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Fingerprint Training

NCJ Number
150242
Date Published
1991
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Because more than 100,000 felony arrests are made yearly in Michigan and fingerprint identification represents crucial evidence in apprehending criminals who might otherwise escape detection and identification, police officers should be properly trained in how to obtain good, clear impressions.
Abstract
Training should demonstrate proper procedures in obtaining acceptable fingerprints and palm prints and in completing fingerprint cards. Objectives and guidelines are presented for police fingerprint training, as well as necessary materials and equipment. Specific procedures are described for rolling the fingers, obtaining plain and special impressions, and taking palm prints. Common problems and possible corrections in the fingerprinting process are noted. Functions of Michigan's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in fingerprint search processing are identified, and links between AFIS and other automated information systems are discussed. A list of crime class codes is appended. 10 illustrations