September 5, 2014 CJ328: Forensic Fingerprint Analysis Prof: Denise Womer
Based upon your expertise in regards to fingerprint and friction-skin development, explain why the following conclusion regarding human cloning is false. Premise: We all accept the proven fact that identical twins do not have the same fingerprints. However, human clones present a different set of friction skin development issues. No! Studies have concluded that, even though the fingerprints of identical twins may be very similar, they are not identical. Twins have a very high correlation of loops, whorls and ridges. But the details (for example, where skin ridges meet, divide into branches, or end) differ If the print is suitable, the analysis indicates the features to be used in the comparison and their tolerances. The analysis may also uncover physical features such as recurves, deltas, creases and scars that help indicate where to begin the comparison. Comparisons are performed by an analyst who views the known and suspect prints side-by-side. The analyst compares minutiae characteristics and locations to determine if they match. Known prints are often collected from persons of interest, victims, others present at the scene or through a search of one or more fingerprint databases such as the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Evaluation is where the examiner ultimately decides if the prints are from the same source, different sources or is inconclusive. Inconclusive results may be due to poor quality samples, lack of comparable areas, or insufficient number of corresponding or dissimilar features to be certain. Verification is when another examiner independently analyzes, compares and evaluates the prints to either support or refute the conclusions of the original examiner. The examiner may also verify the suitability of determinations made in the analysis phase. (Techniques, n.d) Define class characteristics and individual characteristics of latent fingerprints. Present one example of each and explain how your examples fit the definitions. Latent prints are the most common type of print and take the most
