Overview:
In this assignment, you will be comparing a latent fingerprint to a known fingerprint.
Instructions:
Create a latent crime scene fingerprint as was done in the previous Unit on a smooth surface or paper.
Using the magnetic fingerprint powder, develop the fingerprint.
-
You can use your cell phone camera or another device to take a close-up photograph of the fingerprint.
Examine the fingerprint for minutiae points and document your findings.
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This can be done by inserting the picture into a Word document and using the draw tool to highlight those areas. If you have a different software program with similar capabilities or a different method that is acceptable.
Then create a known fingerprint exemplar using the same finger and the fingerprint ink pad. Again, take a photograph of the print and mark the minutiae points.
Create a fingerprint chart (see page 98 of the textbook) numbering these points. Next to each number write what type of minutiae (dot, bifurcation, ridge ending, etc.) is there.
Requirements:
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Photograph of latent fingerprint with minutiae highlighted
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Photograph of known fingerprint with minutiae highlighted
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Court chart with minutiae numbered, list of fingerprint minutiae found
Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.
Evaluation Rubric for Fingerprint Comparison
CRITERIA
Deficient
Needs
Improvement
Proficient
Exemplary
0 – 17 points |
18 – 23 points |
24 – 29 points |
30 points |
|
Latent |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
|
is mostly not |
is somewhat |
is mostly |
is accurate. |
|
accurate. |
accurate. |
accurate. |
||
Known |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Examination of |
Fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
the fingerprint |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
minutiae points |
|
is mostly not |
is somewhat |
is mostly |
is accurate. |
|
accurate. |
accurate. |
accurate. |
||
0 – 23 points |
24 – 31 points |
32 – 39 points |
40 points |
|
Court Chart |
Fingerprint |
Fingerprint |
Fingerprint |
Fingerprint |
chart is not |
chart is |
chart is mostly |
chart is |
|
accurate. |
somewhat |
accurate. |
accurate. |
|
accurate. |