Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. describe historical development, classification and principles of fingerprint analysis;
2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of collection, preservation of fingerprints, counting and tracing ridges, general and individual characteristics of fingerprints;
3. describe various methods of development of fingerprints and other impressions, including conventional, physical, chemical, fluorescent, fuming, magnetic powder and laser methods;
4. describe methods of restoration of erased marks;
5. explain how to take latent fingerprints by lifting technique;
6. explain how to take fingerprints from living and dead persons;
7. present fingerprints and other impressions as evidences in court.
Course Contents
Fingerprinting: History and Development of fingerprints. Classification of fingerprints by the Henry System. Extension of Henry system, Single digit classification, Fingerprint Bureau. Principles of fingerprints, importance, nature and location. Fingerprints as evidence: its recognition, collection and preservation. Biological significance of skin pattern, ridge formation, counting and tracing. Important figures in the field of fingerprints, fingerprint patterns, general and individual characteristics of fingerprints. Fingerprints and other impressions: taking fingerprints from living and dead persons. Other Impressions: Tyre marks, tool marks (compression marks, striated marks, combination of compression and striated marks, repeated marks), lip prints and foot print examinations. Latent fingerprint and chance fingerprints in criminal investigation, investigating latent fingerprints, Various methods of development of fingerprints and other impression marks: conventional, physical and chemical, fluorescent, magnetic powder, fuming, laser methods. Lifting of latent fingerprints. Restoration of erased/obliterated marks: Method of making cast, punch, engrave, obliteration, restoration, etching (etchings for different metals), magnetic, electrolytic etc. Recording of restored marks – restoration of marks on wood, leather and polymer. Presentation of fingerprints and other impressions as evidences in court.
