arrFiles=new Array();arrFiles[0]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/","	Ridges and Furrows - history and science of fingerprint identification, techology and legal issues	","\"Many sciences require years of study to master the paraphernalia used to perform the tasks required within their respective disciplines.  While in the friction ridge identification science most can master a finger print glass and ridge pointers after minimal training.  However, recent court cases have shown the future.  The knowledge and understanding expected of an expert will greatly surpass that which has been accepted thus far.  We can never go back, we can only go forward. \"Sgt. David R. Ashbaugh, R.C.M.P. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge AnalysisAn Introduction to Basic & Advanced Ridgeology	This page was last updated on: September 22, 2003	Ridges and Furrows is designed for viewing at 800 X 600 in Microsoft Internet Explorer.Please notifiy the Webmaster of any broken links.Disclaimer: This is a privately managed web site.  I am personally responsible for the contents (whether original or borrowed from other sources), ideas and views expressed herein.Copyright 2001 Ridges and Furrows	History | Friction Skin | AFIS | Fingerprint Patterns | Links | Identification | Forensic Forum | Guestbook  | Articles	This web site is the culmination of many hours spent researching topics related to forensic science and my particular areas of interest:embryogenesis of friction skin (Histology of Thick Skin), enhancement of latent prints using digital technology and latent print identification.If you are new to the world of fingerprints, I suggest you start your journey with a little history of fingerprint identification.  The more experienced may wish to look at new advances in digital image enhancement and how techniques such as FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) can assist the friction ridge identification specialist in analyzing fingerprints found at crime scenes.Recent court challenges of the science of fingerprint identification have demonstrated that, as forensic professionals, we must be able to articulate very carefully how we arrive at our conclusions. I feel strongly that we can better prepare for these challenges by expanding our knowledge and abilities through the sharing of information. This site contains many links to various forensic newsletters, latent print examiner discussion forums, associations and online learning opportunities that I hope you will find interesting.	Welcome to Ridges and Furrows.	What is a fingerprint?Early PioneersScientific ResearchFriction Skin AnatomyFriction Skin GrowthIntegumentary SystemFriction Ridge IdentificationS.O.C.O. \'Daubert \' ChallengesSignificant Dates & EventsWhat is A.F.I.S.?Digital Image TechnologyEducation & TrainingFavourite LinksJust for Fun","Ridges and Furrows,fingerprints,fingerprint,fingerprint identification,forensic,forensics,forensic identification,forensic science,AFIS,latent,latent prints,latent print,friction ridges,friction ridge identification, friction skin,Ridgeology,quantitative qualitative analysis,Digital Image Technology,fingerprint enhancement,journals,newsletters,associations,online learning, training,education,court cases,court challenges,image enhancing, digital image enhancement, FFT,Fast Fourier Transform,fingerprint development processes,identification process,history of fingerprint identification,fast fourier transform,finger print,identification,technology,enhancement,Ashbaugh,ridge,science,A.F.I.S.,analysis","Explores the History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification, AFIS, Ridgeology, Digital Image Enhancement. Links to many Forensic Science Journals, Associations and related sites.","");arrFiles[1]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/friction_skin.html","Ridges and Furrows - Development of Friction Skin","\";document.write(styleSheet);BackTop of PageTop of PageTop of Page <<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Epidermal Layers | Epidermis/Dermis Junction | Sweat Glands | Friction Skin Growth>>>Top of Page Friction Skin Growth>>> <<<What Is A Fingerprint? HomeThick skin (which includes friction skin) has two principle layers: The Epidermis (E) is stratified (layered), squamous (flat) epithelial tissue 5 layers thick and...The Dermis is much thicker than the epidermis and consists of two layers - the Papillary layer (DPL) an area of loose connective tissue extending up into the epidermis as dermal pegs (DP) and the deeper reticular layer (DRL).The primary function of the dermis is to sustain and support the epidermis.The papillary layer (DPL) is made up of connective tissue with fine elastic fibres. The surface area of this layer is increased by the dermal papillae (DP). These fingerlike formations greatly increase the surface area for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste products between the dermis and the epidermis. Skin is one of the largest organs of the body. It is recognized as an organ because it consists of several types of tissues that function together. In addition, it includes millions of sensory receptors and an extensive vascular network. The skin is a protective, pliable covering of the body, one that is continuously replaced. The Integumentary System includes the skin and the epidermal derivatives of hair, nails and glands. The skin over most of the body is relatively smooth. \'Friction Ridges \', however, are found on the digits, palms and soles. They are called \'friction \' ridges because of their biological function to assist in our ability to grasp and hold onto objects. They have been compared to fine lines found in corduroy, however unlike corduroy, ridges vary in length and width, branch off, end suddenly and, for the most part, flow in concert with each other to form distinct patterns. The ridge path can sometimes be quite fragmented...so much so as to show what appears to be individual ridge "units" present on the volar surface. There are approximately 2,700 ridge "units" per square inch of friction skin. Each ridge "unit" corresponds to one primary epidermal ridge (glandular fold) formed directly beneath each pore opening. Pore openings are present along the surface of the friction ridges. They are fairly evenly spaced due to the fact that one pore opening along with one sweat gland exists for each ridge "unit".Friction ridges are in their definitive form on the fetus before birth. Once this blueprint has been established, in the stratum basale (generating layer) of the epidermis on the fetus prior to birth, it does not change except for injury, disease or decomposition after death. Injury to the generating layer (Stratum basale) may affect the skin \'s ability to regenerate and scar tissue forms. Location and size of pore ducts and pore openings along the surface of friction ridge skin are also in their definitive form before birth and do not change.Skin is one of the largest organs of the body. It is recognized as an organ because it consists of several types of tissues that function together. In addition, it includes millions of sensory receptors and an extensive vascular network. The skin is a protective, pliable covering of the body, one that is continuously replaced. The Integumentary System includes the skin and the epidermal derivatives of hair, nails and glands. The skin over most of the body is relatively smooth. \'Friction Ridges \', however, are found on the digits, palms and soles. They are called \'friction \' ridges because of their biological function to assist in our ability to grasp and hold onto objects. They have been compared to fine lines found in corduroy, however unlike corduroy, ridges vary in length and width, branch off, end suddenly and, for the most part, flow in concert with each other to form distinct patterns. The ridge path can sometimes be quite fragmented...so much so as to show what appears to be individual ridge "units" present on the volar surface. There are approximately 2,700 ridge "units" per square inch of friction skin. Each ridge "unit" corresponds to one primary epidermal ridge (glandular fold) formed directly beneath each pore opening. Pore openings are present along the surface of the friction ridges. They are fairly evenly spaced due to the fact that one pore opening along with one sweat gland exists for each ridge "unit".Friction ridges are in their definitive form on the fetus before birth. Once this blueprint has been established, in the stratum basale (generating layer) of the epidermis on the fetus prior to birth, it does not change except for injury, disease or decomposition after death. Injury to the generating layer (Stratum basale) may affect the skin \'s ability to regenerate and scar tissue forms. Location and size of pore ducts and pore openings along the surface of friction ridge skin are also in their definitive form before birth and do not change.Stratum corneum - consists of 25-30 layers of stratified (layered) squamous (flattened) dead keratinocytes (skin cells) that are constantly shed.Stratum lucidum - is present only in thick skin (lips, soles of feet, and palms of hands). Little or no cell detail is visible.Stratum granulosum - 3-4 layers of cell thick consisting of flattened keratinocytes. At this level the cells are dying.Stratum spinosum - several layers thick, consisting mostly of keratinocytes. Together with the stratum basale it is sometimes referred to as the Malpighian layer (living layer).Stratum basale - a single layer of cells in contact with the basement membrane. These cells are mitotically active - they are alive and reproducing - the reason why it is often referred to as the generating layer. Four types of cells are present in this layer:Keratinocytes (90%) - responsible for waterproofing and toughening the skinMelanocytes (8%) - synthesize the pigment melanin which absorbs and disperses ultraviolet radiationTactile cells - very sparse and function in touch receptionNonpigmented granular dendrocytes - cells that ingest bacteria and foreign debris.The primary function of the dermis is to sustain and support the epidermis.The papillary layer (DPL) is made up of connective tissue with fine elastic fibres. The surface area of this layer is increased by the dermal papillae (DP). These fingerlike formations greatly increase the surface area for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste products between the dermis and the epidermis. Friction Skin - Epidermal LayersFriction Skin - Epidermis/Dermis JunctionThe boundary between the dermis and epidermis is a point of potential weakness where the two tissues may be separated from each other. The fingerlike formations (or interdigitation) also serve to strengthen the epidermis/dermis junction. As one ages the dermal papillae tend to flatten and may increase in numbers. In this situation, each papilla appears to develop into a group...staying at the same overall size but individually much smaller. Cross-section of Friction SkinThick skin (which includes friction skin) has two principle layers: The Epidermis (E) is stratified (layered), squamous (flat) epithelial tissue 5 layers thick and...The Dermis is much thicker than the epidermis and consists of two layers - the Papillary layer (DPL) an area of loose connective tissue extending up into the epidermis as dermal pegs (DP) and the deeper reticular layer (DRL).Sweat glands, or eccrine glands, are found over the entire surface of the body except a few small areas. They are most concentrated in the palms and soles of the feet. The eccrine sweat glands in this skin section are well developed, and their ducts (dark staining) can be distinguished from the lighter staining secretory portions.They are simple coiled tubular glands; they consist of a highly coiled secretory portion deep in the dermis, and a relatively straight duct conducts the secretions toward the surface of the epidermis. Each duct opens in the centre of the ridge "unit" (cristae cutis). Eccrine sweat contains approximately 99% water and 1% solids. The solids are half inorganic salt (mostly sodium chloride) and organic compounds (amino acids, urea and peptides).<<<What Is A Fingerprint? HomeTop of Page Friction Skin Growth>>> Sweat Glands Friction Skin <<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Epidermal Layers | Epidermis/Dermis Junction | Sweat Glands | Friction Skin Growth>>>Top of PageTop of PageTop of PageBackFriction Skin - Dermal Papillae","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Development of Friction Skin, Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[2]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/landmark.html","Ridges and Furrows - Significant Dates and Events","\";document.write(styleSheet);ReferencesFINGERPRINTS The Origins of Crime Detection and The Murder Case That Launched Forensic Science Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHyperion BooksQuantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge AnalysisDavid R. Ashbaugh <<<Ridges and Furrow Home | What Is A Fingerprint? | Early Pioneers | Scientific Researhers>>> Top of Page Ridges and Furrow HomeSignificant Dates and Events Top of Page Ridges and Furrow Home <<<Ridges and Furrow Home | What Is A Fingerprint? | Early Pioneers | Scientific Researhers>>>In France, Francois Eugene Vidocq establishes Europe \'s first official detective branch and pioneers the use of physical evidence. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanBritain opens first national penitentiary at Millbank. Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan William Herschel begins privately experimenting with fingerprints in India.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHabitual Criminals Act in England provides longer sentences for hardened criminals with previous convictions. Need to identify prior offenders first arises in Britain.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanThe Claimant" sues for the title of Baronet of Tichborne, falsely identifiying himself as the true heir, who was lost at sea fifteen years earlier. This case eventually sparks fingerprint concept in Dr. Henry Faulds \'s mind. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHerschel, still in India, begins year-long use of fingerprints as signatures on land titles and jailers \' warrants. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanFaulds, a Scottish missionary working in Japan, discovers fingerprints on ancient pottery and begins extensive experiments. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanFaulds becomes first person to publicly suggest fingerprints as a method of criminal identification in a letter published in Nature. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanAlphonse Bertillon, in Paris, identifies his first habitual criminal using his newly installed anthopometric system of measurements. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHenry Faulds begins trying to convince Scotland Yard to adopt fingerprints.Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan Francis Galton begins experimenting with fingerprints as a means of determining physical and intellectual prowess. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanOn June 19, 1892, two children were murdered on the outskirts of the town of Necochea on the coast of Argentina. This case is reported as the first murder solved by fingerprints thanks to the efforts of Juan Vucetich, a statistician employed by the Central Police Department in La Plata, Argentina. (South America)Edward Henry, chief of police in Bengal, India, adds thumbprints to the anthropometric records he began taking the previous year. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanBritain adopts an identification system which is a hybrid of anthropometry and fingerprints.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanAdolf Beck, an innocent man, is jailed for five years after being wrongly recognized as a known con artist by police and a witness. Fingerprints would have shown he was the wrong man.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHenry \'s assistant Azizul Haque comes up with a comprehensive system for classifying fingerprints, making practical their use without anthropometric measurements.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanIn 1897, The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, based in Chicago, Illinois, was established by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. It \'s function was to serve as a central storage and retrieval depot for criminal records and it \'s cost was to be shared by all police organizations that used its services. The records were classified and filed based on Bertillonage, otherwise known as Anthropometry. (U.S.A.)In Canada, the U.K. \'s success in identifying criminals using Anthropometry did not go unnoticed. On June 13, 1898, the Identification of Criminals Act was passed into law by the federal government. The act sanctioned the use of the Bertillon system for use by the Canadian police services. (Canada)The Belper Committee in England was established to look into "the working of the method of Identification of Criminals by Measurement and Fingerprints". Edward Richard Henry was one of the experts who gave evidence in support of using fingerprints as a means of identification. In December 1900, the Belper Committee recommended that the current method of \'Bertillonage \' be replaced by \'Mr.Henry \'s system \'. (UK)On July 1, 1901, Edward Henry was put in charge of Scotland Yard \'s new Fingerprint Branch. The previous requirement to take prints only of habitual criminals (re-offenders) widened to include all prisoners whose sentence was more than one month. (UK)The first conviction in the U.K. of an individual was made as a result of fingerprints found at the scene of the crime in June 1902. A burglar by the name of Harry Jackson left his thumbprint on the paintwork of a house he entered in South London and, despite the enormous task of comparing thousands of prints, Detective-Sergeant Charles Stockley Collins and his colleagues at the Branch identified it with Jackson \'s record card. In September the burglar was sentenced to seven years. Fingerprinting as a means of identification had been vindicated in the English courts. (UK)The New York City Civil Service Commission started using fingerprints to prevent impersonations during examinations. Also in 1903, finger printing was implemented by the New York State Prison System and at Leavenworth Penitentiary. By 1906 there were six police departments in the United States collecting finger prints for identification purposes. (U.S.A.)Constable Edward Foster of the Dominion Police, Canada attended the World \'s Fair in St.Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. to guard a display of gold. The International Association of Chiefs of Police were also having a convention at this time. Detective John Ferrier of Scotland Yard had been invited to present a paper on fingerprints at the convention. Foster attended Ferrier \'s presentation and was intriqued by the possibilities of fingerprint identification. He also felt that a national organization, such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, would help to promote an interest in fingerprinting and encourage cooperation among all police services across Canada. (Canada)The Stratton brothers are tried and hanged on fingerprint evidence for the vicious murder of Thomas and Ann Farrow. Henry Faulds takes their side against police.Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanOn September 6, 1905 an organizational meeting of the newly proposed \'Canadian Chiefs of Police Association \' was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The mandate of the committee was to meet with the Minister of Justice and recommend the establishment of a national fingerprint bureau. (Canada)On July 21, 1908 an Order-In-Council was passed sanctioning the use of the finger print system and sanctioning that the provisions of "The Identification of Criminal Act" were applicable. (Canada)Thomas Jennings is the first to be convicted of murder in the United States on the basis of fingerprint evidence. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanFeburary 1911, the National Bureau was opened with the offices located in Ottawa. The original files consisted of 2,042 sets of fingerprints taken by Foster between 1906 and 1910. Once the National Bureau was operating, several police services sent their complete fingerprint files to the bureau. (Canada)Francis Galton dies. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanAlphonse Bertillon dies. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanFormation, in California, of the International Association for Criminal Identification (IAI). An organization which continues to flourish to this day. (U.S.A.)Herschel dies. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanThe Dominion Police was absorbed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Foster continued to head RCMP \'s Fingerprint Bureau with the rank of Inspector and did so until he retired in 1932. (Canada)Formation of the FBI Identification Division. Records of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation housed at Leavenworth Penitentiary removed to Washington - among them were the core collection of 810,000 fingerprint cards. (U.S.A.)Dr. Henry Faulds dies. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanThe first palmprint case was brought before the English court. Due to the prisoner \'s plea of guilty, however, Detective Inspector Cherrill was not required to present his evidence. (UK)Scottish judge George Wilton begins campaign for Faulds \'s recognition as a fingerprint pioneer. Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanA meeting between the Home Office and experts from five of the major fingerprint bureaus reached an agreement on a national standard for fingerprint identification evidence given in court. (UK)Gerald Lambourne, as head of Scotland Yard \'s Fingerprint Bureau, began work on the computerization of the nation \'s almost two million sets of fingerprints. (UK)The technique of \'lifting \' prints became acceptable practice in the British police for the first time. (UK)Computerized Criminal History file added to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) containing personal descriptions of people arrested for serious crime, including a computer-based fingerprint classification. (U.S.A.)"The International Association for Identification assembled in its 58th annual conference in Jackson, Wyoming, this first day o f August, 1973, based upon a three-year study by its Standardization Committee, hereby states that no valid basis exists at this time for requiring that a pre-determined minimum of friction ridge characteristics must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification. The foregoing reference to friction ridge characteristics applies equally to fingerprints, palmprints, toeprints and soleprints of the human body." (U.S.A.)"Ridgeology: Our Next Evaluative Step" by David Ashbaugh, RCMP Gazette, Vol45, No3, 1983 is published and the "Ridgeology Revolution" begins! (Canada)"The rationale was that a new word would draw rapid attention to new ideas. New ideas which involved a more scientific approach required to meet the needs of the floating threshold protocol laid out by the Standardization Committee....Over the years ridgeology has gained acceptance as a word describing a friction ridge identification process based on a quantatative-qualatative analysis as opposed to the old static threshold method." (Introduction to Basic Ridgeology by David Ashbaugh, May 1999, p8)Ridgeology is defined as:"The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification." (Introduction to Basic Ridgeology by David Ashbaugh, May 1999)American fingerprint experts restore Dr. Faulds \'s grave.The United Kingdom Sixteen Points Report is completed in 1989. However, due to its content it was released much later during a meeting in Israel in June 1995. As a result of this document, the original International Association for Identification Standardization Committee resolution was reaffirmed with a slight change in wording.International symposium on fingerprint detection and identification is held in Ne \'urim Israel in June 1995. The following resolution was agreed upon by the friction ridge identification specialists who attended:"No scientific basis exists for requiring that a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge features must be present in two impressions in order to establish a positive identification."Federal Bureau of Investigation installs massive fingerprint computer capable of storing the fingerprints of 65 million individuals.18121816185818691870187718781880188318861888189218931894189618971897189819001901190219031904190519051908191119111911191319151918192019241930193119381953196419701971197319831987198919951999ReferencesFINGERPRINTS The Origins of Crime Detection and The Murder Case That Launched Forensic Science Copyright C 2001 Colin BeavanHyperion BooksQuantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge AnalysisDavid R. Ashbaugh","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[3]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/fingerprint_patterns.html","fingerprint_patterns","\";document.write(styleSheet);Top of Page<<<Ridges and Furrows Home Page | What Is A Fingerprint? | What is A.F.I.S.? | Just For FUn>>>DefinitionsThe Arch pattern is made up of ridges lying one above the other in a general arching formation.The tented arch pattern consists of at least one upthrusting ridge, which tends to bisect superior ridges at right angles, more or less.The loop pattern consists of one or more free recurving ridges and one delta. In order to distinguish between ulnar and radial loops you must:1) know from which hand the loop pattern comes from and;2) place your hand palm side down over top of the impression and determine if the recurving ridges originate from the little finger side or the thumb side.If the ridges flow in from the little finger side this would be an \'ulnar \' loop. If the ridges flow in from the thumb side this would be a \'radial \' loop.Fingerprint Patterns(Based on the Henry Classification System)The Loop (Ulnar or Radial)The Tented ArchThe ArchThe WhorlThe Twinned LoopThe Central Pocket LoopThe Lateral Pocket LoopThe CompositeThe AccidentalTop of PageThe whorl pattern consists of one or more free recurving ridges and two points of delta. When the line of the fingerprint disc is placed on the two points of delta, it will bisect at least one of the ridges belonging to the core group.In the twinned loop pattern, the recurving ridges present two loop formations, separate and apart. There are two points of delta. The flows for the deltas originate from the same side of the pattern.The central pocket loop pattern consists of one or more free recurving ridges and two points of delta. When the line of the fingerprint disc is placed on the two points of delta, it will fail to bisect any of the ridges belonging to the core group.In the lateral pocket loop pattern, the recurving ridges present two loop formations, separate and apart. There are two points of delta. The flows for the deltas originate from the same side of the pattern.The composite pattern is composed of two or more different patterns, separate and apart exclusive of the arch.The accidental pattern will contain two points of delta. One delta will be related to a recurve and the other will be related to an upthrust.","null","null","");arrFiles[4]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/afispage.html","Ridges and Furrows - AFIS Page","\";document.write(styleSheet);Top of PageMore Info on A.F.I.S.Top of Page<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Fingerprint Patterns | S.O.C.O. | Printrak International >>>More Info on A.F.I.S.AFIS search results, which include both a fingerprint image and a numeric value for each respondent, are then examined by the AFIS Technician. The name Automated Fingerprint Identification System is actually a misnomer since the computer - for crime scene print to inked print search cases - NEVER makes an identification but only matches data files that are possibilities. * * The AFIS Technician, following an identification process involving an identification philosophy and scientific methodolgy, determines if the unknown crime scene print came from the same source as the respondent image (known database print). Any identification made by the AFIS Technician using the computer screen images is verified by another qualified AFIS Technician or Identification Officer. The hard copy crime scene print and \'person of interest \' fingerprint impressions on his/her actual fingerprint form is then compared and evaluated. In order to complete the scientific process, a second AFIS Technician or Identification Officer completes a verification.A.F.I.S. is a useful TOOL which can assist crime investigators in many areas, such as:Identifying crime scene suspectsIdentifying "liars" (Suspects who give officers a false name)Identifying deceased partiesIdentifying unknown parties (e.g. Alzheimer patients etc.)Fingerprint images and fingerprint classification details including minutiae (major ridge path deviation locations) are electronically stored in a computerized database. Full sets of \'ten print \' fingerprint records, after being examined by a trained technician, are stored on AFIS. Each fingerprint image is \'filed \' based on its pattern type (similar to the Henry Classification System), its core-delta distance* (applicable to loops and whorls only) and minutiae. RCMP and local police services maintain their ten print records on a daily basis.(* core-delta distance is not applicable to all AFIS systems)How Does AFIS fit into the Investigation Process?Evidence prints (latents) located at crime scenes or on documents are first collected by the Identification or Scene of Crime Officer. The Ident Officer reviews each print for possible manual comparison (if a suspect is known) and AFIS suitability.The crime scene print is submitted to AFIS. The AFIS Technician (perhaps better described as a Friction Ridge Identification Specialist) analyzes the impression in order to determine possible pattern type, major ridge path deviations, different types of distortion present, proper orientation and possible digit determination. Analysis is the first step in the identification process. The technician then begins the process of loading the print on the AFIS computer using as much of the criteria previously mentioned as can be determined from the crime scene print. Quite often crime scene prints are only partial prints and extremely distorted. AFIS is capable of enhancing the print using contrast and brightness adjustments but the technician must be a fully trained latent print examiner in order to accurately \'load \' the print. Specific search parametres are set and AFIS searches the specified \'known \' ten print file databases using the crime scene print information such as pattern type, core-delta distance* and specified digit information (if possible) to filter out file prints that do not match. Obviously the more information about the print that can be specified will help narrow the search. The minutiae (major ridge path deviation locations) data is then compared and a match report is generated listing the respondents.AFIS search results, which include both a fingerprint image and a numeric value for each respondent, are then examined by the AFIS Technician. The name Automated Fingerprint Identification System is actually a misnomer since the computer - for crime scene print to inked print search cases - NEVER makes an identification but only matches data files that are possibilities. * * The AFIS Technician, following an identification process involving an identification philosophy and scientific methodolgy, determines if the unknown crime scene print came from the same source as the respondent image (known database print). Any identification made by the AFIS Technician using the computer screen images is verified by another qualified AFIS Technician or Identification Officer. The hard copy crime scene print and \'person of interest \' fingerprint impressions on his/her actual fingerprint form is then compared and evaluated. In order to complete the scientific process, a second AFIS Technician or Identification Officer completes a verification.More Info on A.F.I.S.<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Fingerprint Patterns | S.O.C.O. | Printrak International >>>Top of PageAutomated Fingerprint Identification System (A.F.I.S.)A.F.I.S. Fingerprint Characteristics* Pattern Type (based on Henry Classification System)* Core (central area) and Delta (triradius area) distance* Minutiae locations (at bifurcations, ridge endings, enclosures and short ridges. ................Short Ridge.............Ridge Ending \" \" \" \"Bifurcation.............................. \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \"Enclosure ....................................................Left Loop**Update on AFIS from ED German (10Feb2002): "As of last fall there were four states in the US where completely "lights-out" ten print to ten print identifications were effected by AFIS with no human intervention... and reported back to agencies as positive identifications (again, we are talking only ten print to ten print). The threshold matching score required for such lights-out identifications was based on years and years of experience with their systems. The error rate has been zero, though as with human comparisons they do routine QA/QC reviews and special reviews if a defendant questions the ident, etc.. The no-human-intervention-identification only occurs when the matching score is sufficiently high... but, it is a reality. One or more additional states may have started limited lights-out automated identifications (TP to TP only, again) since last fall. It makes sense, especially based on a performance record of zero errors when a sufficiently high threshold score is utilized."More Info on A.F.I.S.Top of Page \" \" \" \"..................Ridge Dot","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[5]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/identification.html","Ridges and Furrows - The Identification Process","\";document.write(styleSheet);Michele Triplett \'s Fingerprint Terminology PageSignificant Dates and EventsEarly PioneersScientific ResearchThe \'Science \'The DebateFingerprint Image Enhancement TechnologyWhat is AFIS?Education and TrainingClpex.comOnin.comMore Links"What Is Science? The Dilemma of Fingerprint Science Revisited" by Mark A. Acree, MSFS<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | What Is A Fingerprint? | Friction Skin | Friction Skin Growth | Articles>>> Top of Page HomeFriction Ridge Identification involves the use of friction ridge impressions - whether they are patent or latent, clear or unclear; \'large \' or \'small \' (all prints are partial) that are found at crime scenes in order to help solve the crime. First, the impression is found and collected at the crime scene by a highly trained individual in the collection of crime scene evidence. It is brought to the friction ridge identification specialist (sworn officer or individual who is not sworn) who analyzes it and then compares it to a known fingerprint. Based on the information gathered during the analysis and, the information obtained through the comparison of the unknown print to the known print, an evaluation as to its source of origin, is completed. In other words, the goal of individualization is attained or not attained. There is only one source from which the crime scene print originated.The analysis phase involves collecting information about the crime scene print. Questions such as the following are hopefully answered: Where was it found? What was used to enhance the print? (eg. black powder, white powder, ninhydrin or perhaps the impression was made in dust and photographed) How has the surface from which the print was lifted affected the appearance of the lift? How has the enhancement process affected the appearance of the friction ridges? What type of distortion is present? (many different kinds may be apparent on one lift) How does the clarity or lack of clarity affect the amount of detail that is present in the unknown print? Also, how does the clarity or lack of clarity affect the level of tolerance for any ridge formation discrepancies between the unknown and the known print in the comparison phase? Do you have sufficient quality and quantity of information to proceed to the comparison step in the identification process? (It \'s important to note here that quite often certain information, such as types of distortion present, are not always obvious in the friction ridge impression at this stage and may be revealed later on in the comparison stage.)The comparison of the unknown to the known is a very objective process. Others must see what the identification specialist sees. Next, the evaluation is made based on the identification philosophy. The identification philosophy can be paraphrased by the following statement:"Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient uniqueness to establish individuality." David Ashbaugh 1999Not everyone, however, agrees with the term \'sufficient uniqueness \' and therefore you might want to consider paraphrasing the identification philosophy as follows: Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient \'observed \' uniqueness to establish individuality.As previously mentioned, before the friction ridge identification specialist can answer questions, however, such as "Is there agreement of friction ridge formations?" "Is there sufficient \'observed \' uniqueness to establish individuality?", it is imperative that he/she must first understand the premises of friction skin identification and how scientific research in biology, histology, embryology etc. has supported these premises...primarily the uniqueness and permanency of friction skin. "As long as the examiner has a firm understanding of uniqueness origins which develop friction ridge structure cell by cell, the eye can be trained to distinguish all its manifestations." David GrieveLast, but certainly not the least, is the process of verification to be completed by a second qualified friction ridge identification specialist. This step is not to be treated lightly and is extremely important in order to follow the criteria that contributes to making fingerprint identification a \'science \'. Verification ensures the application of a proper sequence of events has been implemented by the identification specialist in arriving at making a positive identification (and sometimes non-identification). Verification also ensures objectivity in the comparison of the unknown print to the known. This scientific process of analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification (A.C.E.-V.) is known as the identification methodology or, "a structured and systematic manner in which quantitative-qualitative analysis of friction ridges is carried out". (Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, Introduction to Basic Ridgeology by David Ashbaugh May 1999, pg.75). \'Proposed \' Scientific Methodology This document provides a comprehensive look at the \'Friction Ridge Identification Process \' using a \'five-step \' scientific methodology - another way of interpreting A.C.E.-V.Pat Wertheim \'s answer of "reliable predictability" as to \'when \' the friction ridge identification specialist actually makes a positive identification is explored.Therefore another way of interpreting the Identification Philosophy could be:The biological uniqueness and permanence of friction ridges allows for identification or \'individualization \' of a friction ridge impression. Identification is established when there is sufficient quality and quantity of information present in both the unknown print and known inked print such that each isolated friction ridge formation or feature selected in the unknown print can be readily located and found to be sequentially in agreement with the inked print. In other words, identification is established at the moment in time when there is \'reliable predictability \'. Top of Page HomeFriction Ridge Identification .<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | What Is A Fingerprint? | Friction Skin | Friction Skin Growth | Articles>>>"What Is Science? The Dilemma of Fingerprint Science Revisited" by Mark A. Acree, MSFSMichele Triplett \'s Fingerprint Terminology PageSignificant Dates and EventsEarly PioneersScientific ResearchThe \'Science \'The DebateFingerprint Image Enhancement TechnologyWhat is AFIS?Education and TrainingClpex.comOnin.comMore Links","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[6]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/links.html","Ridges and Furrows - Favourite Links","\";document.write(styleSheet);Top of Page | Fingerprints + More | Forensic Science Organizations Law Enforcement | HomeTop of Page | Fingerprints + More | Forensic Organizations Companies/Products | HomeTop of Page | Fingerprints + More | Law Enforcement Companies/Products | HomeTop of Page | Forensic Science Organizations | Law Enforcement | Companies/Products | HomeTop of PageTop of Page Evidence: The True WitnessThis extensive and detailed multi-award winning site is about Forensic Science, a branch of criminology. It thoroughly covers the various disciplines of the forensic field, and delves into various crimes and the ways they were ultimately solved. For those of us who love a good mystery, this site is too good to miss. The game, solid information about the human body, and video interviews of the experts make this site a star! Education in Forensic Science"Our goal is to provide both the professional and lay community with education resources in the field of forensic science." Another excellent resource site!Forensic Science CommunicationsA forensic science journal published quarterly in January, April, July and October by FBI Laboratory personnel. It is a means of communication between forensic scientists.Forensic Science"This web site is part of "The Chemical Detective" which aims to encourage the study of molecular and physical science in regional high school students from Western Victoria in Austrailia."S.O.C.O | Forensic Science Organizations | Law Enforcement | Companies/Products | Articles | HomeTop of PageForensic-Evidence.com by Andre Moenssens, Professor of Law Be sure and read one of many exceptional articles, "A Mistaken DNA Identification"International Criminal Police OrganizationLink to InterpolCanadian Society of Forensic ScienceLaw EnforcementForensic Resource & Criminal Law Search SiteThis site includes links to over 1000 Forensic sites!!Officer.comLaw enforcement resource site.National Forensic Science Technology Center American Academy of Forensic Science Responsible for publishing "Journal of Forensic Science"The Forensic Science ServiceLightning Powder Co., Inc."Minutiae" (quarterly publication) can be downloaded from this site. Technote Articles by Subject is definitely worth checking out. It \'s broken down as follows: Impression Evidence; Processing for Latent Prints and Product Manuals. Very informative! New Technologies Inc.A company that specializes in finding \'computer secrets \'. They consider themselves to be experts in the exploitation of the security weaknesses in DOS, Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000 to find computer evidence and company security data leakage.Come onin! Click on Fingerprints and the links are endless. Extensive details concerning the challenges to the science of fingerprint identification via the Daubert Hearing. California Association of CriminalistsBe sure and check out the review by John Houde of the new CBS show "C.S.I.". Canadian Identification Society Membership fee is $45.00 (Canadian funds!). The quarterly publication - Identification Canada - is very informative!The Art and Science of Criminal InvestigationCOPScgi.COM This site was previously known as the LawSearch web site. It uses a drop down menu format and is extremely well organized. Excellent information is provided on fingerprint pattern and classification information. It also explains NCIC fingerprint pattern codes. Test your fingerprint pattern and classification knowledge using the Fingerprint Quiz! The Crime LibraryRead about the most notorious crimes of all time, worldwide crime news and fascinating reports on the criminal mind, criminal profiling and forensics.Canadian Police ServicesLinks to police services (including Durham Regional Police Service of course) located across Canada. They are listed alphabetically by Province.The Why Files"Science behind the news." This site is great for students looking for a scientific explanation to just about everything and anything! Forensic EntomologyInsects are helping to solve crimes, including drug smuggling and homicide. Find out how bugs aid forensic scientists around the globe.Fingerprint.Demon.nlThis site originates from the Netherlands thanks to webmaster Hans van den Nieuwendijk. Many interesting fingerprint topics including a look at a \'no-fingerprint \' family!Michele Triplett \'s Fingerprint TermsA collection of over 500 terms used in the Science of Fingerprint Identification.Includes Acronyms, Anatomy, Chemicals, Classification Terms, Scientific Terms, Historical People, Court Cases and Much More!!!The International Association for Identification The IAI is responsible for the quarterly publication of the \'Journal of Forensic Identification \'. Criminal Justice Resources: Forensic Science This site contains a plethora of links broken down as follows: Forensic Science Reference Tools, Forensic Science Web Links and,. Forensic Science Articles and PublicationsCLPEX.comA site for latent print examiners by latent print examiners. Subscribe to the weekly Detail and be informed! . Great opportunity for sharing information and ideas regarding today \'s \'hot \' forensic identification topics!Reddy \'s Forensic Home Page Reddy is a forensic scientist with the New York City Police Department for almost 30 years. His special interests include, and I quote "application of digital imaging and image enhancement techniques to forensic problems (and) surfing (the) Internet for information and web sites on forensic science." My favourite of Reddy \'s favourite quotes: "To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge." Benjamin Disraeli 1804 - 1881Zeno \'s Site"On this site you will find information regarding forensic science, forensic medicine and forensic pyschology." The main source of links is Zeno \'s Forensic Page. Categories: Forensic Medicine; Forensic Sciences; Forensic Psychiatry/Psychology; General Information Resources.A Ridge Too FarA UK connection! David Charlton, Editor of Fingerprint Whorld, definitely adds some personal flare to his site! Another great opportunity for sharing information and ideas with many dedicated and knowledgeable forensic identification specialists. Federal Bureau of Investigation - Scientific Working Groups This site is maintained by The National Forensic Science Technology Center. Its content is determined by SWG members and funding is provided by the FBI. SWGFAST (Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology) and SWGIT (Imaging Technologies) have some interesting guidelines available for viewing.SCAFO- Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers "Dedicated to providing the online community a credible source of information about a subject that, as professionals, we find fascinating." Believe me...it does exactly that! I especially enjoy the over 200 articles from "The Print" that you can view online. You can also download issues starting from January 1999 at no cost! The Fingerprint Society An organization in the U.K. Fingerprint Whorld is a quarterly publication that all members receive. The membership fee for Canadians is $52.00.SCAFO- Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers "Dedicated to providing the online community a credible source of information about a subject that, as professionals, we find fascinating." Believe me...it does exactly that! I especially enjoy the over 200 articles from "The Print" that you can view online. You can also download issues starting from January 1999 at no cost! Federal Bureau of Investigation - Scientific Working Groups This site is maintained by The National Forensic Science Technology Center. Its content is determined by SWG members and funding is provided by the FBI. SWGFAST (Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology) and SWGIT (Imaging Technologies) have some interesting guidelines available for viewing. Thispagewaslastupdatedon:August31,2003 CLPEX.comA site for latent print examiners by latent print examiners. Subscribe to the weekly Detail and be informed! . Great opportunity for sharing information and ideas regarding today \'s \'hot \' forensic identification topics!Reddy \'s Forensic Home Page Reddy is a forensic scientist with the New York City Police Department for almost 30 years. His special interests include, and I quote "application of digital imaging and image enhancement techniques to forensic problems (and) surfing (the) Internet for information and web sites on forensic science." My favourite of Reddy \'s favourite quotes: "To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge." Benjamin Disraeli 1804 - 1881Zeno \'s Site"On this site you will find information regarding forensic science, forensic medicine and forensic pyschology." The main source of links is Zeno \'s Forensic Page. Categories: Forensic Medicine; Forensic Sciences; Forensic Psychiatry/Psychology; General Information Resources.A Ridge Too FarA UK connection! David Charlton, Editor of Fingerprint Whorld, definitely adds some personal flare to his site! Another great opportunity for sharing information and ideas with many dedicated and knowledgeable forensic identification specialists. Criminal Justice Resources: Forensic Science This site contains a plethora of links broken down as follows: Forensic Science Reference Tools, Forensic Science Web Links and,. Forensic Science Articles and PublicationsThe International Association for Identification The IAI is responsible for the quarterly publication of the \'Journal of Forensic Identification \'. More Favourite LinksThe Why Files"Science behind the news." This site is great for students looking for a scientific explanation to just about everything and anything! Forensic EntomologyInsects are helping to solve crimes, including drug smuggling and homicide. Find out how bugs aid forensic scientists around the globe.Fingerprint.Demon.nlThis site originates from the Netherlands thanks to webmaster Hans van den Nieuwendijk. Many interesting fingerprint topics including a look at a \'no-fingerprint \' family!Michele Triplett \'s Fingerprint TermsA collection of over 500 terms used in the Science of Fingerprint Identification.Includes Acronyms, Anatomy, Chemicals, Classification Terms, Scientific Terms, Historical People, Court Cases and Much More!!!The Art and Science of Criminal InvestigationCOPScgi.COM This site was previously known as the LawSearch web site. It uses a drop down menu format and is extremely well organized. Excellent information is provided on fingerprint pattern and classification information. It also explains NCIC fingerprint pattern codes. Test your fingerprint pattern and classification knowledge using the Fingerprint Quiz! The Crime LibraryRead about the most notorious crimes of all time, worldwide crime news and fascinating reports on the criminal mind, criminal profiling and forensics.Canadian Police ServicesLinks to police services (including Durham Regional Police Service of course) located across Canada. They are listed alphabetically by Province.Canadian Identification Society Membership fee is $45.00 (Canadian funds!). The quarterly publication - Identification Canada - is very informative!California Association of CriminalistsBe sure and check out the review by John Houde of the new CBS show "C.S.I.". Come onin! Click on Fingerprints and the links are endless. Extensive details concerning the challenges to the science of fingerprint identification via the Daubert Hearing. Lightning Powder Co., Inc."Minutiae" (quarterly publication) can be downloaded from this site. Technote Articles by Subject is definitely worth checking out. It \'s broken down as follows: Impression Evidence; Processing for Latent Prints and Product Manuals. Very informative! New Technologies Inc.A company that specializes in finding \'computer secrets \'. They consider themselves to be experts in the exploitation of the security weaknesses in DOS, Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT and Windows 2000 to find computer evidence and company security data leakage.National Forensic Science Technology Center American Academy of Forensic Science Responsible for publishing "Journal of Forensic Science"The Forensic Science ServiceLaw EnforcementForensic Resource & Criminal Law Search SiteThis site includes links to over 1000 Forensic sites!!Officer.comLaw enforcement resource site.Canadian Society of Forensic ScienceInternational Criminal Police OrganizationLink to InterpolForensic-Evidence.com by Andre Moenssens, Professor of Law Be sure and read one of many exceptional articles, "A Mistaken DNA Identification"Forensic Science Organizations Top of PageFavourite LinksS.O.C.O | Forensic Science Organizations | Law Enforcement | Companies/Products | Articles | HomeForensic Science"This web site is part of "The Chemical Detective" which aims to encourage the study of molecular and physical science in regional high school students from Western Victoria in Austrailia."Evidence: The True WitnessThis extensive and detailed multi-award winning site is about Forensic Science, a branch of criminology. It thoroughly covers the various disciplines of the forensic field, and delves into various crimes and the ways they were ultimately solved. For those of us who love a good mystery, this site is too good to miss. The game, solid information about the human body, and video interviews of the experts make this site a star! Education in Forensic Science"Our goal is to provide both the professional and lay community with education resources in the field of forensic science." Another excellent resource site!Forensic Science CommunicationsA forensic science journal published quarterly in January, April, July and October by FBI Laboratory personnel. It is a means of communication between forensic scientists.Top of Page Top of PageCommercial Companies/ProductsTop of Page | Forensic Science Organizations | Law Enforcement | Companies/Products | HomeTop of Page | Fingerprints + More | Law Enforcement Companies/Products | HomeTop of Page | Fingerprints + More | Forensic Organizations Companies/Products | HomeTop of Page | Fingerprints + More | Forensic Science Organizations Law Enforcement | Home","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[7]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/Articles.html","Articles","\";document.write(styleSheet);If you need help with some scientific translation Michele Triplette has come to your rescue! She has compiled a listing of over 500 scientfic terms used in the science of friction ridge identification and other forensic disciplines. As Pat D. would probably say, "Holy Forensic Dictionary Batman!"Michele Triplett \'s Fingerprint TermsEver wonder what Fingerprint Examiners talk about, think about, live and breathe about? Visit Kasey Wertheim \'s "The Detail" and find out."The "Detail," is a weekly e-mail newsletter that greets latent print examiners around the globe every Monday morning. The purpose of the Detail is to help keep you informed of the current state of affairs in the latent print community, to provide an avenue to circulate original fingerprint-related articles, and to announce important events as they happen in our field." Kasey Wertheim 2001Enjoy! The idea of compiling a list of \'Articles by Topic \' was the brainchild of Kasey Wertheim C.L.P.E.. Kasey is the webmaster of CLPEX.com who works tirelessly at educating and encouraging fellow forensic identification specialists to continually increase their knowledge and share their experiences and ideas. The entire forensic identification profession benefits as a result of Kasey \'s hard work and dedication. Thank you Kasey! <<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | The "Detail" | Favourite Links | S.O.C.O.>>>History of the Science of FingerprintsTraining New ExaminersSkin Structure and Fetal Formation (Permanence and Individuality, Genetic Influence)Latent Print Chemistry (Constituents, Residue, Age Determination)Fingerprint Development Techniques / PhotographyLatent Prints on SkinLatent Print Digital Issues: Imaging / Storage / EnhancementComparison and Identification of PrintsLiveScan / AFISFootwear / TiretracksIdentification Philosophy and Theory, Statistics and ProbabilityScientific Issues (Methodology, Scientific Process)Non Friction Ridge Skin Print Comparison and IdentificationEthical Issues (Forgery, Fabrication, Morality)Standards (Certification, SWGFAST)QA/QC (Aptitude Testing, Applicant Screening, Proficiency Testing)Legal Issues (Daubert, Frye)Courtroom Testimony <<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | The "Detail" | Favourite Links | S.O.C.O.>>>Articles(By Topic) \" \" \" \"The idea of compiling a list of \'Articles by Topic \' was the brainchild of Kasey Wertheim C.L.P.E.. Kasey is the webmaster of CLPEX.com who works tirelessly at educating and encouraging fellow forensic identification specialists to continually increase their knowledge and share their experiences and ideas. The entire forensic identification profession benefits as a result of Kasey \'s hard work and dedication. Thank you Kasey!Ever wonder what Fingerprint Examiners talk about, think about, live and breathe about? Visit Kasey Wertheim \'s "The Detail" and find out."The "Detail," is a weekly e-mail newsletter that greets latent print examiners around the globe every Monday morning. The purpose of the Detail is to help keep you informed of the current state of affairs in the latent print community, to provide an avenue to circulate original fingerprint-related articles, and to announce important events as they happen in our field." Kasey Wertheim 2001Enjoy! \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \"If you need help with some scientific translation Michele Triplette has come to your rescue! She has compiled a listing of over 500 scientfic terms used in the science of friction ridge identification and other forensic disciplines. As Pat D. would probably say, "Holy Forensic Dictionary Batman!"Michele Triplett \'s Fingerprint Terms","null","This Web site was created at www.homestead.com. You can easily build a customized Web site for yourself or your business using our simple Web page building tools.","");arrFiles[8]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/Friction_Skin_Growth.html","Friction_Skin_Growth","\";document.write(styleSheet);Top of PageTop of PageTop of Page<<< Previous Page | The Epidermis | Development of Volar Pads | Differential Growth | Epidermal Ridges >>><<<Previous Page Ridges and Furrows Homepage >>>Understanding the stages of friction skin growth during fetal development is of utmost importance to the friction ridge identification specialist. The task of explaining friction skin persistency and uniqueness would be a difficult one to say the least without this knowledge. Scientific research has provided us with reasons as to why fingerprints are persistent and unique - the main premises of fingerprint identification. The EpidermisThe embryonic skin at 4 to 5 weeks consists of a single layer of surface ectoderm (later to form the epidermis) overlying the mesenchyme (connective tissue derived from mesoderm and forms the connective tissue in the dermis).The layer of surface ectodermal cells proliferate and form a layer of squamous (flattened) epithelium, the periderm, and a basal germinative layer. The cells of the periderm continually undergo keratinization (maturization process) and desquamation (process of cells sloughing off) and are replaced by cells arising from the basal layer.The basal germinative layer of the epidermis becomes the stratum germinativum, which produces new cells that are displaced into the layers superficial to it. At 8 weeks, the epidermis has the thickness of three or four cells. Even at this early stage the epidermis is strongly constructed. The surface membranes of adjacent cells, which are smooth at this time, lie against one another but at some points on these adjoining cell walls are junctions. At these junctions are structures called desmosomes. As the skin develops, these desmosomes grow larger and the cell junctions become wavy lines and the cell walls interdigitate.Development of Volar PadsEmbryology research has shown that the development of epidermal ridges are preceded by the formation of volar pads (swelling of mesenchymal tissue) that first appear as elevations on the palm around 6.5 weeks postfertilization, followed by the five digits about one week later.Volar pads exhibit rapid growth between 6.5 and 10.5 weeks. Initially the pads appear evenly rounded, however, by the 9th week, the pads begin to vary in both position and shape.Differential GrowthThere have been numerous studies on volar pad development and its influence on friction ridge path configuration and pattern formation. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between the location, shape and size of volar pads and friction ridge patterns. The shape of the volar pad can be the result of genetics or external physical influences or a combination of both. Similarities in overall pattern design can be seen quite often in siblings - especially identical twins. This is apparently the result of similar genetic encoding responsible for volar pad development. Since identical twins have the same DNA, if they have different overall friction ridge patterns (ie.loop v. whorl) it is believed to be caused by external pressures and stresses (differential growth) which have altered the volar pad shape during fetal development. In 1929, Harold Cummins published a paper "The Topographic History of the Volar Pads In The Human Embryo". In his paper he describes how the growth of epidermal (friction) ridges is dependant on "two major development circumstances, namely, variations in the histology of different regions and differential growth incident to the production of irregular reliefs of the volar surfaces".He goes on to say..."The various configurations are not determined by self-limited mechanism within the skin. The skin possesses the capacity to form ridges, but the alignments of these ridges are as responsive to stresses in growth as are the alignments of sand to sweeping by wind or wave." In other words, friction ridge patterns are not just the result of genetic factors but also random physical stresses and tensions.Friction Skin Growth....continued next page. Ridges and Furrows Homepage >>><<<Previous Page Friction Skin Growth<<< Previous Page | The Epidermis | Development of Volar Pads | Differential Growth | Epidermal Ridges >>>Top of PageTop of PageTop of Page","null","null","");arrFiles[9]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/early_pioneers.html","Ridges and Furrows - Early Fingerprint Pioneers","\";document.write(styleSheet);Dr. Henry FauldsHenry Faulds was a Scottish physician and medical missionary. While working as a missionary in Japan in 1878, Faulds discovered fingerprints on ancient pottery and soon after began extensive research - including many experiments to reveal permanence and uniqueness of fingerprints. Faulds is credited with being the first European to publish an article suggesting that fingerprints may assist crime investigations by the "scientific identification of criminals": "When bloody finger marks or impressions on clay, glass, etc. exist, they may lead to the scientific identification of criminals. Already I have had experience in two such cases ... There can be no doubt as to the advance of having, besides their photographs, a nature-copy of the forever unchangeable finger furrows of important criminals." (Nature, October 28 1880)In 1886 he began trying to convince Scotland Yard to adopt \'fingerprint \' identification.More on Henry Faulds>>>Sir Francis GaltonSir Francis Galton was was considered to be one of the greatest scientist of the 19th century. He studied Bertillon \'s method as well as fingerprinting and believed fingerprinting to be the superior method. He reviewed research material prepared by Henry Faulds and William Herschel. Despite the fact that, "Herschel \'s letter [published in Nature] did not hold a candle to the rich and varied contents of Faulds \'s" (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) Galton chose only to correspond with Herschel, being familiar with his family name and status. In 1892 he published the book "Finger Prints" and, in doing so, significantly advanced the science of fingerprint identification. William Herschel Working as the Assistant Joint Magistrate and Collector in colonial India, Herschel is credited with being the first European to recognize the value of fingerprints for identification purposes. In 1859 he began collecting, as keepsakes, the fingerprints of his friends and relatives and took note of how each impression was unique to the individual and observed that the patterns did not change over time.His fingerprinting ideas were not implemented until 1877 when he as finally able to implement their official use under his own authority. From 1877 - 1878 "government pensioners in his region signed for their monthly payments with fingerprints. At the registry of deeds, land owners impressed fingerprints to authenticate their transactions. At the courthouse, convicts were forced to fingerprint their jail warrants so hired substitutes could not take their place in prison." (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan)In response to Henry Faulds \'s fingerprint article in Nature October 28, 1880, he wrote "Skin Furrows of the Hand" that was published on November 25, 1880. In it Herschel "wrote that he had used fingerprints officially as "sign-manuals," or signatures, sanctioning the idea \'s practicality."(Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan)<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Significant Dates and Events | Scientific Research | What Is A Fingerprint? HomeTop of Page Marcello MalpighiAn Italian anatomist and microscopist who described the patterns on the tips of fingers as part of an overall study of human skin. He is regarded by some to be the first histologist. (Histology is the study of tissues.) The lower epidermis "Malpighian layer" is named after him. For almost 40 years he used the microscope to describe the major types of plant and animal structures and in doing so marked out for future generations of biologists major areas of research in embryology, human anatomy and pathology.HomeTop of Page Early Fingerprint Pioneers<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Significant Dates and Events | Scientific Research | What Is A Fingerprint? Dr. Nehemiah Grew (1612 - 1712)Dr. Grew was a Fellow of the Royal Society and of the College of Physicians, he described the "innumerable little ridges" in Philosophical Transactions for 1684: For if anyone will but take the pains, with an indifferent glass to survey the palm o f his hand, he may perceive ... innumerable little ridges, of equal bigness and distance, and everywhere running parallel one with another. And especially, upon the hands and first joints of the fingers and thumb. They are very regularly disposed into spherical triangles and elliptics.Jan Purkinje (1787 - 1869)A Czechoslovakian physiologist who, in 1823 discovered the following:After innumerable observations, I have found nine important varieties of patterns of rugae and sulci, though the lines of demarcation between the types are often obscure:1. Transverse curve 2. Central longitudinal stria3. Oblique stripe4. Oblique loop5. Almond whorl 6. Spiral whorl7. Ellipse 8. Circle 9. Double whorlWilliam Herschel Working as the Assistant Joint Magistrate and Collector in colonial India, Herschel is credited with being the first European to recognize the value of fingerprints for identification purposes. In 1859 he began collecting, as keepsakes, the fingerprints of his friends and relatives and took note of how each impression was unique to the individual and observed that the patterns did not change over time.His fingerprinting ideas were not implemented until 1877 when he as finally able to implement their official use under his own authority. From 1877 - 1878 "government pensioners in his region signed for their monthly payments with fingerprints. At the registry of deeds, land owners impressed fingerprints to authenticate their transactions. At the courthouse, convicts were forced to fingerprint their jail warrants so hired substitutes could not take their place in prison." (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan)In response to Henry Faulds \'s fingerprint article in Nature October 28, 1880, he wrote "Skin Furrows of the Hand" that was published on November 25, 1880. In it Herschel "wrote that he had used fingerprints officially as "sign-manuals," or signatures, sanctioning the idea \'s practicality."(Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan)Sir Francis GaltonSir Francis Galton was was considered to be one of the greatest scientist of the 19th century. He studied Bertillon \'s method as well as fingerprinting and believed fingerprinting to be the superior method. He reviewed research material prepared by Henry Faulds and William Herschel. Despite the fact that, "Herschel \'s letter [published in Nature] did not hold a candle to the rich and varied contents of Faulds \'s" (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) Galton chose only to correspond with Herschel, being familiar with his family name and status. In 1892 he published the book "Finger Prints" and, in doing so, significantly advanced the science of fingerprint identification. Sir Edward Henry As the Inspector General of Police for Bengal Province in India, he set out to solve the problem of fingerprint classification. He read Galton \'s book "Fingerprints" in 1893. He returned to England in 1894 and actually consulted with Galton. Galton provided Henry with much information including research completed by Herschel and Faulds. Henry went back to India and assigned two Bengali police officers to study the classification problem. Henry \'s team in India was successful in setting up a classification system which was officially adopted by British India in 1897.The British Association for the Advancement of Science heard of Henry \'s success in India. Henry was invited to make a presentation in Dover. Again, Henry returned to England and presented a paper entitled "Fingerprints and the Detection of Crime in India". Henry gave much credit to Galton and for his work and assistance. Before he left for a new assignment in South Africa, Henry gave evidence before the Belper Committee which was created to examine the implementation of fingerprints as the primary means of identification. Shortly after, Henry \'s book "The Classification and Uses of Finger Prints" was published. In December 1900, the Belper Committee recommended that the finger prints of criminals be taken and classified by the Indian System. In May 1901, Henry was called back to England and given the post of Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Identification at New Scotland Yard. In 1903, Henry became Commissioner of Police."The Henry Classification System started what is considered the modern era of finger print identification...The fact that the Henry System is the basis for most of the classification systems presently used today speaks for itself." (Introduction to Basic Ridgeology, May 1999 by David Ashbaugh)Dr. Henry FauldsHenry Faulds was a Scottish physician and medical missionary. While working as a missionary in Japan in 1878, Faulds discovered fingerprints on ancient pottery and soon after began extensive research - including many experiments to reveal permanence and uniqueness of fingerprints. Faulds is credited with being the first European to publish an article suggesting that fingerprints may assist crime investigations by the "scientific identification of criminals": "When bloody finger marks or impressions on clay, glass, etc. exist, they may lead to the scientific identification of criminals. Already I have had experience in two such cases ... There can be no doubt as to the advance of having, besides their photographs, a nature-copy of the forever unchangeable finger furrows of important criminals." (Nature, October 28 1880)In 1886 he began trying to convince Scotland Yard to adopt \'fingerprint \' identification.More on Henry Faulds>>>Alphonse Bertillon (1853 - 1913)Working as an assistant clerk in the records office at the Prefecture of Police, Paris France, Bertillon devised a very meticulous method of measuring body parts as a means of identifying criminals. It was very easy at this time for criminals to give a false name to hide their criminal past. In October 1879, Bertillon prepared a report on the system that would eventually bear his name - "Bertillonage". It was initially rejected but approximately three years later the system of \'Anthropometry \' was given a chance. In 1883 Bertillon identified his first habitual criminal using his newly installed anthropometric system of measurements.Marcello Malpighi 1628 - 1694William Herschel1833 - 1918Dr. Henry Faulds1843 - 1930Sir Francis Galton1822 - 1911Sir Edward Henry1859 - 1931","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[10]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/radio_debate.html","radio_debate","\";document.write(styleSheet);More on Simon ColeArticles by Andre Moenssens:The Reliability of Fingerprint IdentificationIs Fingerprint Identification a \'Science \'?Fingerprint Identification...More on "Is it a Science?"United States v. Wade HavvardAmendment to the Federal Rules of EvidenceTop of Page<<<Ridges and Furrows Home The Science Fingerprint Identification Articles>>>On Friday April 27, 2001, a Philadelphia Radio Station hosted a debate between Stephen Meagher, Chief Latent Print Examiner with the FBI and Robert Epstein, Federal Public Defender about the scientific validity of friction ridge identification. (If your computer doesn \'t already know what to do when you click on the link, you can download free software from Real Player and listen (provided, of course, you have speakers connected to your computer). The BackgroundIn 1993, as a result of the proceedings of a civil case Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S.579, 113 S.Ct.2786,125 L.Ed. 2d. 469 (1993), a Supreme Court ruled that admissibility of scientific evidence would be based on an independent judicial assessment of reliability rather than "general acceptance" by the scientific community.In order to determine the reliability of scientific evidence, the court came up with the following list of inquiries to be used by judges (the process now referred to as a \'Daubert \' hearing): 1) Has the scientific theory or technique been empirically tested?2) Has the scientific theory or technique been subjected to peer review and publication?3) What is the known or potential rate of error?4) Do standards for controlling the use of the scientific technique exist and are they maintained?5) Is there general acceptance of the technique by the scientific community?United States of America vs Byron MitchellThe ChallengeThe first challenge to fingerprint evidence under the Daubert guidelines occurred in Philadelphia. The case was United States vs Byron Mitchell and involved fingerprints found on the gearshift and door of a getaway car used in a robbery. The defense petitioned the courts for a \'Daubert \' hearing to determine the admissibility of the fingerprint identification as \'scientific \' evidence on the grounds that... 1) It has not been properly tested; 2) There is no known error rate for latent fingerprint examiners; 3) Fingerprint examiners do not possess uniform objective standards to guide them in their comparisons; 4) There is not a general consensus that fingerprint examiners can reliably make identifications on the basis of only nine matching characteristics; 5) The professional literature of the fingerprint community confirms the scientific bankruptcy of the field; 6) Latent fingerprint identifications are analogous to other techniques, such as handwriting analysis and hair fiber comparisons, that federal courts, in the wake of Daubert, have found to be scientifically unreliable; 7) Latent fingerprint identifications do not have any non-judicial applications.The defense asked the question, "Is there a scientific basis for a fingerprint examiner to make an identification, of absolute certainty, from a small distorted latent fingerprint fragment, revealing only a small number of basic ridge charcteristics such as the nine characteristics identified by the FBI examiner at Mr. Mitchell \'s first trial?"... The Results - News Release, September 22, 1999The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced today that the Honorable J. Curtis Joyner of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, today upheld the admissibility of fingerprint evidence and rejected a challenge by the defense attorney to exclude that evidence in the case of United States v. Byron C. Mitchell, Criminal No. 96-00407. Judge Joyner ruled that the government can present expert testimony as to the fingerprint identification made of latent thumb prints found on the outside door handle and on the gear shift knob of the getaway car used in an armored truck robbery. In particular, the Court found that fingerprint evidence is admissible under Rule 702 of the Rules of Evidence and the Supreme Court \'s decisions in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993) and Kumho Tire Company, Ltd. v. Patrick Carmichael, 119 S. Ct. 1167 (1999). The Court also agreed to take judicial notice in the case that : 1) Human Friction Ridges are Unique and Permanent throughout the area of the friction ridge skin including small friction ridge areas, and 2) Human Friction Ridge Skin Arrangements are Unique and Permanent. The Court granted the government \'s request to exclude the testimony of the defendant \'s experts James E. Starrs, a Professor at George Washington University Law School, David A. Stoney, Ph.D. of the McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, and Simon A. Cole, Ph.D. Those witnesses testified that fingerprint evidence and comparisons are not scientific evidence under Daubert. Byron Mitchell was convicted. As of June 1st, 2002 thirty-seven challenges have been filed and ALL have been unsuccessful in preventing the admission of fingerprint evidence. Read more about each of these challenges and the rulings in favour of fingerprint identification at Clpex.com or onin.com. Click here to listen now!Click here to listen now!On Friday April 27, 2001, a Philadelphia Radio Station hosted a debate between Stephen Meagher, Chief Latent Print Examiner with the FBI and Robert Epstein, Federal Public Defender about the scientific validity of friction ridge identification. (If your computer doesn \'t already know what to do when you click on the link, you can download free software from Real Player and listen (provided, of course, you have speakers connected to your computer). The BackgroundIn 1993, as a result of the proceedings of a civil case Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, 509 U.S.579, 113 S.Ct.2786,125 L.Ed. 2d. 469 (1993), a Supreme Court ruled that admissibility of scientific evidence would be based on an independent judicial assessment of reliability rather than "general acceptance" by the scientific community.In order to determine the reliability of scientific evidence, the court came up with the following list of inquiries to be used by judges (the process now referred to as a \'Daubert \' hearing): 1) Has the scientific theory or technique been empirically tested?2) Has the scientific theory or technique been subjected to peer review and publication?3) What is the known or potential rate of error?4) Do standards for controlling the use of the scientific technique exist and are they maintained?5) Is there general acceptance of the technique by the scientific community?United States of America vs Byron MitchellThe ChallengeThe first challenge to fingerprint evidence under the Daubert guidelines occurred in Philadelphia. The case was United States vs Byron Mitchell and involved fingerprints found on the gearshift and door of a getaway car used in a robbery. The defense petitioned the courts for a \'Daubert \' hearing to determine the admissibility of the fingerprint identification as \'scientific \' evidence on the grounds that... 1) It has not been properly tested; 2) There is no known error rate for latent fingerprint examiners; 3) Fingerprint examiners do not possess uniform objective standards to guide them in their comparisons; 4) There is not a general consensus that fingerprint examiners can reliably make identifications on the basis of only nine matching characteristics; 5) The professional literature of the fingerprint community confirms the scientific bankruptcy of the field; 6) Latent fingerprint identifications are analogous to other techniques, such as handwriting analysis and hair fiber comparisons, that federal courts, in the wake of Daubert, have found to be scientifically unreliable; 7) Latent fingerprint identifications do not have any non-judicial applications.The defense asked the question, "Is there a scientific basis for a fingerprint examiner to make an identification, of absolute certainty, from a small distorted latent fingerprint fragment, revealing only a small number of basic ridge charcteristics such as the nine characteristics identified by the FBI examiner at Mr. Mitchell \'s first trial?"... The Results - News Release, September 22, 1999The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced today that the Honorable J. Curtis Joyner of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, today upheld the admissibility of fingerprint evidence and rejected a challenge by the defense attorney to exclude that evidence in the case of United States v. Byron C. Mitchell, Criminal No. 96-00407. Judge Joyner ruled that the government can present expert testimony as to the fingerprint identification made of latent thumb prints found on the outside door handle and on the gear shift knob of the getaway car used in an armored truck robbery. In particular, the Court found that fingerprint evidence is admissible under Rule 702 of the Rules of Evidence and the Supreme Court \'s decisions in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993) and Kumho Tire Company, Ltd. v. Patrick Carmichael, 119 S. Ct. 1167 (1999). The Court also agreed to take judicial notice in the case that : 1) Human Friction Ridges are Unique and Permanent throughout the area of the friction ridge skin including small friction ridge areas, and 2) Human Friction Ridge Skin Arrangements are Unique and Permanent. The Court granted the government \'s request to exclude the testimony of the defendant \'s experts James E. Starrs, a Professor at George Washington University Law School, David A. Stoney, Ph.D. of the McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, and Simon A. Cole, Ph.D. Those witnesses testified that fingerprint evidence and comparisons are not scientific evidence under Daubert. Byron Mitchell was convicted. As of June 1st, 2002 thirty-seven challenges have been filed and ALL have been unsuccessful in preventing the admission of fingerprint evidence. Read more about each of these challenges and the rulings in favour of fingerprint identification at Clpex.com or onin.com. <<<Ridges and Furrows Home The Science Fingerprint Identification Articles>>>Top of Page \'Daubert \' Hearings The Science of Friction Ridge Identification Prevails Amendment to the Federal Rules of EvidenceUnited States v. Wade HavvardArticles by Andre Moenssens:The Reliability of Fingerprint IdentificationIs Fingerprint Identification a \'Science \'?Fingerprint Identification...More on "Is it a Science?"More on Simon Cole","null","null","");arrFiles[11]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/fingerprint.html","Ridges and Furrows - What is a fingerprint?","\";document.write(styleSheet);<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Fingerprint Patterns | Favourite Links | Just For Fun>>>A fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridges found on the inner surface of a finger or a thumb.The science of fingerprinting consititutes the only unchangeable and infallible means of positive identification known to man.The reasons why fingerprints are used for identification purposes are outlined below. These premises are supported by scientific research in areas such as biology, embryology, anatomy and histology to name a few. The fourth premise is not really a fact relating to identification. Fingerprint classification assists to narrow the search but is not part of the actual identification process. Its importance is clear though if you consider the huge task you would be faced with if, after taking thousands and thousands of fingerprints, you had no method to file and retrieve them.In order to gain a more indepth understanding of the principles of fingerprint identification, the identification specialist needs to have knowledge of the actual biological structure of friction skin and understand the stages of friction skin development on the fetus prior to birth and, the numerous factors that affect its growth. I have attempted to give a concise but still quite comprehensive look at both the anatomical structure of friction skin and how it develops in this web site. Also, did you know that...Identical twins have the same DNA configuration but they do not have identical friction ridge configuration. (Suggestion - read Andre Moenssen \'s paper entitled "Is Fingerprint Identification a \'Science \'?". A very interesting article!Significant Dates and EventsEarly PioneersScientific ResearchFriction Skin AnatomyFriction Skin GrowthFriction Skin Identification1) Ridge patterns and the details in small areas of friction ridges are unique and never repeated.2) Friction ridges develop on the fetus in their definitive form before birth.3) Ridges are persistent throughout life except for permanent scarring.4) Friction ridge patterns vary within limits which allow for classification.What is a fingerprint?Significant Dates and EventsEarly PioneersScientific ResearchFriction Skin AnatomyFriction Skin GrowthFriction Skin IdentificationThe fourth premise is not really a fact relating to identification. Fingerprint classification assists to narrow the search but is not part of the actual identification process. Its importance is clear though if you consider the huge task you would be faced with if, after taking thousands and thousands of fingerprints, you had no method to file and retrieve them.In order to gain a more indepth understanding of the principles of fingerprint identification, the identification specialist needs to have knowledge of the actual biological structure of friction skin and understand the stages of friction skin development on the fetus prior to birth and, the numerous factors that affect its growth. I have attempted to give a concise but still quite comprehensive look at both the anatomical structure of friction skin and how it develops in this web site. Also, did you know that...Identical twins have the same DNA configuration but they do not have identical friction ridge configuration. (Suggestion - read Andre Moenssen \'s paper entitled "Is Fingerprint Identification a \'Science \'?". A very interesting article!A fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridges found on the inner surface of a finger or a thumb.The science of fingerprinting consititutes the only unchangeable and infallible means of positive identification known to man.The reasons why fingerprints are used for identification purposes are outlined below. These premises are supported by scientific research in areas such as biology, embryology, anatomy and histology to name a few. <<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Fingerprint Patterns | Favourite Links | Just For Fun>>>","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[12]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/digital_image_enhancement.html","Ridges and Furrows - Digital Image Enhancement","\";document.write(styleSheet);Article by Eric C. BergLegal Ramifications of Digital Imaging in Law Enforcement by Eric C. Berg, Forensic Services Supervisor, City of Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma, WashingtonLegal Issues & Challenges | Standard Operating Procedures | Imaging Links (Commercial)Image Processing Tool Kit - CD-Rom companion to the Image Processing Handbook produced by Dr. Russ and his son, Chris Russ. This CD includes an interactive tutorial, a comprehensive set of more than 150 Photoshop-compatible plug-ins and image analysis tools. Dr. John Russ is the author of several standard texts in the field of image analysis, including Forensic Uses of Digital Imaging. Links to many of his books, CD \'s and other material can be found here. For the nearly twenty years Dr. Russ has taught a Short Course and Workshop on Computer-Assisted Image Analysis and Measurement at the University of North Carolina, in addtion to his many lectures and consulting services..S.W.G.-D.E.Forensic Imaging Newsletter - interesting articles from D.Barnes homepage. D.Barnes homepage also includes links to IISI, Ltd. and other useful sites.D. Barnes Ph.D.HomepageA power point presentation prepared by Richard Kammen and Herbert Blitzer.It deals with several issues that specifically apply to digital photography and what might happen in a trial situation as a result. Suggestions are given on how to deal with a number of different situations. Excellent!Trials and TribulationsFree (Public Licence) image processing and analysis software!!! Many links to some very useful imaging tools. Experiment with FFT and other digital enhancement techniques. Plus...links to commercial software applicable to forensic sciences.Digital Image Processing SoftwareDigital Fingerprints is an outstanding site that goes into great detail on how digital imaging can help solve crime. It outlines the differences between digital images and conventional photographs; shows how 3rd level detail of a fingerprint is achieved using digital enhancement processes; provides the easiest explanation on the Fast Fourier Transform process I have yet to find ... and simply offers an amazing amount of extremely useful information!Digital Fingerprints Top of PageTop of Page Top of PageMedia Cybernetics - The Imaging Experts Top of PageMore Great LinksScience and Technology Committee - Fifth Report - Digital Images as EvidenceHere you can browse the report which was ordered by the House of Lords to be printed 3 February 1998. Excellent document. If you don \'t have time to read it all, be sure and read the introduction (Chap 1) and Summary and Recommendations (Chap 5).Ensure Admissibility of Digital ImagesAn article by Richard Kammen and Herbert BlitzerThe FBI supported Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technologies Here you can browse "Definitions and guidelines for the use of Imaging Technologies in the Criminal Justice System" (Version 2.1 - June 8, 1999).andThe FBI supported Scientific Working Group for Digital EvidenceMore Hits - A Forensic Image Processing System.Not only will you find information on digital imaging technology and products but this site has an absolutely awesome forensic links page. There is also a direct link to the actual appeal document for the case State of Washington v. Eric Hayden.Digital Imaging, Image Enhancing, Digital Cameras Links, links and more links. Incredible source of information.Media CyberneticsCourt Cases & Legal StuffMore Great LinksStandard Operating ProceduresIdeas and GuidelinesRod McCarvel - Attorney at Law, Seattle, WAThis site is home to the article - You Won \'t Believe Your Eyes: Digital Photography as Legal Evidence.(Click on Books and Articles and then scroll down to Articles by Rod.)Photographic Evidence... :Digital Photography and the Law (April 1998)This link goes to the Part 1 - Photographic Evidence. The article was written byJol. A. Silversmith, a graduate of Harvard University.Forensic Imaging Options - by Herbert L. Blitzer, Executive Director, Institute For Forensic ImagingThis is an excellent article that goes into great detail about the many imaging options available and offers guidance for law enforcement practitioners with respect to these options. It compares traditional film photography to digital and also addresses the issues associated with using digital images as court room exhibits. Case studies include State of California v. Phillip Lee Jackson and State of Washington v. Eric Hayden.British Columbia Supreme Court Case (Canada) - Digital Evidence Challenged "Reasons for Judgement of the Honourable Mr.Justice Hood" for the case Her Majesty The Queen v. Phillip Thompson Cooper Forensic Digital Imaging Consulting, Training and Enhancement ServicesS.C.A.F.O. (Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers)Click "The Print" to view get an index of articles.Articles of interest:1) "Enhancement" - Volume 12, Issue 2, 19962) "Digital Enhancement and Transmission of Latent Prints-Who will set the standards? - Volume 12, Issue 4, 19963) "Conviction Through Enhanced Fingerprint Identification" - Volume 10, Issue 2, 1994Image Processing Tool KitForensic Imaging OptionsPhotographic EvidenceImaging ForensicsReddy \'s Digital Links PageMore HitsEnsure Admissibility of Digital ImagesS.W.G.- I.T.Science and TechnologyS.C.A.F.O.Rod McCarvel \'s HomepageIISI, Ltd.BC Supreme CourtHomeIISI, Ltd. 1146 Walker Rd., Great Falls, VAExcellent site with links to LatentPro (digital image enhancement software), Evidence Trakker (software program to help ensure the integrity of original digital images) and Images (amazing examples of enhanced images). Also...lots of good stuff to subscribe to including Forensic Newsletter, Law Enforcement Technology and Digital Imaging Magazine. \" \" \" \"IISI, Ltd. 1146 Walker Rd., Great Falls, VAExcellent site with links to LatentPro (digital image enhancement software), Evidence Trakker (software program to help ensure the integrity of original digital images) and Images (amazing examples of enhanced images). Also...lots of good stuff to subscribe to including Forensic Newsletter, Law Enforcement Technology and Digital Imaging Magazine.HomeBC Supreme CourtIISI, Ltd.Rod McCarvel \'s HomepageS.C.A.F.O.Science and TechnologyS.W.G.- I.T.Ensure Admissibility of Digital ImagesMore HitsReddy \'s Digital Links PageImaging ForensicsPhotographic EvidenceForensic Imaging OptionsImage Processing Tool Kit \" \" \" \"S.C.A.F.O. (Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers)Click "The Print" to view get an index of articles.Articles of interest:1) "Enhancement" - Volume 12, Issue 2, 19962) "Digital Enhancement and Transmission of Latent Prints-Who will set the standards? - Volume 12, Issue 4, 19963) "Conviction Through Enhanced Fingerprint Identification" - Volume 10, Issue 2, 1994 \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \"Forensic Digital Imaging Consulting, Training and Enhancement Services \" \" \" \"British Columbia Supreme Court Case (Canada) - Digital Evidence Challenged "Reasons for Judgement of the Honourable Mr.Justice Hood" for the case Her Majesty The Queen v. Phillip Thompson Cooper \" \" \" \"Forensic Imaging Options - by Herbert L. Blitzer, Executive Director, Institute For Forensic ImagingThis is an excellent article that goes into great detail about the many imaging options available and offers guidance for law enforcement practitioners with respect to these options. It compares traditional film photography to digital and also addresses the issues associated with using digital images as court room exhibits. Case studies include State of California v. Phillip Lee Jackson and State of Washington v. Eric Hayden. \" \" \" \"Photographic Evidence... :Digital Photography and the Law (April 1998)This link goes to the Part 1 - Photographic Evidence. The article was written byJol. A. Silversmith, a graduate of Harvard University. \" \" \" \"Rod McCarvel - Attorney at Law, Seattle, WAThis site is home to the article - You Won \'t Believe Your Eyes: Digital Photography as Legal Evidence.(Click on Books and Articles and then scroll down to Articles by Rod.) \" \" \" \"More Great LinksStandard Operating ProceduresIdeas and Guidelines \" \" \" \"Court Cases & Legal StuffMedia Cybernetics \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \"Digital Imaging, Image Enhancing, Digital Cameras Links, links and more links. Incredible source of information. \" \" \" \"More Hits - A Forensic Image Processing System.Not only will you find information on digital imaging technology and products but this site has an absolutely awesome forensic links page. There is also a direct link to the actual appeal document for the case State of Washington v. Eric Hayden. \" \" \" \" \" \" \" \"The FBI supported Scientific Working Group on Imaging Technologies Here you can browse "Definitions and guidelines for the use of Imaging Technologies in the Criminal Justice System" (Version 2.1 - June 8, 1999).andThe FBI supported Scientific Working Group for Digital Evidence \" \" \" \"Ensure Admissibility of Digital ImagesAn article by Richard Kammen and Herbert Blitzer \" \" \" \"Science and Technology Committee - Fifth Report - Digital Images as EvidenceHere you can browse the report which was ordered by the House of Lords to be printed 3 February 1998. Excellent document. If you don \'t have time to read it all, be sure and read the introduction (Chap 1) and Summary and Recommendations (Chap 5).More Great Links Top of PageMedia Cybernetics - The Imaging Experts Top of PageTop of Page Top of PageDigital Fingerprints \" \" \" \"Digital Fingerprints is an outstanding site that goes into great detail on how digital imaging can help solve crime. It outlines the differences between digital images and conventional photographs; shows how 3rd level detail of a fingerprint is achieved using digital enhancement processes; provides the easiest explanation on the Fast Fourier Transform process I have yet to find ... and simply offers an amazing amount of extremely useful information!Digital Image Processing Software \" \" \" \"Free (Public Licence) image processing and analysis software!!! Many links to some very useful imaging tools. Experiment with FFT and other digital enhancement techniques. Plus...links to commercial software applicable to forensic sciences.Trials and Tribulations \" \" \" \"A power point presentation prepared by Richard Kammen and Herbert Blitzer.It deals with several issues that specifically apply to digital photography and what might happen in a trial situation as a result. Suggestions are given on how to deal with a number of different situations. Excellent!D. Barnes Ph.D.Homepage \" \" \" \"Forensic Imaging Newsletter - interesting articles from D.Barnes homepage. D.Barnes homepage also includes links to IISI, Ltd. and other useful sites.S.W.G.-D.E. \" \" \" \"Image Processing Tool Kit - CD-Rom companion to the Image Processing Handbook produced by Dr. Russ and his son, Chris Russ. This CD includes an interactive tutorial, a comprehensive set of more than 150 Photoshop-compatible plug-ins and image analysis tools. Dr. John Russ is the author of several standard texts in the field of image analysis, including Forensic Uses of Digital Imaging. Links to many of his books, CD \'s and other material can be found here. For the nearly twenty years Dr. Russ has taught a Short Course and Workshop on Computer-Assisted Image Analysis and Measurement at the University of North Carolina, in addtion to his many lectures and consulting services..Legal Issues & Challenges | Standard Operating Procedures | Imaging Links (Commercial)Digital Image Enhancement Technology \" \" \" \"Legal Ramifications of Digital Imaging in Law Enforcement by Eric C. Berg, Forensic Services Supervisor, City of Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma, WashingtonArticle by Eric C. Berg","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[13]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/scientific_researchers.html","Ridges and Furrows - Scientific Researchers","\";document.write(styleSheet);Scientific Research<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Significant Dates and Events | Early Pioneers | What Is A Fingerprint? The scientific basis of friction ridge identification has evolved over many years, even centuries. Scientific researchers, such as the people whose names are mentioned below, have studied the evolution of friction skin, the anatomical formation of friction ridges, the stages of friction ridge development on the human fetus and, most importantly, explain differential growth (random physical stresses and pressures) of friction ridges which is the major premise of friction ridge identification.Just to name a few...J.C.A. Mayer (1788)During the 1700 \'s, Mayer was the first to recognize that although specific friction ridge arrangements may be similar, they are never duplicated.Arthur Kollmann (1883)In the late 1800 \'s, Kollmann of Hamburg Germany, was the first researcher to address the formation of friction ridges on the fetus and the random physical stresses and tensions which may have played a part in their growth.Inez Whipple (1904)Ms. Whipple was a graduate from Brown University Rhode Island and also graduated from Smith College with a Masters of Art degree. She taught highschool biology for 4 years before taking on a teaching position with the Zoology Department at Smith College. In 1904, Inez Whipple published a paper that is considered by some as a landmark in the field of genetics and ridgeology. "The Ventral Surface of the Mammalian Chiridium - With Special Reference to the Conditions Found in Man" suggests that the development of the surfaces of the hands and feet (chiridia) of all mammals are similar to some degree. Her paper has certainly given us an insight into the possible evolutionary process of volar skin development on mammals.Harris Hawthorne Wilder, Ph.D. (1918)After graduating from Amherst College in Massachusetts, Harris Hawthorne Wilder taught biology for three years at a Chicago high school. In 1889 he decided to concentrate his studies on anatomy at the University of Freiburg in Germany. He received a Ph.D. after two years and then returned to North America. In 1892 he accepted the position of Professor of Zoology at Smith College Massachusetts. His research included studies on morphology, methodology of plantar and palmar dermatoglyphics, genetics and racial differences.In 1918 Wilder and Bert Wentworth, a former Police Commissioner of Dover New Hampshire, published a book "Personal Identification". In this book, Wilder describes the anatomical formation of friction ridges. He also describes how random physical stresses and pressures, in addition to genetics, are responsible for friction ridge formation - "...all the infinite possibilities in the formation of the ridges are widely open in each individual case, so that it is quite safe to say that no two people in the world can have, even over a small area, the same set of details, similarly related to the individual units." Wilder \'s statement supports the primary basis for friction ridge identification being that fingerprints are unique.Harold Cummins (1929)A Professor of Anatomy and Assistant Dean of the School of Medicine at Tulane University in Louisiana. In 1929 Cummins published "The Topographic History of the Volar Pads in the Human Embryo". In this paper, Cummins describes the formation and development of volar pads on the human fetus. In 1943 he co-authored a book entitled "Finger Prints, Palms and Soles - An Introduction to Dermatoglyphics". He refers to his paper in this book and includes the following in Chapter 10 "Embryology":"All fetuses develop pads in conformity to the morphological plan. There is considerable variation in the time relations of the appearance and regression of pads... " (page 179) "The various configurations (of friction ridges) are not determined by self-limited mechanism within the skin. The skin possesses the capacity to form ridges, but the alignments of these ridges are as responsive to stresses in growth as are the alignments of sand to sweeping by wind or wave...Volar pads in the normal fetus are sites of differential growth, each being responsible for production of one of the local configurations comprised in the morphologic plan of dermatoglyphics. If a pad does not completely subside prior to the time of ridge formation, its presence determines a discrete configurational area." (pages 184-185)Alfred Hale (1952)Alfred Hale was an associate of Harold Cummins at Tulane University. In 1952 he published a paper called "Morphogenesis of the Volar Skin in the Human Fetus". His paper documents the actual stages of friction ridge development in addition to describing friction ridge skin formation on the human fetus. Hale states as one of his conclusions that "Differential growth plays the major role in the establishment of the morphology of volar skin. Stresses arising out of differences in growth rate condition the alignment and fusion of the ridge units, thereby establishing the primary ridge. Increasing surface area demands the reproduction of ridges. This is manifested in the adult by the various minutiae." In summary...scientific research (including hundreds of years of observation by scientific researchers and friction ridge identification specialists) has played a significant role in supporting all premises of friction ridge identification.Top of PageTop of Page<< Previous Page | Friction Skin | Friction Skin Growth | Ridges and Furrows Home","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[14]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/Integument.html","Integument","\";document.write(styleSheet);The Integumentary System<<<Previous Page | Links | Friction Skin Growth | Ridges and Furrows Home>>>The integumentary system includes the skin and the epidermal derivatives of hair, nails and glands. The skin is one of the largest structures in the body - a complex organ system that contains millions of sensory receptors and a vascular network and forms a protective covering for the body. The skin is considered to be an organ because it includes several types of tissues that function together. The skin is derived in part from the ectoderm and in part from mesoderm. The skin is an active organ that gets approximately one third of the oxygenated blood that leaves the heart. It varies in thickness, texture and its attachment. LinksThe Integumentary System by Dr.James A. Hightower, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, S.C. 29208Integumentary System - Lecture notes, Professor Maureen Donnelly, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University Integument, Dr. Craig S. Hood, Department of Biological SciencesDepartment of Anatomy & Neurobiology - Integument Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S., CANADA (includes slides of thick (friction) skin)Human Microscopic Anatomy - Integument, UC Davis - School of Medicine Integumentary System, Dr. Stanley Meizel, UC Davis - School of MedicineAtlas of Histology (index) College of Medicine, University of Illinois Atlas of Histology (slide list) College of Medicine, University of IllinoisMedical Histology and Cell Biology - Integument - Definitions Texas Tech University<<<Previous PageHomeTop of Page Friction Skin Growth>>>","null","null","");arrFiles[15]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/science.html","Ridges and Furrows - The Identification Process","\";document.write(styleSheet);Science of Fingerprints <<<Ridges and Furrows Home Page | Friction Ridge Identification | The Debate | Articles>>>Identifying criminals using fingerprint impressions found at crime scenes and comparing them to known fingerprint files collected as a result of previous criminal activity has been used by police services around the world for over 100 years. Not all people believe, however, that fingerprint identification is a science and therefore should not be used as a means to identify or individualize.A landmark \'science of fingerprints \' case in the courts occurred in 1911 in Chicago, U.S.A. It resulted in the conviction of a man named Thomas Jennings for murder. Very little evidence against Jennings existed ...the most significant being fingerprints. To ensure that fingerprint evidence would be admitted, the prosecution called several recognized fingerprint experts as witnesses. Edward Foster - the man responsible for the establishment Canada \'s national fingerprint bureau - was one of these witnesses. With the help of his testimony, Jennings was convicted and sentenced to hang on December 22, 1911. What was the scientific basis for allowing fingerprint evidence for this case? At the time, it was the research and comprehensive book Finger Prints published in 1892 by Sir Francis Galton, a well-known scientist, that made a significant contribution to the science of fingerprint identification. "Galton \'s more interesting contribution was his method of distinguishing fingerprints that contained similar patterns. The general fingerprint patterns of twins, for example, were often the same. But Galton had noticed that fingerprint ridges did not proceed across the fingertips in unbroken lines. They often stopped abruptly, split, contained enclosures, or connected with other ridges. The arrangement of these ridge details were never repeated in a print from two different fingers, not even in twins. Identification of one fingerprint with another, Galton realized, should always be made by comparing their ridge detail or fingerprint minutia (known later as points of comparison or identification). He used this comparison of ridge detail to confirm Herschel \'s observations of fingerprint permanence." (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) As a result of his research Galton confirmed that a person \'s fingerprints would identify him for life and he "became sufficiently confident in the method to say that it would indeed form the basis for a reliable system of identification."(Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) Galton also proposed a statistical model in an attempt to provide a scientific basis for the uniqueness of fingerprints and therefore justify their use in identification. Pat Wertheim explains, however, that "Galton \'s model overlooked any consideration of the direction of ridge flow in any of the 35 grid areas and took into account only whether or not a minutiae point was present in any given square. Obviously, Galton \'s model completely ignored not only ridge flow, but also the shapes of the ridges, the presence of prominent sweat pores, scars, creases or wrinkles, incipient ridges etc...Thus, Galton \'s model was sorely lacking in many respects." (Scientific Comparison and Identification of Fingerprint Evidence, July 2000 issue of Fingerprint Whorld.) Had Galton approached his research from the belief that all human beings are unique and therefore our fingerprints are different - rather than the other way around - he would have realized the \'extreme difficulty \' in placing a value on the uniqueness of nature. Nevertheless, Galton \'s work provided "the systematic proof of its scientific basis" (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) and advanced the science of fingerprint identification significantly.The defense lawyers for Jennings \'s appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court of Illinois, arguing that fingerprint evidence should not be accepted. "In this first test of the legality of fingerprints in an American high court, the landmark ruling stated that, "there is a scientific basis for the system of fingerprint identification, and...the courts are justified in admitting this class of evidence. The Illinois Supreme Court \'s ruling was thorough and comprehensive. It included a complete outline of the history and practice of fingerprint identification." (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan) "The Jennings case gave fingerprinting another boost toward its universal acceptance around the world..." (Copyright C 2001Colin Beavan) This, of course, lead to fingerprint comparisons being completed by law enforcement personnel for the purpose of identifying criminals. Fingerprint evidence was now well on its way as being accepted by the courts with very few challenges over the next 100 years...until now. David Ashbaugh, in his book Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, May 1999, states, "It is difficult to comprehend that a complete scientific review of friction ridge identification has not taken place at sometime during the last one hundred years. A situation seems to have developed where this science grew through default...The failure of the identification community to challenge or hold meaningful debate, can also be partly attributed to the fact that the friction ridge identification science has been basically under the control of the police community rather than the scientific community." Perhaps this was a problem that was foreseen by Henry Faulds, the Scottish physician who also completed extensive fingerprint research and was the first to propose the idea of using fingerprints as a means of criminal identification. Faulds criticized Inspector Charles Collins of Scotland Yard who compared an inked fingerprint with a bloody fingerprint found on a cash box and concluded that there were eleven matching "characteristics". The inspector \'s testimony at the 1905 Deptford murder trial helped to convict the two men accused of murdering Ann and Thomas Farrow."Faulds had compared many thousands of fingerprint sets to satisfy himself that no ten fingerprints could be duplicated on two different people. He complained publicly that no one, including the Yard, had made a similar comparative study to prove that each single fingerprint was unique. Until this was done, he insisted, no man should be sent to the jailer or the hangman on the basis of a single fingerprint, particularly one identified by the Yard \'s Fingerprint Branch. Ever since the Branch had denied Faulds \'s part in the fingerprint conception, Faulds had bitterly questioned its integrity. It didn \'t help the Yard \'s case that Faulds delivered his arguments with the force of a man who had been scorned. It didn \'t help, either, that science didn \'t have the foothold in the courtrooms that it does today." (Copyright C 2001 Colin Beavan)We know today that friction ridge identification is an applied science. Scientific research by the scientific community over the last 100 years and observation by scientists and friction ridge identification specialists have supported this fact. The science of friction ridge identification would benefit greatly however from implementation of higher standards in training and in developing procedures to monitor and continually improve the methods used by friction ridge identification specialists.Implementing a friction ridge identification methodology and philosophy that is accepted and used by the identifcation community throughout the world will certainly assist in emphasizing the scientific basis on which friction ridge identification is founded. As mentioned earlier, in depth study of the anatomy and growth of friction skin is crucial before attempting to understand how a friction ridge identification specialist can apply any methodology and philosophy and in the end come to the conclusion that an impression of a very small area of friction ridge skin came from one source and one source only. I have attempted to give you some insight into the Anatomy of Friction Skin and Growth of Friction Skin on other pages found on this web site.The Friction Ridge Identification Process incorporates a scientific methodology and an identification philosophy. The methodology is "a structured and systematic manner in which quantitative-qualitative analysis of friction ridges is carried out". (Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, Introduction to Basic Ridgeology, May 1999, pg.75) Understanding the identification philosophy is only accomplished by first learning about the premises of friction skin identification and how scientific research in anatomy, biology, histology, embryology etc. has supported these premises...primarily the uniqueness and permanency of friction skin. The identification philosophy can best be paraphrased by the following statement:"Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient [observed] uniqueness to establish individuality.""Ridgeology", a term coined by David Ashbaugh in an article published in 1983, in my opinion, puts it all together. Ridgeology is defined as "The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification". (Quantitatve-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, Introduction to Basic Ridgeology, May 1999, pg.8)The DebateThe Forensic Panel LetterThe PrintClpex.comFingerprints by Colin BeavanTop of Page Top of Page Top of Page Top of Page Ridges and Furrows Homepage","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[16]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/SOCO.html","SOCO","\";document.write(styleSheet);Professional Organizations:The Canadian Identification SocietyThe International Association for IdentificationThe Southern California Association of Fingerprint OfficersThe Canadian Society of Forensic ScienceThe American Academy of Forensic SciencesRidges and Furrows Homepage | Return to TopMore links!LINKSCrime Scene Investigation:Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law EnforcementHandbook of Forensic Services \'Crime Scene Search \'Gizmos and Gadgets - for the Crime Scene Officer & InvestigatorCrime Scene InvestigatorThe Lynn Peavey CompanyA.F.I.S. Latent Print Processing:Technotes from Lightning Powder CompanyLatent Fingerprint Processing Techniques - Selection & Sequencing Guide.(From the International Association for Identification, Chesapeake Bay Division website.)Friction Ridge IdentificationPhotography:Click here for information on traditional and digital photography.Kodak \'s Digital Learning Centre.<<<RidgesandFurrows Homepage | A.F.I.S. | Fingerprint Patterns | Digit Determination | History>>>S.O.C.O.Information for Scene of Crime Officers and Technicians<<<RidgesandFurrows Homepage | A.F.I.S. | Fingerprint Patterns | Digit Determination | History>>>Photography:Click here for information on traditional and digital photography.Kodak \'s Digital Learning Centre.Friction Ridge IdentificationLatent Print Processing:Technotes from Lightning Powder CompanyLatent Fingerprint Processing Techniques - Selection & Sequencing Guide.(From the International Association for Identification, Chesapeake Bay Division website.)A.F.I.S. LINKSCrime Scene Investigation:Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law EnforcementHandbook of Forensic Services \'Crime Scene Search \'Gizmos and Gadgets - for the Crime Scene Officer & InvestigatorCrime Scene InvestigatorThe Lynn Peavey Company"Whereever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothing, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent because human witnesses are, it is factual evidence, physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself; it cannot be wholly absent, only its interpretation can err. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can diminish its value." Harris vs United States, 331 US 145, 1947More links!Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Return to TopProfessional Organizations:The Canadian Identification SocietyThe International Association for IdentificationThe Southern California Association of Fingerprint OfficersThe Canadian Society of Forensic ScienceThe American Academy of Forensic Sciences","null","null","");arrFiles[17]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/pictures.html","Ridges and Furrows - Just For Fun (pictures)","\";document.write(styleSheet);Just For Fun<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | What Is A Fingerprint ? | Fingerprint Patterns | Favourite Links>>>HomeIf you ask me, this guy is too happy for his own good!It looks like some poor fellow is lost in a time warp. Famous FingerprintsSome people think this type of fingerprint pattern looks like an "elephant eye".Have you got any "unusual" prints that you would like to share? Send them to ridgesandfurrows@sympatico.ca","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[18]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/Training.html","Ridges and Furrows - Education and Training","\";document.write(styleSheet);News from March - April 2002 issue of Minutiae (A publication from the Lightning Powder Company, manufacturers and distributors of crime scene investigation equipment.):Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California created a \'Forensic Science Club \'. The club is open to students who are interested in a career in forensics/law enforcement. The organizers have developed fundraising programs that have assisted club members in attending special workshops and conferences, providing opportunities to meet and interact with professionals in the field. Many of our readers are serving as adjunct professors and instructors at select colleges in the United States and elsewhere and may be interested in developing similar student clubs in their area. The university programs provide the forensic science community with prospective employees and future colleagues. Anyone seeking information can visit their website at www.fsclub.org or write to Professor Janis Cavanaugh, Rio Hondo Forensic Science Club, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601-1699. You can also obtain information about the Rio Hondo College Forensic Program by visiting: www.rh.cc.ca.us/pubserv/ficp/index.htmHomeTraining SeminarsOnline LearningCollege/University ProgramsForensic Groups for Students<<<Top of Page | Ridges and Furrows Home>>>There are an abundance of learning opportunities on the internet. Taking into consideration that not everyone is looking for the same type of learning opportunity, I have divided them into three different categories.If you know of any useful sites or learning opportunities related to forensic identification please send them along to Ridges and Furrows!Thanks! <<<Top of Page | Ridges and Furrows Home>>>Education and TrainingHomeTraining SeminarsOnline LearningCollege/University ProgramsForensic Groups for Students \" \" \" \"News from March - April 2002 issue of Minutiae (A publication from the Lightning Powder Company, manufacturers and distributors of crime scene investigation equipment.):Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California created a \'Forensic Science Club \'. The club is open to students who are interested in a career in forensics/law enforcement. The organizers have developed fundraising programs that have assisted club members in attending special workshops and conferences, providing opportunities to meet and interact with professionals in the field. Many of our readers are serving as adjunct professors and instructors at select colleges in the United States and elsewhere and may be interested in developing similar student clubs in their area. The university programs provide the forensic science community with prospective employees and future colleagues. Anyone seeking information can visit their website at www.fsclub.org or write to Professor Janis Cavanaugh, Rio Hondo Forensic Science Club, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601-1699. You can also obtain information about the Rio Hondo College Forensic Program by visiting: www.rh.cc.ca.us/pubserv/ficp/index.htmPlease enter your comments or suggestions here. <<<Top of Page | Ridges and Furrows Home>>>HomeTraining SeminarsOnline LearningCollege/University ProgramsForensic Groups for StudentsNews from March - April 2002 issue of Minutiae (A publication from the Lightning Powder Company, manufacturers and distributors of crime scene investigation equipment.):Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California created a \'Forensic Science Club \'. The club is open to students who are interested in a career in forensics/law enforcement. The organizers have developed fundraising programs that have assisted club members in attending special workshops and conferences, providing opportunities to meet and interact with professionals in the field. Many of our readers are serving as adjunct professors and instructors at select colleges in the United States and elsewhere and may be interested in developing similar student clubs in their area. The university programs provide the forensic science community with prospective employees and future colleagues. Anyone seeking information can visit their website at www.fsclub.org or write to Professor Janis Cavanaugh, Rio Hondo Forensic Science Club, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601-1699. You can also obtain information about the Rio Hondo College Forensic Program by visiting: www.rh.cc.ca.us/pubserv/ficp/index.htm","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[19]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/identification2.html","Ridges and Furrows - The Identification Process","\";document.write(styleSheet);The Friction Ridge Identification Process \'Proposed Scientific Methodology \'Fingerprint Image Enhancement | Articles | Ridges and Furrows Home Page>>>Significant Dates and EventsThe \'Science \'The DebateWhat Is AFIS?Clpex.comOnin.comMore LinksClick on the link below to read about a different way of interpreting the A.C.E. - V. (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification) scientific methodology as it applies to the friction ridge identification process.You will require Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® to view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files Scientific_Methodology.pdf << Previous Page Ridges and Furrow Home>>","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[20]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/FSG2.html","FSG2","\";document.write(styleSheet);Friction Skin Growth<<< Previous Page | Friction Skin | Scientific Research | Differential Growth | Ridges and Furrows Home >>>Development of Friction Ridges (as described by William J. Babler, PHD in his article " Embryologic Development of Epidermal Ridges and Their Configurations"- Birth Defects: Original Article Series 27(2): 95-112, 1991) The initial regression of volar pads around 10-11 weeks corresponds to the initial formation of epidermal ridges. At this time the epidermis is a smooth, thin layer of tissue both at the skin surface and on its deep surface at the epidermal-dermal junction. Epidermal ridges first appear as localized cell proliferations in the basal (deep) layer of the epidermis during the 10th week postfertilization. These cell proliferations form shallow primary ridges that project into the superficial layer of the dermis. The number of primary ridges increases as new ridges are formed between or at the lateral surface of existing ridges. Primary ridges proliferate rapidly to keep pace with the increasing separation of adjacent ridges due to general growth of the hand. This proliferation produces the branchings and islands, the minutiae.As primary ridges begin to develop, they define the basic ridge configurations of the volar skin surfaces. However, these configurations develop at the epidermis-dermis interface and not on the skin surface. As the number of primary ridges increases, the ridges continue to increase in dimension. Primary ridges increase in width and penetrate deeper into the underlying dermis.Around 14 weeks, sweat glands appear at uniform intervals along the ridges. They continue to grow and penetrate deeper into the dermis. The association between primary ridges and sweat glands has resulted in the term glandular fold being used often in reference to primary ridge. The primary ridge, or glandular fold, corresponds to the surface ridge that we see.At approximately 15 weeks secondary ridges, lacking sweat glands, appear. The secondary ridges, or furrow folds, correspond to the furrow of the surface ridge. Primary ridges cease proliferation as soon as secondary ridges begin to form. By 17 weeks the human fetus has an epidermal ridge configuration that is comparable to that of an adult. At the end of this period of time, epidermal ridges become visible on the volar surface as fingerprints.From 17 - 24 weeks, secondary ridges continue to proliferate until they are in a one to one correspondence with primary ridges. They develop similar to primary ridges. At 24 weeks, the epidermal ridge system has an adult morphology.Dermal papillae begin to develop around 24 weeks. Until this time the morphology of primary and secondary ridges is a smooth ridge of tissue. As the depth of the secondary ridges approximates that of the primary ridges, additional changes can be seen. At this time bridging or anastomoses between primary and secondary ridges begin to appear. The dermis between anastomitic epidermal bridges progressively forms peg-like structures, the dermal papillae characteristic of the definitive dermal ridge.The process of primary ridge formation is not a generalized event that occurs simultaneously across the volar aspect of the hand. Rather, ridge formation initiates at several points and spreads out such that developing ridge "fields" ultimately meet. The fingers are the earliest sites of ridge formation. Ridge differentiation spreads proximally from fingertip to palm and in a radioulnar (thumb to little finger) gradient. Observational data suggest that on the finger, the centre of the apical pad is the first region to demonstrate primary ridge formation. Once ridge formation begins, the number of ridges proliferate from these sites to meet adjacent ridge "fields".Factors That Influence Ridge Configuration (Differential Growth)Growth StressKollmann was the first to examine the question of what determines the alignment of epidermal ridges. He suggested that ridge direction was greatly influenced by growth stresses and compressions in the developing skin. L.S. Penrose (Medical significance of fingerprints and related phenomenon. Br Med J 2:321-325, 1968) extended this hypothesis to state that ridges align at right angles to the compression forces acting on the growing volar surface. This concept has received considerable attention from a mathematical perspective. These include measurement of the curvature of epidermal ridges and their configurations.Volar TopographyK. Bonnevie (Studies on papillary patterns of human fingers.J Genet 15:1-111, 1924) first noted the correspondence between the height of a volar pad and the special ridge configuration of its pattern. She also proposed that differences in pattern type were related to variations in thickness of the epidermis and/or cushioning, a water-logged state of the epidermis. Hale found that the critical thickness in the epidermis was indeed necessary for ridge morphogenesis to initiate but no evidence for cushioning. More importantly, he found that ridges formed not from a mechanical folding of the epidermis but from actual cell proliferation.Cummins, having observed the ridge configurations of congenitally malformed hands, proposed that direction of epidermal ridges was determined by growth forces and the contour of volar skin at the time of ridge formation. Mulville and Smith ("The Genesis of Dermatoglyphics.J.Pediatr 75:579-589, 1969) synthesized data from a number of earlier workers to further develop the Cummins \' topographic model for ridge configuration. They stated that "ridge configurations are the immediate result of physical and topographical forces affecting the volar skin" during ridge formation. Therefore ridge configuration is dependent on the shape of the volar pad at the time of initial primary ridge formation. A high, round pad would result in formation of a whorl while a low pad would result in an arch. An intermediate pad height offset to one side of the digit would result in a loop formation.W. Babler ("Prenatal selection and dermatoglyphic patterns."Am J Phys Anthropol 48(1):21-27, 1978) has provided evidence to suggest that volar pad shape is indeed associated with ridge configuration. Results of his studies indicated that the timing of primary ridge formation was associated with the type of ridge configuration. Early ridge formation was associated with a whorl-type pattern. Late ridge formation was associated with an arch configuration and intermediate ridge formation with a loop. Since apical volar pads (on tip of digits) initiate their involution around 10.5 weeks, the relative degree of pad regression at time of ridge formation apparently is associated with ridge configuration. Additionally, Babler reported that rather than pad height being a key factor in ridge configuration, pad width relative to height was the associated factor.Skeletal FactorsBabler (Prenatal development of dermatoglyphic patterns: Associations with epidermal ridge, volar pad and bone morphology.Coll Antropol II:297-304, 1987.) has examined the developmental relationships between epidermal ridges and the developing bone skeleton of the hand. He has shown a significant prenatal relationship between epidermal ridge dimension and bone dimension of the hand. Whorl patterns tend to be associated with shorter distal phalanges. Whorl patterns also tend to be associated with less ossification, suggesting either early ridge development relative to bone maturity or delayed bone development relative to ridge formation.Friction Skin Growth continued next page...Top of PagePrevious PageHomeTop of Page","null","null","");arrFiles[21]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/henryfaulds.html","henryfaulds","\";document.write(styleSheet);Dr. Henry Faulds<<<Ridges and Furrows Homepage | Significant Dates and Events | Scientific Research | What Is A Fingerprint? The following information can be found in its entirety in the book Fingerprints The Origins of Crime Detection and The Murder Case That Launched Forensic Science by Colin Beavan and appears here with permission from the Publisher:Dr. Henry Faulds1843 - 19301843185418631868187118731878 - 1880Faulds was born on June 1st, 1843 in Beith, a little town in southwest Scotland.13 years old, Henry Faulds quit school and went to work for his Uncle to help support his family.Henry enlisted in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Glasgow.Faulds graduated and enrolled at Anderson \'s College, Glasgow and began his study of medicine. Faulds earned his physician \'s licentiate. In addition to his full-time work as a doctor, Faulds wrote two books on travel in the Far East, three others on fingerprinting, and many academic articles, and found three magazines.Faulds sailed to Darjeeling, India to work as a medical missionary with the Church of Scotland. For two years, he treated and cared for the poor in Darjeeling.On July 29, 1873 Faulds received his letter of appointment from the Presbyterian Church. In September he married Isabella Wilson. In December, the newlyweds sailed from London to establish the first Scottish Medical Mission in Japan.Faulds ran his hospital, lectured Japanese medical students, taught Dr. Joseph Lister \'s antiseptic methods to Japanese surgeons, trekked into the mountains to heal the bedridden, established a society for the blind, and set up lifeguard stations to prevent drowning in nearby canals. He halted a rabies epidemic that killed small children who played with infected mice, and he helped stop the spread of cholera into Japan. He even cured a plague infecting the local fishmonger \'s stock of carp. By 1882, his hospital treated 15,000 patients annually. Faulds was inundated.Faulds and an American archeologist, Edward S. Morse struck up a friendship. Morse had traveled to Japan to study brachiopods, a type of shellfish common in its coastal waters. But within days of his arrival, he was sidetracked by his discovery of an ancient mound of discarded shells and bones, where long-dead villagers had piled their refuse. The shell mounds were the last remnants of "savage races," as Morse called them, who visited the shore to feast on mollusks and fishes.At the time, academics searched frantically for empirical evidence of man \'s evolution. Shell mounds helped provide that evidence. In Florida, researchers digging such ancient garbage dumps discovered charred pieces of human bone that appeared to have been cooked---proof, they concluded, of cannibalism. More commonly, shell mounds yielded gouges and needles made from bone and hammers, axes and arrows made from stone. Morse \'s Japanese excavations were distinguished by cooking pots and other vessels made from clay.Eighty-nine meters long and four meters deep, Morse \'s shell mounds lay alongside the Imperial Railway Line, just before Omari station, about six miles outside Tokyo and half a mile from the shoreline. The water level had dropped dramatically since the ancients had gone to Omari to rummage for seafood. The bottom layers of the shell mound, Morse estimated from the receded waterline, were at least 2,000 years old. Morse \'s workers carefully sorted through the mounds and carried away basketsful of artifacts. Henry Faulds regularly rode the train to Omari to sift through the booty. He was entranced.One day, while turning over ancient pottery fragments in his hands, Faulds noticed minute patterns of parallel lines impressed in the clay. He examined them closely, trying to discern their source. Some months earlier, Faulds had lectured his medical lecture on touch, he had noticed the swirling ridges on his own fingertips. In a flash, he realized that the 2,000-year-old impressions he now examined in clay came from the ridges on the fingers of ancient potters.Did modern potters leave such marks, too? Faulds scoured the contemporary markets of Tokyo, closely examining the surfaces of current-day pottery. The marks were everywhere. On China tea sets in one market stall he noticed how "one peculiar pattern of lineations would reappear with great persistency, as if the same artist had left her sign-mark on her work." Suddenly it occurred to him that a piece of pottery could be matched to a particular potter by the ridge markings left in the clay. He had begun to suspect that finger-ridge patterns were unique to each individual, the basis for their use in identification. At first, Faulds paid little attention to this detailThe Scottish doctor studied the fingerprints of his friends, his family, his grocers, even the workmen who came to his house. At first, Faulds examined their finger ridges directly, making sketches for his records. Next, he began recording their fingertips in wax. Finally, he hit on the technique of inking the fingertips and recording their impressions on paper. Twenty years earlier, William Herschel, unknown to Faulds, had begun collecting the prints of the thumb and first two fingers of his acquaintances. Now, Faulds began a similar practice, except for one crucial difference-he insisted on inking and printing all ten of his subjects \' fingers, a move that would one day make fingerprint sets easier to differentiate in large criminal registers.Faulds \'s collection of prints swelled to the thousands, but they all came from European and Japanese fingers. He needed a greater variety to determine whether finger-ridge patterns differed from race to race and area to area as he had postulated. In an effort to expand his data, he wrote more than a hundred letters to scientists around the world, asking their assistance in collecting fingerprints and including copies of specially created ten-digit fingerprint forms. Faulds received almost no response. "Some thought I was an advocate of palmistrymost took no notice whatever." Faulds \'s fingerprint studies had come to a dead end.Coincidentally, during this period, the supply of medical alcohol at Faulds \'s hospital, kept in a bottle in a locked cabinet, ran inexplicably low. It had to be restocked again and again before Faulds finally realized that the bottle was emptying itself into some thirsty person \'s gullet. When he found a makeshift cocktail glass in the form of a laboratory measuring beaker, he examined its surface and discovered a nearly complete set of sweaty finger marks. Faulds searched his collection of fingerprint cards for a match, and found one. It belonged to one of his medical students---culprit discovered.At first, Faulds did not recognize the new use of fingerprints he had unwittingly stumbled upon. Then, a month later, someone attempted to burgle the hospital by climbing up a wall and through a window. Local police accused a favorite member of Faulds \'s staff, but the ridge patterns in a sooty handprint found on the wall, Faulds found, did not match those of the accused. He showed his evidence to the police and exonerated the staff member.This time Faulds saw the lighta fingerprint register of habitual criminals would foil their attempts to use false names and get lighter sentences. Faulds \'s conception was similar, in a way, to that of William Herschel, who, unknown to Faulds, had one year earlier introduced fingerprints \' official use in Hooghly, India. Herschel, however, used fingerprints only as a form of signature to authenticate documents. Faulds \'s idea had much farther-reaching ramifications. He realized fingerprints could solve the problem of identification that so troubled the British legal system.Faulds was loath at first to publish his idea. He was plagued by a "most depressing sense of moral responsibility and danger. What if someone were wrongly identified and made to suffer innocently through a defective method? It seemed to me that a great deal had to be done before publicly proposing the adoption of such a scheme." Faulds first set out to prove conclusively that fingerprints were unique to each individual and, second, that they stayed the same throughout the person \'s life.In one experiment, Faulds and his medical students shaved off their finger ridges with razors until no pattern could be traced. The ridges grew back, without exception, in exactly the same patterns. They repeated the experiment, removing the ridges by any number of methods---by "pumice-stone, sand paper, emery dust, various acids, caustics and even Spanish fly"---and each time the results were the same.Next, Faulds studied infants to see if growth affected their fingertip patterns the way it dramatically changed the rest of their bodies. It didn \'t. Over a period of two years, he also examined the hands of large numbers of Japanese children and some thirty-five European children between the ages of five and ten. In no case did the ridge patterns vary. When an epidemic of scarlet fever swept through Japan, causing severe peeling of the skin, Faulds again studied the fingerprints and found no before-and-after change."Enough had been observed," Faulds decided, "to enable me confidently, as a practical biologist, to assert the invariableness, for practical identification purposes, of the patterns formed by the lineations of human finger-tips." Fingerprints were permanent. Meanwhile, the many thousands of fingerprint sets collected and mutually compared by Faulds satisfied him that each person \'s fingerprint set was truly unique. He was finally ready to go public.Faulds \'s first concern was still to spread the study of fingerprints among ethnologists and anthropologists around the world. To this end, he hoped to enlist the aid of his hero Charles Darwin. "I am an ardent student of your writings," he wrote in a letter dated February 1880. "I trust I may venture to address you on a subject of interest. I allude to the rugae and furrows on the palmar surface of the hand." He explained the purpose of his comparative study of fingerprints, but complained that he was short of samples from around the world. He hoped a word or two from Darwin might set researchers working everywhere.Darwin, by 1880, was too old to help. He wrote a letter of apology to Faulds, and promised to send Faulds \'s letter to his cousin, Francis Galton, an esteemed scientist who was interested in using Darwin \'s theories to improve the human race. In April 1880, true to his word, Darwin wrote: "My dear Galton, The enclosed letter may perhaps interest you, as it relates to a queer subject. You will perhaps say hang his impudence. I have written Faulds telling him I could give no help, but have forwarded the letter to you on the chance of its interesting you."Galton replied, saying that "I myself got several thumb impressions a couple of years ago but failed, perhaps from want of sufficiently minute observation, to make any large number of differences. I will do what I can to help Faulds in getting the sort of facts in having an extract from his letter printed." Galton did not keep his word; Faulds never heard from him.The doctor was not deterred. Eight months after writing to Darwin, he published his fingerprint ideas and pleas for further investigation in the pages of the prestigious scientific journal Nature. In his letter in the October 28, 1880, edition, Faulds suggested the use of "bloody finger-marks or impressions on clay, glass, etc." for the "scientific identification of criminals." He also suggested that registers be kept of "the for-ever-unchangeable finger-furrows of important criminals."Faulds \'s letter was the first in the scientific literature to suggest the basic concepts of the fingerprint system of identification as we know it today. Much to Faulds \'s disappointment, it did not spark great scientific discourse. Scientists did not, as Faulds had hoped, fill his mailbox with samples from around the world. Police chiefs did not race to institute his ideas in their departments. In fact, the only notable response was a reply from William Herschel, published about a month later on November 25, 1880, also in Nature. Now back in England, Herschel reported his limited use of fingerprints two years earlier in India as a method of signature. Herschel \'s account of his bureaucratic application of fingerprints did little to further kindle any widespread interest in Faulds \'s ideas.In his frustration, Faulds took it upon himself to write to the chiefs of the major police forces around the world. Patiently, he dispatched letters to New York, London, Paris, among others. His campaign was a lonely one, rarely instigating even the courtesy of a reply. To make matters worse, a second system of scientific criminal identification had been developed by a young clerk named Alphonse Bertillon in Paris. Without knowing it, Faulds ran in a race with Bertillon to see who could be the first to convince a police chief to experiment with his system. Whoever won would from then on be considered the father of scientific identification. <<<Previous PageTop of PageRidges and Furrows Home>>>","null","This Web site was created at www.homestead.com. You can easily build a customized Web site for yourself or your business using our simple Web page building tools.","");arrFiles[22]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/downloads.html","Ridges and Furrows - Digital Image Processing and Analysis Links","Digital Image Processing and Analysis Software users Normal users 7 108 2001-03-19T16:04:00Z 2001-03-19T16:16:00Z 2 715 4081 34 8 5011 9.2720 0 0 Free Image Processing and Analysis SoftwareNote: The following links are suggestedas an introduction to digital image enhancement. The list represents only asmall sampling of the wide assortment of products available. The first group(Public Domain), although not primarily designed for forensic identificationpurposes, can prove very useful. Experiment and enjoy! NIH Image (Mac version) http://rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/ NIH Image is a public domain image processing and analysis program for the Macintosh. Very useful image processing and analysis tool including Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Provides filters for smoothing, sharpening, finding edges and reducing noise in images Can also be extended using Photoshop compatible plug-ins Using a frame grabber card, Image can digitize images from TV cameras, VCRs or video disks Reads and writes TIFF, PICT, PICS and MacPaint files Read more about it here: http://rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/about.html UTHSCSA ImageTool (IT) http://www.uthscsa.edu/dig/itdesc.html Image processing and analysis program for Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or Windows NT. Can read and write over 22 common file formats including BMP, PCX, TIF, GIF and JPEG. Image analysis functions include dimensional (distance, angle, perimeter, area) and gray scale measurements (point, line and area histogram with statistics). Supports standard image processing functions such as contrast manipulation, sharpening, smoothing, edge detection, median filtering and spatial convolutions with user-defined convolution masks. Compatible with Photoshop plug-ins and the Image Processing Tool Kit. Scion Image (Scion Corporation) http://www.scioncorp.com/ Windows (95/98/ME/NT/2000) version of NIH Image above Currently in beta release Extensive image analysis capabilities Full macro language for task automation Must register and login to their site to download free (Public Licence) Scion Image program ImageJ http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/ Yet another version of NIH Image. Written in Java Bills itself as the “the world \'s fastest pure Java image processing program” Features can be found here: http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/features.html CommercialImage Processing and Analysis Software The Image Processing Tool Kit http://members.aol.com/ImagProcTK CD created by Chris Russ and John Russ Comprehensive set of more than 150 plug-in modules for the Macintosh and Windows versions of Photoshop 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 A 350+ page tutorial \"The Image Processing and Analysis Cookbook \" A set of image files that correspond to those in the textbook and tutorial Includes a complete copy of Digital Darkroom version 1.2. Latent Pro (IISI Systems) http://www.iisiltd.com Software program for the capture and enhancement of latent fingerprints Features such as contrast enhancement, digital filtering, image scale, zoom & rotate. In addition, Latent Pro II contains many functions that are unique to forensic imaging. Some of these functions include a FFT interface, the ability to add, remove or modify \"marks \" on the latent print as well as \"tracing \" of the latent Photoshop http://www.adobe.com Powerful image editing features Supports many file formats Wide support for third-party plug-ins You may want to check out PEI Magazine: http://www.peimag.com/site_central.htm for interesting articles and tutorials pertaining to digital photography. Magazine subscriptions available from their site. Also of interest is a tutorial by George Reis on Preparing Courtroom Evidence with Digital Technology. The zipped file may be downloaded at: http://www.peimag.com/peidload/reis.zip Image-Pro Plus http://www.mediacy.com/ippage.htm Considered by many to be the leader in Image Processing and Analysis Software. Uses equalization, background subtraction, correction, and field flattening methods to enhance images. Filtering functions will sharpen, soften, blur, or enhance edges. Separate touching or overlapping objects Execute complex image manipulations that are possible only in the frequency domain with high-speed Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations Examples of Image-Pro Plus in action can be found at: http://www.mediacy.com/apps/enhance.htm << Previous Page &nbsp &nbspRidges and Furrows Home","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[23]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/files/Scientific_Methodology.pdf","Microsoft Word - Scientific Methodology _finalversion.doc","Scientific Methodology and the Friction Ridge Identification Process Mary Beeton, A.F.I.S. Technician Durham Regional Police Service Oshawa, OntarioPlease note that the following is primarily a compilation of ideas and protocols developed by S/Sgt. David Ashbaugh and Pat Wertheim C.L.P.E. with a few modifications based on the author \'s personal preferences. Extensive detail, especially with respect to the `examination of the latent \', has not been provided since the purpose of this document is to provide a friction ridge identification process within a scientific methodology framework. Certain aspects of this proposed scientific methodology may or may not be applicable depending on the level of examiner expertise and each particular `latent to print \' identification process case. According to S/Sgt. David Ashbaugh of the R.C.M.P., the complete friction ridge identification process involves both the application of an  \"identification philosophy and scientific methodology \" in order to determine whether or not an `unknown friction ridge impression \' (herein referred to as a latent) originated from the same source as a `known inked print \' (herein referred to as a print) to the exclusion of all others.[1] David Ashbaugh describes the identification philosophy as,  \"a guide or explanation of how friction ridge quantitative-qualitative analysis is transformed into an opinion of individuality. It describes the friction ridge formations used during analysis and establishes parameters as to how much knowledge one must have to perform such a function. The philosophy of friction ridge identification can be paraphrased with the following statement: Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient [observed] uniqueness to individualize. \" Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification, more commonly referred to as A.C.E.-V., is described by David Ashbaugh as the scientific methodology portion of the entire friction ridge identification process. It should be noted, however, that some do not consider verification as part of the actual identification process.  \"Verification is the identification process repeated in someone else \'s mind. \" [2] The actual identification process involves analysis, comparison and evaluation (A.C.E.) of the latent and known prints by the Latent Print Examiner. Pat A. Wertheim, C.L.P.E. proposes a different approach to this three-step identification process. Mr. Wertheim proposes a `Five-Step \' formula that he states,  \"in essence, is nothing more than an alternative way of explaining the same mental process [as with A.C.E.]. The conclusion reached by the examiner would be the same and verification is still required. But some examiners find the five-step formula easier to understand, easier to apply, and more precise in its explanation to a layperson. \" [2] The following discussion will deal primarily with the `Five-step \' identification approach:1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Examination of the latent. Development of Hypotheses to be addressed. Experimentation. Formation of a Tentative Conclusion. Testing the Conclusion.Let \'s look at each step in detail: 1. Examination of the Latent This step is comparable to the `analysis \' of the latent as in the A.C.E. method. David Ashbaugh describes the analysis stage as  \"intelligence gathering \".1NB:Quite often certain information, such as types of distortion present, are not always obvious in the latent at this stage and may be revealed later on in the friction ridge identification process.Why is a thorough `examination of the latent \' important? Don \'t be fooled by first impressions! (Pun intended.) Even though some latents appear to be of extremely good quality (pores and intrinsic ridge shapes are present in addition to ridge paths being clearly visible) a standard but thorough analysis of the latent may reveal certain not-soobvious factors. These factors may have a huge impact on the examiner \'s `approach \' to the comparison of the latent to the print and eventually his/her evaluation and conclusion of ident or non-ident. Latent Print Examiners beware! Everything isn \'t always as it seems! When obvious distortion is present throughout the latent, a through examination will help the examiner reaffirm in his/her mind what is a friction ridge formation and what is not. If the examiner concludes that certain areas of the latent are affected by or actually caused by distortion, the `examination of the latent \' process will ensure that the expert has the ability to communicate why the latent has a certain appearance. This is especially true for more difficult and complex latents. David Ashbaugh suggests completing the analysis from bottom of the latent to the top (in three dimensional terms):Start with the substrate (surface upon which the print is deposited) Proceed to look at signs in the latent that may indicate the type of matrix (substance that is transferred from the source to the substrate) which resulted in the creation of the actual latent Next, consider the development medium used to enhance the latent Consider noticeable indicators of how the latent was physically transferred onto the substrate (pressure-related distortion, flexibility of skin, handling of substrate). Consider any `red flags \' or any other types of distortion that decrease the clarity and reliability of the information provided by the `apparent \' friction ridge formations or features. Clarity and tolerance levels are considered before proceeding with major ridge path configuration (2nd level detail), intrinsic ridge formations (3rd level detail) and anatomical aspects.  ˇˇˇˇˇNo matter what order you choose to complete the examination of the latent, it is important to follow the same order each and every time. Overlooking one or more steps could result in an inaccurate assessment and therefore impact the remaining steps in the identification process. Even with apparently uncomplicated latents, the steps should be followed as a matter of routine. The more time spent really analyzing latents, the more adept you will become at recognizing significant factors which will contribute to your final conclusion. Suggested Protocol for the Examination of the Latent: Clarity Without question one of the first things considered when analyzing a latent print is clarity. As Latent Print Examiners we often look at so many low clarity impressions that when a high clarity print comes along it is much appreciated. We must realize though that good clarity such as well defined ridge path, edges and incipient ridges, comes to us with the knowledge that our tolerance for any discrepancies between the latent and the print should be at its lowest. If the lack of clarity is accompanied by a lack of quantity of 2nd and 3rd level detail, the examiner may have to rely on alternate information in the print such as creases, incipient ridges or scars in order to make a positive identification. In this situation our tolerance for distortion may be higher but `sufficient detail \' must include a greater quantity of information than if the latent print was clear. The quality of information (lack of, or abundance of, clarity in the latent) is an immediate caution indicator as to 2the `significance \' of the information provided by the latent. The quality and quantity of information in the latent determines whether a positive identification can be effected. Red Flags It is important for Latent Print Examiners to look for the presence of `red flags \' contained within the latent or the surrounding area. Red Flags are abnormalities in the lift and serve as caution indicators. They include but are not limited to:    `Double taps \' or `layered \' friction ridge impressions. Similar shaped ridge path formations in close proximity Matrix smears Colour (tonal) reversals. Inconsistencies in ridge width or general appearance. Light and dark areas. Sudden directional change in ridge flow. Is the appearance of the lift consistent with the surface from which it was lifted?When taken into consideration, red flags will assist the Latent Print Examiner in his/her determination of how much significance, if any, certain areas of the latent will have in the identification process. Development Medium It is important to know what development process was used to enhance the latent. Each development medium has its own catalyst (substance with which the development medium reacts) and signature (the appearance it takes on after reacting with the catalyst). An awareness of these development medium characteristics will assist the examiner in accurately assessing ridge features contained within the latent. Substrate Distortion This is most evident on latents found on surfaces that are uneven or flexible such as serrated knives or plastic surfaces. Substrate distortion can also be found on colour documents such as letters and cheques. Matrix Distortion Matrix is the actual substance deposited by the friction ridges for example, sweat that may be contaminated with oil and dirt. Are characteristics of a `wet \' fingerprint present? According to David Ashbaugh,  \"Water, adhering to the friction ridges between the pores at the time of contact with the substrate, tends to be pressed to the sides of the ridge next to the furrows. This often creates thin matrix lines along each side of the ridge next to the furrows. The resulting print structure has ridge breaks between the pores giving the ridge a dot like appearance. In most cases wet print ridges will appear broken and should only be compared as if they were solid ridges or as second level detail. \" Physical Transfer Distortion (P.T.D.) I consider Physical Transfer Distortion to be any type of distortion caused from physical motion as the matrix was transferred onto the substrate. This could be evident in `thick \' ridges caused by downward pressure of the finger or palm. Lateral or downward swipes originating from the ridge detail area could be indicative of directional movement of the finger or palm shortly after it makes first contact with the substrate. A common example of this would be vertical or horizontal swipes across a surface such as a window being forced open. Flexibility of skin causes physical transfer distortion from normal handling of items such as grasping and holding, or simply anytime the skin comes in contact with an item. In other words, theoretically every latent or print has some form of P.T.D.3Anatomical Aspects The location and direction of the latent on the substrate can provide valuable clues as to the correct orientation of the latent ­ especially if the pattern is not discernable. Correct orientation of the latent will certainly make the experimentation (comparison) process easier. If there is a cluster of prints, it may be possible to determine from which finger the print may have originated. Choose A Target Protocol for Selecting a `Target \' in the Latent:i) ii) iii) iv) v)vi) vii) viii)On or near a `Focal Point \'. On one of the `type \' lines. (diverging ridges of the triradius area) On the innermost recurving or recircuiting ridge. Determine the outer parameters or `defined area \' containing the target. Use any `occasional \' features. (for example: creases and wrinkles, incipient ridges, permanent scars, temporary damage, open fields, warts, circular ridge and dissociated ridges) Determine which finger or palm. `Name \' the target. (more `creative \' names are easier to remember) Draw the target. (aids the memory)Note Taking Pat Wertheim states that,  \"A thorough analysis should be accompanied by the taking of detailed notes describing the latent print. Notes should make reference to all observed distortion factors. Notes may also include reference to the level of clarity present in the print. One might actually draw the target, both as an aid in its memorization and as a part of the description of the latent. On occasion, one may even choose to physically follow or trace the ridges completely throughout the print and draw a representation of the entire latent in the notes. This type of demonstrable analysis lends credence to any subsequent identification. \" 2. Development of Hypotheses to be addressed. This step is self-explanatory. The purpose of stating a hypothesis is to define your goal. There are only three possible hypotheses a Latent Print Examiner needs to address:Latent was left by the same `person of interest \' who provided the inked prints. Latent was left by another person other than the `person of interest \'.Result = Identification Result = Non- IdentificationInsufficient information in the latent or known print (or both) to conclude as to the source of the latent Result = InconclusiveThe three possible conclusions that result from testing the above-mentioned hypotheses help the Latent Print Examiner to answer the question,  \"What is the error rate of fingerprint identification? \" Since the question addresses identifications only, the conclusions one may reach are now limited to: 1) The friction ridge impressions were left by the same source (Ident) or 2) They were not (Non-ident). Therefore, unless the examiner has made a mistake, it will be the correct answer. The exact number of Latent Print Examiner or `human \' errors is unknown. The error rate for the Science of Fingerprint Identification is ZERO.43. Experimentation Experimentation involves going back and forth between the latent and the print, first finding features in the latent (assuming it \'s the most unclear print), then examining the known print for the same formations within tolerance. GENERAL Guidelines for Experimentation (Comparing the Latent with the Inked Print):·At this point, examination (analysis) of the latent is complete and its  \"full detail is fixed in the mind of the expert and all [obvious] factors of distortions have been considered \".· Don \'t take any preconceived thoughts or expectations into the comparison. Don \'t ever  \"get married \" to a specific digit determination or palm print orientation! · Most often the latent is compared to the known print ­ this is assuming that the latent contains less information and detail than the known print. The experimentation process should be carried out such that the poorest quality print is compared to the best quality print. · Use all known prints available i.e. rolled, flats and palms. · Be in an `alert \' state of mind. · Use of a magnification process is recommended. The standard fingerprint glass is most common but may be inadequate for a complete examination of third level detail. · Be alert for `unaccountable differences \'. · Exclude any `formation \' or `feature \' that is not understood but, at the same time, keep an awareness of your tolerances. As these exclusions increase in number your tolerance for them must decrease to the point that too many exclusions must result in a non-ident. · Consciously use all three levels of detail if possible ­ NEVER use only one and ignore other features. It is not valid to use some but not all of the obvious information present. Three Levels of Experimentation Note: Experimentation could begin at Level 1 or Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the total information available in the latent and print.Level 1 -The `overall \' pattern is discernable in the latent. Other  \"overall type \" features such as the presence of incipients, creases, scars may be evident without any magnification. Is there agreement with the known print within tolerance?YES Experimentation continuesNO Experimentation ends Results = Non-IdentLevel 2 ­Observation of 2nd level detail commonly referred to as  \"points \" or  \"major ridge path deviations \".1)Locate the target* in known print. (*Refer back to the examination process if necessary for a detailed explanation of choosing a target.) a. In same location? b. Apply outer parameters. 52)3) 4) 5)6)c. Search target only once, then shift to a different target. i. As far from first target as possible ii. 3 targets or 10 minutes iii. move on to a different latent Target must be within tolerance. Clarity of the prints will dictate your level of tolerance.  \"It is an easy task to understand and to account for the differences in appearance between a print resulting from a light touch and a print resulting from a heavy touch. \" If this were the only difference between the latent and the known print, this difference would be explainable and said to be within tolerance. If the clarity of the latent is good, a target of a small enclosure in the latent where a short ridge is located on the known print would be considered out of tolerance at level two. Search for additional features i.e. bifurcations, ridge endings, dots, enclosures, short ridges, ridge widths. If possible, count the ridges from the triradius to the centre of core and compare with known print. Ridge count must be within tolerance.  \"Run the Ridges \" Establish the route of each friction ridge. This helps to `bring out \' additional friction ridge formations that may have been missed previously. Ashbaugh explains that,  \"Independent ridge paths should be discernable; their flow should be in concert  \". Unless 3rd level detail is visible, ridge breaks should be treated as if the ridge is continual. This is invaluable information for any Latent Print Examiner!  \"Run the Furrows \" Establish the route of the furrows and determine whether or not they are in agreement with the ridges. Is there agreement with the known print within tolerance?YES Experimentation can continue on to Level 3.NO Experimentation stops Result = Non-IdentLevel 3 - Observation of shapes within and along the ridges on close inspection only.1)2) 3)Look for intrinsic ridge shapes, pore shapes and relative one-to-another pore locations if visible (3rd level detail). Poreoscopy Edgeoscopy Is there agreement with the known print within tolerance?YES Experimentation is completeNO Experimentation ends Results = Non-Ident64. Formation of a Tentative Conclusion If you have found substantial agreement of friction ridge formations in sequence between the latent and the print it is now possible to formulate a  \"tentative conclusion \" that the latent came from the same source as the known print. As Pat Wertheim explains,  \"As most experienced Latent Print Examiners will recognize, the comparison does not cease at the first instant the expert reaches a conclusion. In practice, the comparison always continues past this point. The conclusion at the very first is, indeed, tentative. \" 5. Testing the Conclusion Substantial agreement of friction ridge formations in sequence has been established at this point in the identification process, however, using Pat Wertheim \'s words,  \"The examiner continues to search for additional features until it is reliably proven that each time a new feature is found in the latent print, a corresponding feature will exist in the inked print. The continuing comparison, testing the conclusion, is the final step in the [identification] process. The hypothesis is said to be proven and the identification finalized when the examiner has established  \"reliable predictability \" in the relationship of features as they exist in the unknown and known prints. \" Consider the question,  \"At what exact point did you know that you had an identification? \" Based on the `Five-Step \' identification formula the Latent Print Examiner may choose to answer this question as follows:  \"At the moment in time that it was reliably predictable that each isolated feature I selected from the crime scene print could be readily located and found to be sequentially in agreement with the inked print. \"Verification ­ Final Step in a Complete Scientific Methodology Verification occurs when another Latent Print Examiner completes a second independent identification process of the first Latent Print Examiner \'s friction ridge identification. A complete scientific methodology framework includes verification of the initial friction ridge identification and, in some cases, non-identification.  \"Verification is a form of peer review and is part of most sciences. Many organizations erroneously use verification as a method of protecting against errors in place of adequate training. While verification may prevent the occasional error, its purpose is to verify process and objectivity as opposed to only check results. It is also an excellent vehicle for training. \" [1] This step is not to be treated lightly. It is an integral part in establishing friction ridge identification as a `science \'. If the identification process has been adhered to by the initial Latent Print Examiner, a second Latent Print Examiner should be able to independently complete the verification process and arrive at the same conclusion. Independent verification should begin at Step 1 - Examination of the Latent.  \"Without such verification, identification has not been proven to the level required by science. No report should be made of an identification until a second qualified expert has made that verification independently of influence or pressure from any source. \"[2]7Conclusion The  \"Five-Step Formula \" and  \"A.C.E. \" are two established identification processes that outline a series of steps Latent Print Examiners can follow when making a friction ridge identification. Training, knowledge, experience and personal preference will determine which identification process the individual Latent Print Examiner finds most suitable. In light of recent North American court challenges, it has become increasingly important for Latent Print Examiners to be able to articulate the processes followed for each friction ridge identification. The author has further attempted to emphasize that verification is also a process, one that is essential to the concept of  \'good science \'. Taken together, identification and verification processes provide a comprehensive scientific methodology that Latent Print Examiners can apply to current practices. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Terry Smith, Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario and Kasey Wertheim C.L.P.E. of the Mississippi Crime Laboratory, Meridian, MS, U.S.A. for their valuable contributions and encouragement. References 1. Ashbaugh, David,  \"Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, Introduction to Basic Ridgeology \", May 1999 2. Wertheim, Pat A.,  \"Scientific Comparison and Identification of Fingerprint Evidence \", The Print, Volume 16(5), Sept./Oct. 20008","null","null","");arrFiles[24]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/seminars.html","Ridges and Furrows - Training Seminars (Links)","\";document.write(styleSheet);Training SeminarsForensic Identification Training Seminars, LLCA company specializing in training for the Forensic Identification specialist. Offers training in areas such as: Shooting Reconstruction, Digital Imaging, Footwear Comparison, and other topics.CLPEX.comHomePrevious Page <<Previous Page | Top of Page | Ridges and Furrows Home","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[25]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/online_learning.html","Ridges and Furrows - Online Learning","\";document.write(styleSheet);Online LearningRio Hondo College - Latent Fingerprint Online CourseThis course is designed to acquaint experienced field officers with the latest techniques and materials used to locate, process and preserve fingerprints.Athabasca University Information for Prospective StudentsBachelor of Professional Arts - Criminal Justice MajorAmerican Institute of Applied SciencesA Home Study School of Forensic ScienceSt. Petersburg College eCampusOnline Degrees and Certificates from eCampusChoose from more than 200 online or televised college courses in our e-course catalog. SPC \'s eCampus offers classes via distance learning in more than 100 programs of study, with complete online degree and certificate programs in many fields. New courses and programs are being added each semester.Online A.S. Degree - Crime Scene TechnologyThe purpose of the Crime Scene Technology A.S. degree program is to prepare students for employment in the field of criminalistics with a specialty in Crime Scene Technology. The student can serve as, but is not limited to, a Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Photographer, Fingerprint Classification Specialist, Crime Lab Assistant, Investigator/Consultant, Juvenile Assessment Worker, Latent Print Examiner/Trainee, Fire Inspector/Investigator, Forensic Science Specialist and Property and Evidence Personnel. Crime Scene Technologists can be employed by Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies. State Attorneys \' Offices, Public Defenders \' Offices, Medical Examiners \' Offices, law firms and private industry.The content includes, but is not limited to, a working knowledge of all basic tenets in crime scene technology encompassed in the phases of crime scene search, recording, evidence gathering, packaging of evidence and courtroom testimony. The goal is the proper collection of crime scene evidence according to all legal dictates for presentation in court.Reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics and science appropriate for the job preparatory program is provided through vocational classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures and practice.Laboratory and field experiences are an integral part of this program. Students will participate in mock crime scene exercises, moot court hearings and various lab experiences that involve the processing of evidence.HomePrevious PageTop of Page | Ridges and Furrows Home","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[26]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/University_Courses.html","Ridges and Furrows - Education and Training","\";document.write(styleSheet);HomeTraining SeminarsOnline LearningPrevious PageTop of Page | Ridges and Furrows HomeUniversity of TorontoLaurentian UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of Arkansas - FORENSIC SCIENCES EDUCATION CENTERAthabasca University -The Bachelor of Professional Arts program is designed for students who have completed an approved two-year diploma or equivalent from a college or institute of technology. Some students may qualify to earn additional credits through prior learning assessment (PLA). There are four majors offered in the Bachelor of Professional Arts degree. Additions and changes may occur during the Calendar year. Contact the program advisor.University of TorontoLaurentian UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of Arkansas - FORENSIC SCIENCES EDUCATION CENTERAthabasca University -The Bachelor of Professional Arts program is designed for students who have completed an approved two-year diploma or equivalent from a college or institute of technology. Some students may qualify to earn additional credits through prior learning assessment (PLA). There are four majors offered in the Bachelor of Professional Arts degree. Additions and changes may occur during the Calendar year. Contact the program advisor.Top of Page | Ridges and Furrows HomeUniversity & College ProgramsHomeTraining SeminarsOnline LearningPrevious Page","forensics, forensic identification, forensic science, forensic home pages, forensic, fingerprints, friction ridge identification, friction ridges, friction skin, Ridgeology, forensic ridgeology, quantitative qualitative analysis, fingerprint enhancement, fingerprint court cases, forensic journals, forensic imaging, forensic newsletters, forensic associations, forensic training, forensic education, forensic online learning, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, digital imaging, image enhancing, digital image enhancement, latent print development, latent prints, AFIS, A.F.I.S., hand identification technology, DNA analysis, identification associations, certified latent print examiner, forensic learning online, forensic seminars, fast fourier transform, FFT, fingerprint development processes, identification process, Daubert Hearing, volar skin, palmar skin, history of fingerprint identification, fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene","This web site offers an alternative to hours of searching for information about Forensic Science, Ridgeology, AFIS, History and Premises of Fingerprint Identification. Digital Image Enhancement and related legal issues are discussed. Ridges and Furrows Message Board. Additional links to many excellent forensic home pages: Forensic Journals & Associations, Colleges/Universities teaching Forensic Science, Online Courses in Forensics, Crime Scene Investigation, and more!","");arrFiles[27]=new Array("http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/FSG_3.html","FSG_3","\";document.write(styleSheet);<<< Previous Page | Scientific Research | Persistency of Friction Skin | Home >>>Previous PageTop of PageHomePersistency of Friction SkinHistology research has provided us with knowledge of skin cell regeneration and growth. The deepest layer of epidermal cells (Stratum Basale) receive nourishment and oxygen from the capillaries in the dermis. This makes it possible for these cells to reproduce and grow. These cells are constantly reproducing and therefore new cells push the older cells further and further away from their source of nourishment and closer to the skin surface. As they migrate to the skin surface they are constantly changing - the result of a process called keratinization. They fill up with the protein keratin - a material that limits water loss from the body. When they eventually reach the skin surface - after approximately 30 days - they are flattened dead skin cells that are \'sloughed off \'. Friction skin persistency is attained as a result of this constant cycle of cell reproduction, growth and migration. HomeTop of PagePrevious PageFriction Skin Growth<<< Previous Page | Scientific Research | Persistency of Friction Skin | Home >>>Major Ridge Path ConfigurationMajor ridge path formations are sometimes referred to as 1) Ridge endings (ridges that end abruptly) 2) Bifurcations (ridges that appear to split apart and continue on as two ridges) 3) Enclosures (ridges that appear to split in two and then rejoin) 4) Short ridges (consist of at least two ridge units) and 5) Ridge dots (only one ridge unit). Others have been known to disagree with this and have stated that only two major ridge path formations actually extist - ridge \'endings \' and \'bifurcations \'. Everything else is just a derivative of these.As David Ashbaugh explains in his book entitled "Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis"..."A major ridge path deviation does not develop in isolation. Other ridge formations must develop around it and in concert with it. Therefore all major ridge path deviations display interaction with surrounding ridges." (An extremely important point for the Friction Ridge Identification Specialist to remember when analyzing friction ridge prints.)","null","null","");fileNum=28;