Latent Print Examination Concepts

The video tutorial explains the concept of fingerprints, detailing their formation, unique characteristics, and the types of patterns they form. It highlights the role of fingerprints in crime investigations, including the use of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for matching unknown prints. The tutorial also covers the importance of fingerprints in identifying human remains and solving cold cases, emphasizing their value as evidence in the criminal justice system.

What is the primary function of the ridge formations on our hands and feet?

• To protect against UV rays

• To regulate body temperature

• To improve friction for gripping

• To enhance aesthetic appearance

Which of the following is NOT a basic fingerprint pattern?

• Spiral

• Whorl

• Arch

• Loop

What are the unique characteristics of friction ridges called?

• Dermis

• Follicles

• Minutiae

• Papillae

How do friction ridges change over a person's lifetime?

• They change every few years

• They become more pronounced with age

• They remain unchanged unless altered by disease or injury

• They disappear with age

What is the purpose of developing latent prints in crime investigations?

• To create artistic designs

• To identify the last person who touched an object

• To measure the size of the object

• To determine the age of the object

Which method is NOT used to make latent impressions visible?

• High-resolution digital photography

• Chemical methods

• Alternate light source

• X-ray imaging

What does AFIS stand for?

• Advanced Fingerprint Imaging System

• Advanced Forensic Identification System

• Automated Facial Identification System

• Automated Fingerprint Identification System

What is the role of the latent print examiner in the comparison process?

• To design fingerprint databases

• To erase all latent prints

• To determine if a latent print matches a known print

• To create new fingerprint patterns

How can the GBI latent prints section assist in identifying human remains?

• By conducting autopsies

• By analyzing DNA samples

• By examining dental records

• By comparing fingerprints to known impressions

What impact do latent print examiners have on the criminal justice system?

• They provide entertainment

• They help solve cold cases and identify individuals

• They create new laws

• They train police officers