Fingerprint Analysis
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Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification are steps that are followed when analyzing and identifying fingerprints.
- Analysis: Go through each level of detail and characterize the observable patterns and minutiae on the print.
- Comparison: Take the print in question with the details outlined and compare it to known prints.
- Evaluation: Gauge whether the overall series of minutiae that were compared deem an identification, exclusion, or inconclusive result.
- Verification: Pass on the print in question to a fellow analyst, without them knowing the result of the previous analysis. The new analyst reassesses the print by following the same procedure and sees if the same conclusion is reached.on.
Ashbaugh details (a.k.a. 3rd level detail) |
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These are microscopic, level 3 details on the fingerprint. These details describe the specific location, size, and shape of the pores and several ridge edge characteristics. These details were discovered and outlined by Ashbaugh and are used to make identifications, particularly when the fingerprint is lacking second-level details.
Exclusion |
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A determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient reliable detail of characteristics in disagreement, such that one can conclude that two fingerprints (friction ridge impressions) did not originate from the same source.
Fingerprint |
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The friction ridge pattern that is found on the skin of the fingertips.
Fingerprint impression/mark
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This describes the transferring of oils onto a surface, resulting in the replication of the friction ridge pattern seen on the fingertip, including the minutiae.
Fingerprint Identification
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The analysis that compares the friction ridge formation and sequence of an unknown fingerprint to that of a a known fingerprint.
Galton Details
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The minutiae not visible to the naked eye and require a degree of magnification to view. This level of detail looks at ridge characteristics such as ridge endings, islands, ridge dots, and bifurcations. Galton designed second-level details that can support an exclusion or identification made based on a first- or third- level analysis.
Henry Details (a.k.a. 1st level detail)
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The first-level details of the fingerprint that are visible to the naked eye. These were discovered by Edward Henry and describe the orientation of the print, pattern type, ridge flow, core, and delta. These patterns can only offer grounds for exclusions, not inclusions.
Identification/Inclusion |
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A determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient agreement between the friction ridge patterns of a known and unknown fingerprint to conclude that both fingerprints may have originated from the same source.
Inconclusive |
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A determination made by the examiner that there is insufficient reliable detail of characteristics to conclude a possible identification or exclusion of the fingerprint impression in question when compared to known impressions.
Levels of Detail in Fingerprints |
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There are three main levels of detail that can be characterized on each fingerprint:
- Level 1: The overall orientation, pattern type, and focal points. Also called Henry details.
- Level 2: The minutiae are defined details such as ridge endings, islands, bifurcations, and ridge dots. Also called Galton details.
- Level 3: Look at the size and shape of the pores and friction ridges; thus offer more detail. Also known as Ashbaugh details.
Individualistic details of various levels that are observed within a fingerprint. These details are used to characterize the fingerprint in question and for inclusion and exclusion purposes.
Determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient reliable detail of characteristics that one can conclude that two fingerprints (friction ridge impressions) originated from the same source. Established through the continuous agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence having sufficient uniqueness to individualize.
A determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient reliable detail of characteristics in disagreement, such that one can conclude that two fingerprints (friction ridge impressions) did not originate from the same source.
A determination made by the examiner that there is insufficient reliable detail of characteristics to conclude a possible identification or exclusion of the fingerprint impression in question when compared to known impressions.
A small orifice at the surface of the skin, through which gases, liquids, and small particles can pass. Characteristics of the pore that are measured include shape, size, and density.
This minutia illustrates an abrupt end to a continuous ridge path. This is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
A determination made by the examiner that there is sufficient agreement between the friction ridge patterns of a known and unknown fingerprint to conclude that both fingerprints may have originated from the same source.
Friction ridge pattern that is found on the fingertips' skin.
A raised texture on the palmar and plantar surfaces of primates that enhances their ability to grip objects.
This type of minutiae describes a single friction ridge that begins, continues for a short distance longer than the width, and then ends, disconnected on both ends. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
This minutiae describes a small segment of a friction ridge that is the same size as a ridge unit. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
The point at which one friction ridge divides into two friction ridges. This minutia is an example of a second-level fingerprint detail.
This is one of two focal points along the fingerprints. The core is the centre of the fingerprint as that is where the ridges converge. The approximate centre of the impression. It is a specific formation within a fingerprint pattern defined by classification systems such as Henry Details, also known as 1st level details.
The point on a friction ridge at or nearest to the point of divergence of two type lines, and located at or directly in front of the point of divergence.
Describes the transfer of oils or lipids from a finger onto a surface resulting in the replication of the friction ridge pattern seen on the fingertip, including the minutiae.
Details of the fingerprint that are visible to the naked eye and define the first level of detail. These were discovered by Edward Henry and only offer grounds for exclusions. Examples include friction ridge flow, pattern type, orientation of the print, pattern type, ridge flow, core, delta, and other general morphological information.
The minutiae not visible to the naked eye and require a degree of magnification to view. This level of detail looks at ridge characteristics such as ridge endings, islands, ridge dots, and bifurcations. Galton designed second-level details that can support an exclusion or identification made based on a first- or third- level analysis.
These are microscopic, level 3 details on the fingerprint. These details describe the specific location, size, and shape of the pores and several ridge edge characteristics. These details were discovered and outlined by Ashbaugh and are used to make identifications, particularly when the fingerprint is lacking second-level details.
