1st Edition

Friction Ridge Skin Comparison and Identification of Fingerprints

By James F. Cowger Copyright 1992

    Here is a complete guide to the collection, classification, and comparison of friction skin prints and the determination of identity and nonidentity. It discusses: the cause and significance of variations in prints; the importance of class characteristics in print; the application of probability in decision making; and photographic techniques and considerations.

    Introduction
    Taking Inked Prints
    Prints of the Living. Other Devices and Materials for Recording Prints. Major Criminal Prints. Printing Problem Suspects. Printing the Deceased.
    Classification
    Fingerprints. Palm Prints. Sole Prints.
    The Evidence Print
    The Latent Print. The Visible Print. The Plastic Impression. Locating, Developing, Preserving, and Collecting Evidence Prints. Determining the Age of an Evidence Print.
    Photography of Prints and Impressions
    The Camera. Film. Use of Colored Filters. Lighting.
    The Basis of the Comparison
    Class Characteristics. Individual Characteristics. Determining Identity.
    Comparing Prints
    Orienting the Evidence Print. Locating Minutiae. Tonally Reversed Prints. Laterally Reversed Prints. Distortion. Overlain Prints.
    Some Comparisons of Evidence Prints
    Reporting and Testifying to Conclusions
    References
    Index

    Biography

    James F. Cowger

    "The book belongs in the 'must have' category...the chapters on the taking of prints, photography, and classification are clear and succinct...When it comes to comparisons, most other texts take the approach of 'well, you just do'...The present text explains how..."
    - Journal of Forensic Sciences