NCJ Number
218565
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2007 Pages: 370-377
Date Published
May 2007
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes a method for rejoining segmented latent fingerprints.
Abstract
Many times, investigators find latent fingerprints that are on folded plastic bags, folded papers, or similar surfaces that effectively separate the fingerprint. Forensic investigators must rejoin these fingerprints like a puzzle in order to aid analysis. The method presented here uses digital imaging to create different image layers with Adobe Photoshop in order to rejoin the fingerprints for AFIS searching purposes. The method involves taking a high-resolution digital image of the entire latent print. The Polygonal Lasso tool is recommended for this purpose. Next, the images, which should be of the same resolution and mode, can be combined to form one fingerprint image. The procedure should be performed in consultation with an experienced fingerprint examiner. The authors tested the tolerance of the Israeli Police AFIS to misalignments of the ridge detail and found that the tolerance of the AFIS to puzzle rejoining distortions is quite large and thus can be used with the method described. Contact information is presented for further information. Figures, table, references