study of latent fingerprints, focusing on their uses in crime scene investigation and prosecution.
Abstract
Following a brief history of fingerprinting, the text describes the nature of friction skin, how it is formed, patterns of friction ridges, and factors affecting them. Also discussed are the tools used in developing, lifting, comparing, and identifying latent prints and crime scene procedures to follow when investigating residential and business burglary, rape, robbery, auto theft, homicide, and other offenses. Attention is directed to common methods used in linking latent prints to a suspect, including field inquiries from detectives, the five-finger cold search, and automated fingerprint systems. Also noted are special comparison problems arising from print reversal and distortion and for prints in blood. Court presentation of latent print evidence is highlighted with attention to appearance procedures including subpoena, examination, and cross-examination of the latent print field investigator and the latent print comparison expert. An illustration of the lines of questioning likely to be followed by the defense and the prosecution is provided. Finally, the issue of fingerprint forgery is addressed. Illustrations and index.