NCJ Number
238148
Journal
Identification Canada Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 84-91
Date Published
December 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article provides instruction in procedures that will improve the quality and completeness of fingerprint impressions submitted to Canada's Forensic Identification Specialists (FIS) and the nation's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Abstract
The author advises that the identification and classification of fingerprints rely not only on the quality of the fingerprints found at the crime scene, but also on the quality of the impressions taken from a suspect and recorded on the C-216 form. The article notes some common causes of poorly recorded suspect fingerprints. These include rolled fingerprints that are not fully rolled from one side of the nail to the other; creases of digits that are not placed just above the bottom line of the respective box; insufficient ink or too much ink; fingerprints obliterated by smudging or excess ink; and hands or fingers that are still wet or dirty. The article also provides instruction in how to obtain a suspect's or offender's palm prints, which contain friction ridges and have the same identification power as fingerprints. One section of the article describes the procedure for obtaining supplementary prints. In some cases, notably major cases, the author recommends that supplementary fingerprints be taken in addition to the traditional C-216 and palm prints. Supplementary prints consist of legible and completely recorded finger tips, rolled from one side of the nail to the other, as well as completely recorded lower joints of the fingers, including the extreme sides. The use of white bond paper firmly attached to a table is suitable, and each digit is to be marked in order to indicate the digit being recorded. The article concludes with suggestions on how to correct some common issues with fingerprint impressions recorded on the C-216. 2 references