Offers up-to-date treatment of fingerprint detection with lasers, including basic principles and equipment, established photoluminescence-based detection techniques and a range of emerging techniques. This second edition summarizes information on time-resolved fingerprint detection, transition selection rules, image intensifiers and CCD cameras, uses of photoluminescence in criminalistics, and scientific principles underlying figerprint detection.

A major new professional reference work on fingerprint security systems and technology from leading international researchers in the field. Handbook provides authoritative and comprehensive coverage of all major topics, concepts, and methods for fingerprint security systems. This unique reference work is an absolutely essential resource for all biometric security professionals, researchers, and systems administrators.

Building on the success of the first Edition—the first pure textbook designed specifically for students on the subject—Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition provides an understanding of the historical background of fingerprint evidence, and follows it all the way through to illustrate how it is utilized in the courtroom. An essential learning tool for classes in fingerprinting and impression evidence—with each chapter building on the previous one using a pedagogical format—the book is divided into three sections. The first explains the history and theory of fingerprint analysis, fingerprint patterns and classification, and the concept of biometrics—the practice of using unique biological measurements or features to identify individuals. The second section discusses forensic light sources and physical and chemical processing methods. Section three covers fingerprint analysis with chapters on documentation, crime scene processing, fingerprint and palm print comparisons, and courtroom testimony. New coverage to this edition includes such topics as the biometrics and AFIS systems, physiology and embryology of fingerprint development in the womb, digital fingerprint record systems, new and emerging chemical reagents, varieties of fingerprint powders, and more. Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition stands as the most comprehensive introductory textbook on the market.

Since its publication, the first edition of Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions has become a classic in the field. This second edition is completely updated, focusing on the latest technology and techniques—including current detection procedures, applicable processing and analysis methods—all while incorporating the expansive growth of literature on the topic since the publication of the original edition. Forensic science has been challenged in recent years as a result of errors, courts and other scientists contesting verdicts, and changes of a fundamental nature related to previous claims of infallibility and absolute individualization. As such, these factors represent a fundamental change in the way training, identifying, and reporting should be conducted. This book addresses these questions with a clear viewpoint as to where the profession—and ridge skin identification in particular—must go and what efforts and research will help develop the field over the next several years. The second edition introduces several new topics, including Discussion of ACE-V and research results from ACE-V studies Computerized marking systems to help examiners produce reports New probabilistic models and decision theories about ridge skin evidence interpretation, introducing Bayesnet tools Fundamental understanding of ridge mark detection techniques, with the introduction of new aspects such as nanotechnology, immunology and hyperspectral imaging Overview of reagent preparation and application Chapters cover all aspects of the subject, including the formation of friction ridges on the skin, the deposition of latent marks, ridge skin mark identification, the detection and enhancement of such marks, as well the recording of fingerprint evidence. The book serves as an essential reference for practitioners working in the field of fingermark detection and identification, as well as legal and police professionals and anyone studying forensic science with a view to understanding current thoughts and challenges in dactyloscopy.

Fingerprints constitute one of the most important categories of physical evidence, and it is among the few that can be truly individualized. During the last two decades, many new and exciting developments have taken place in the field of fingerprint science, particularly in the realm of methods for developing latent prints and in the growth of imag

Building on the success of the first Edition—the first pure textbook designed specifically for students on the subject—Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition provides an understanding of the historical background of fingerprint evidence, and follows it all the way through to illustrate how it is utilized in the courtroom. An essential learning tool for classes in fingerprinting and impression evidence—with each chapter building on the previous one using a pedagogical format—the book is divided into three sections. The first explains the history and theory of fingerprint analysis, fingerprint patterns and classification, and the concept of biometrics—the practice of using unique biological measurements or features to identify individuals. The second section discusses forensic light sources and physical and chemical processing methods. Section three covers fingerprint analysis with chapters on documentation, crime scene processing, fingerprint and palm print comparisons, and courtroom testimony. New coverage to this edition includes such topics as the biometrics and AFIS systems, physiology and embryology of fingerprint development in the womb, digital fingerprint record systems, new and emerging chemical reagents, varieties of fingerprint powders, and more. Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition stands as the most comprehensive introductory textbook on the market.

Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding the Science, Second Edition is a thorough update of Mark Hawthorne’s classic written by two professionals with combined experience not only in crime scene investigations but also as court-recognized experts in latent print examination. Designed as a concise text to cover the fundamental techniques and principles of obtaining and analyzing latent fingerprint evidence, the book is laid out and written in an easy to understand format for those front-line professionals collecting and analyzing fingerprint evidence. Over time, the degree of sophistication and education on fingerprints and friction ridge analysis has increased. Ultimately, through scientific study by pioneers in the field, the composition of friction skin soon became evident: that it could be used as a unique identifier of individuals. Now, fingerprints and footprints as unique identifiers—and their use in criminal cases—have become commonplace and an essential component of criminal investigation with most cases involving some component of fingerprint evidence. Divided into two parts, the book begins with the basics of analysis, providing a brief history, systematic methods of identification, fingerprint pattern types and their associated terminologies and current classifications. The second part of the book discusses the identification and presentation of evidence in the courtroom, demonstrating both the traditional, manual method of lifting prints and the newer techniques for automated and live scans. Coverage provides instruction on searching and developing latent prints, storage, and comparison of prints. New to this edition are updated techniques on collecting and preserving fingerprint evidence—including packaging and maintaining chain of custody. More detailed documentation processes, and additional chemical and lifting techniques, are described including use of light sources, latent backing cards and lifting material, casting material, ten print cards, and the enhancement of prints in blood. A discussion of laboratory equipment and comparison tools, the addition of photography techniques, and recent courtroom challenges to fingerprint evidence is also presented. Fingerprints, Second Edition will provide a hands-on, fresh look at the most commonly utilized evidence found at crime scenes: fingerprints. The book will provide law enforcement, crime scene personnel and students just such an opportunity to easily understand and grasp the concepts, and relevant issues, associated with friction skin and fingerprint evidence.

Fingerprint collection and analysis may be performed as part of many jobs, including crime scene technician, latent print examiner, criminalist, and lab supervisor. Regardless of one’s specific background or role in the process, a knowledge of scientific practices is critical in handling and analyzing fingerprint evidence. The best way to understand the principles and concepts of any science learned in a classroom is to perform experiments. The exercises in Fingerprint Analysis Laboratory Workbook, Second Edition address all aspects of fingerprint theory, investigation, processing, comparisons, and research. Designed specifically to parallel the Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis, Second Edition textbook, the laboratory exercises correspond with the textbook chapters, with exercise in the lab chapter putting into practice the concepts covered in the text chapter. Each lab follows the same format, beginning with the objectives of the experiment and providing the background information necessary to perform the experiment. This is followed by a list of required materials, the lab exercises, and post-lab questions for students to test what they’ve learned. Many of the laboratory exercises may be completed either at home or in a laboratory setting. Exercises and photographs enhance the text, making it an ideal hands-on learning tool. New techniques and current practices added to the primary textbook have been included in this companion laboratory workbook to cover the latest in real-world application of fingerprint analysis science to practice.

This guidebook illustrates the basic concepts involved in the science of fingerprints and fingerprint identification. It clarifies many of the oversimplified generalities that pervade the science of fingerprint identification and highlights the many possibilities and limitations of fingerprint identification. Chapters are arranged logically to facilitate greater knowledge and skills. The second edition highlights the full breadth of "Dactylscopy" the science of friction skin individualization. A full explanation of forensic science's comparative methodology, Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification process, or ACE-V, is reviewed. A detailed narrative of the Daubert requirements is provided and how these new procedural directives cover the admission of scientific evidence and expert testimony. The guide also offers ideas for upgrading standard operational office procedures relating to fingerprint comparisons and is followed by a training outline. This outline will allow 10-print and latent print examiners to reach their full potential as specialized experts. A new glossary offers 356 comprehensive definitions of fingerprint terms. The chapters are liberally illustrated to aid the reader. The book is designed to be read in its entirety or to be referenced as a guidebook, as many concepts and information are repeated and cross-referenced. The information helps the reader to understand the relationships, benefits, and limitations of crime scene fingerprint evidence. Contrast will be an excellent quick reference source and is intended for new and experienced crime scene investigators, patrol officers, attorneys, and criminal justice students who seek to add fingerprint identification to their investigative skills.

An easy-to-understand synopsis of identification systems, presenting in simple language the process of fingerprint identification, from the initial capture of a set of finger images, to the production of a Rapsheet. No other single work exists which reviews this important identification process from beginning to end. We examine the identification process for latent (crime scene) prints and how they are identified with these systems. While the primary focus is automated fingerprint identifications, the book also touches on the emergence and use of fingerprints in other biometric systems.Criminal justice administrators, policy makers, and students of forensic science and criminal justice will find a reference to the known limitations and advantages of these systems.This book provides information as to the critical and continual need for properly trained individuals as well as an understanding of the direct and indirect costs associated with maintaining these systems. An understanding of the entire system and what it means will prove invaluable. Why are there missed identifications? Why are identifications made on one database that are not made on another database? Key terms and issues are included, and well as suggestions for improving the overall number of identifications.The book will go beyond process and also discuss issues such as interoperability, management strategies for large databases, contract development, lights out verification and several other issues which impact automated identifications.- The first comprehensive title on this subject area- Outlines in detail the entire process of fingerprint gathering and identity verification - The future of AFIS will is discussed, including national standards in developing multi-agency cooperation/interoperability (U.S.) in addition to the use of AFIS identification world-wide.