Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis

The "CSI effect" has brought an explosion of interest in the forensic sciences, leading to the development of new programs in universities across the world. While dozens of professional texts on the science of fingerprint analysis are available, few are designed specifically for students. An essential learning tool for classes in fingerprinting and impression evidence, Fundamentals of Fingerprint Analysis takes students from an understanding of the historical background of fingerprint evidence to seeing how it plays out in a present-day courtroom. Using a pedagogical format, with each chapter building on the previous one, 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. Designed for classroom use, each chapter contains key terms, learning objectives, a chapter summary, and review questions to test students’ assimilation of the material. Ample diagrams, case studies, and photos demonstrate concepts in a way that prepares students for working actual cases.

Table of Contents:
Introduction to Fingerprints Introduction History Physiology and Embryology Fingerprint Patterns and Classification Known Fingerprints Nature of Latent Fingerprints Biometrics: Livescan and AFIS Fingerprint Processing Introduction to Processing Methods Forensic Light Sources Physical Processing Methods Chemical Processing Methods: Porous Substrates Chemical Processing Methods: Nonporous Substrates Chemical Processing Methods: Other Substrates and Matrices Fingerprint Analysis Documentation Crime Scene Processing Fingerprint Comparisons Palm Print Comparisons Courtroom Testimony Appendix A: Sequential Processing Appendix B: Latent Print Reagent Formulations and Processes Appendix C: Expert Witness Testimony of Sebastian F. Latona, FBI Latent Fingerprint Examiner Index

About the Author :
Hillary Moses Daluz is a senior latent print technician with American Systems. Her work involves analyzing evidence from improvised explosive devices at a forensics laboratory in the Washington, D.C. area. Ms. Daluz has worked in a diversity of forensics positions including as a police identification specialist with the City of Hayward Police Department in California and a forensic specialist with Forensic Identification Services. After earning her master of science in forensic science from the University of California, Davis, she deployed to the Joint Expeditionary Forensic Facility at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, as a latent print examiner. Following her return stateside, she became a member of the faculty in the Forensic Sciences program at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Hillary Daluz is a member of the International Association for Identification, the Chesapeake Bay Division of the International Association for Identification, the California State Division of the International Association for Identification, and the California Association of Criminalists