Friction Ridge Comparisons
The Forensic Scientists analyze fingerprints and palm prints recovered from crime scenes. Their main goal is to identify the person that left the print. Human friction ridge skin is found on the fingers, palms and feet. Friction ridge skin can be used as a means of identification because human friction ridges are unique and persistent, human friction ridge skin arrangements are unique and persistent and a positive identification can result from comparisons of friction ridge skin impressions containing sufficient quality (clarity) and quantity of friction ridge detail. Forensic Scientists that conduct latent print comparisons use AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) to search prior records in the database to determine the closest candidates to the entered print. Forensic Scientists that work in the latent print discipline also perform comparisons using the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification process to try to determine an identification of a fingerprint. The Forensic Scientists also testify in court to explain and support their findings.