Latent fingerprints, or surface fingerprints, are caused by the transfer of skin onto a surface.

As soon as fingerprints were discovered to be a reliable means of identification, criminals began to devise ways to alter them so they could avoid being identified.  American Public Enemy Number One in the 1930s, John Dillinger, burned his fingertips with a torch to change their appearance.

Contrary to what we see on television, fingerprint matching is not carried out by a computer in a matter of seconds.

Who verified that fingerprints do not change with age?

What percent of latent prints at a crime scene come from the palm or side of the hand?

Actual indentations left in some soft material such as clay, putty, or wax is which type of fingerprint?

During which week of gestation are fingerprints formed?

Which type of loop open towards the little finger?

Fingerprint whorl patterns may be a

Fingerprint arches may be

While looking at the basic fingerprint patterns can quickly help eliminate a suspect, in order to positively match a print found at a crime scene to an individual, more is needed.  Every individual, including identical twins, has a unique fingerprint due to unique ridge patterns called:

Many experts claim that fingerprint identification is flawless. However, it is humans that input and analyze the information, and humans make mistakes. In 1995, 156 fingerprint examiners were given a test. _____ in five examiners made at least one false identification.

There are about _____ individual ridge characteristics on the average full fingerprint.

Patent fingerprints, or visible fingerprints, are left on a smooth surface when blood, ink, or some other liquid comes in contact with the hands and is then transferred to that surface.