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This information exchange forum is provided for latent print examiners to exchange information regarding our discipline.  Below you will find information that is available free of charge.  But there is one catch... in exchange for information, we would like more information!  If you have an article that is currently not available (unpublished manuscripts, interesting transcripts, new articles, etc.) please consider submitting for posting on this site.  The goal of this exchange forum is to provide examiners with more information than previously available, and with the help of those who access this exchange for their own use, growth will be maximized.  Thank you in advance for your contributions.  Enjoy!  (Submit articles to KaseyWertheim@aol.com)

Click on the subject category below to see a list of related online information

History of the Science of Fingerprints
Training New Examiners
Skin Structure and en-uterine Formation (Permanence and Individuality, Genetic Influence)
Latent Print Chemistry (Constituents, Residue, Age Determination)
Fingerprint Development Techniques / Photography
Latent Prints on Skin
Latent Print Digital Issues: Imaging / Storage / Enhancement
Comparison and Identification of Prints
LiveScan / AFIS
Footwear / Tiretracks
Identification Philosophy and Theory, Statistics and Probability
Scientific Issues (Methodology, Scientific Process)
Non Friction Ridge Skin Print Comparison and Identification
Ethical Issues (Forgery, Fabrication, Morality)
Standards and Quality Assurance (Certification, SWGFAST)
QA/QC (Aptitude Testing, Applicant Screening, Proficiency Testing)
Legal Issues (Daubert, Frye)
Courtroom Testimony

Click on the subject category below to search a databases of latent print related references

Ernie Hamm's FINGERPRINT INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History of the Science of Fingerprints

History Overviews

History of Fingerprints, ONIN.com

The Last and the First Clason, Dick, S.C.A.F.O.  

Fingerprints and Palmer Dermatoglyphics, Short history section 
followed by some very interesting reading. by Edward D. Campbell, (Palmist).  Hmmmmm...


Pioneers

Early Fingerprint Pioneers, Ridgesandfurrows, Mary Beeton

Fingerprints, (Faulds biography), Book, © 2001 by Colin Beavan

A website about Francis Galton (Including facsimiles of all his articles related to fingerprints), http://www.mugu.com/galton

Pearson's Biography on Francis Galton, Personal Identification chapter
http://www.mugu.com/galton/
 

Fingerprint History Books
All made available by
Gavan Tredoux http://www.mugu.com/galton/
 http://www.galton.org

Francis Galton, Finger Prints
(Macmillan: London, 1892)
 Complete PDF Facsimile. (~7 MB)
http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Francis Galton, Decipherment of Blurred Finger Prints
(Macmillan: London, 1893)
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~9 MB)
 http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Francis Galton, Fingerprint Directories
(Macmillan: London, 1895)
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~7.8 MB)
 http://www.mugu.com/galton/

 E. R. Henry,  Classification and Uses of Fingerprints
(Routledge: London, 1900).
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~4.5 MB)
http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Henry Faulds, Guide to Fingerprint Identification 
(Wood, Mitchell and Co., 1905).
Complete PDF Facsimile (~3.5MB)
 http://www.galton.org

Francis Galton, Memories of My Life
(Macmillian: London, 1908)
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~15 MB)
 http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Henry Faulds, Dactylography, or the Study of Finger-prints
(Halifax, Milner and Co.: London, 1912).
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~ 7.5 MB)
http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Sir William Herschel, The Origin of Finger-Printing
(Oxford University Press: London, 1916).
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~ 2.8 MB)
http://www.mugu.com/galton/

Henry Faulds, A Manual of Practical Dactylography
(Police Review: London, 1923).
Complete PDF Facsimile. (~ 9.5 MB)
http://www.mugu.com/galton/


Articles of History

On the Skin-Furrows of the Hand, Faulds, 1880

Skin Furrows of the Hand, Herschel, 1880 

Personal Identification and Description Galton, Francis,  S.C.A.F.O.  
 

General Articles on Fingerprint History

People v. Jennings: A Significant Case in American Fingerprint History. Mark Acree, S.C.A.F.O.

A Confession for Science.  Anonymous , S.C.A.F.O.

The Fingerprint Was Mighter Than The Sword.  Anonymous,  S.C.A.F.O.

Mary E. Holland, America's First Fingerprint Instructor. Russel Bradford, S.C.A.F.O..

Defense Counsel Tries to Discredit Finger-Print Evidence -- Two Famous
Experts Testify in Sensational Louisiana Trial Cooke, T. G., S.C.A.F.O.

Finger Prints Found at the Scenes of Crime

How to Photograph and Prepare Exhibits for Production in Court Henry, Edward R. Sir, S.C.A.F.O.

A Fingerprint Fable: The Will and William West Case Olsen, Robert D. Sr., S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training New Examiners

Fingerprints: What Can and Can Not Be Done McRoberts, Alan L., S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin Structure and Fetal Formation 
(Permanence and Individuality, Genetic Influence)

Dr. William Babler's articles on Epidermal Ridge Formation (10 articles with abstracts)

Skin Structure (with excellent cross-section images), Ridgesandfurrows, Mary Beeton

Friction Skin Growth  (and pattern formation), Ridgesandfurrows.com, Mary Beeton

Born Without Fingerprint Patterns.  Bateman, Linda,  S.C.A.F.O.

Cloned" Primates and the Possibility of Identical Fingerprints. Brandon, Mary, Kathy Egli, and Astrid Unander,  S.C.A.F.O.

Loss of Ridged Skin Before Birth Cummins, Harold Ph. D., S.C.A.F.O.

Inherited Characteristics in Fingerprints (or Theory of Relativity) Jones, Thomas, S.C.A.F.O.

Can Two Identical Ridge Patterns Actually Occur--Either on Different Persons or on the Same Person? Mairs, G. Tyler, S.C.A.F.O.

 Disease Inheritance and Race Determination by Fingerprints McBride, Donald F., S.C.A.F.O.

Nature Never Repeats Itself McRoberts, Alan L., S.C.A.F.O.

Digit Abnormalities Parker, Charles, S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latent Print Chemistry (Constituents, Residue, Age Determination)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latent Print Development / Photography Techniques

Processing Guide for developing latent fingerprints, US Department of Justice, 2000
the Liquinox solution to processing ADHESIVES for latent prints

Handiprint In Post Mortem Fingerprinting.  Aggelopoulos, Katrina,  S.C.A.F.O.

Factors Affecting the Recovery of Latent Prints on Firearms.
Barnum, Clive A. and Darrell R. Klasey,

Presumptive Testing for Blood on a Patent Print Developed with Amido Black.  Bentley, Stephen, S.C.A.F.O.
A Black Powder Method To Process Adhesive Tapes.  Bratton, Robin,  S.C.A.F.O.

Fluorescein As A Suitable Replacement for Luminol As A Latent Blood Detection System Cheeseman, Rob, S.C.A.F.O.

Vacuum Metal Deposition `It's Value in Developing Archival Prints DiMeo, Lisa, S.C.A.F.O.

A Simple Photo Scale for Transmitted Light Photography Donnelly, Diane L., S.C.A.F.O.

Fluorescent Gentian Violet Jumper, A. J., S.C.A.F.O.

Ardrox Dye Stain of A Cyanoacrylate Ester Fume Developed Latent Print Presents Specific Photographic Problems  Maberry, Joe, S.C.A.F.O.

Procedure to Develop Latent Prints on Thermal Paper McMahon, Pierre, S.C.A.F.O.

Lueco Crystal Violet: A Simple, Effective Blood Enhancement Reagent Miller, Robert A. Jr., S.C.A.F.O.

You Don't Know Until You Try Parker, Charles, S.C.A.F.O.

Homemade Solution for Processing Latent Prints on the Adhesive Side of Tape   Nelson, Janet, S.C.A.F.O.

Ring Light: What is it Good For! Shipman, James G., S.C.A.F.O.

Effects of Fire on Fingerprint Evidence Spawn, Mark, S.C.A.F.O.

An Alternative Method of Photographing Cyanoacrylate Developed Latent Prints 

On Clear Plastic Material   Spjut, Scott, S.C.A.F.O.
Vacuum Metal Deposition Todd, Steve, S.C.A.F.O.

Vacuum Metal Deposition Puts Pressure On Unsolved Homicide Cases Todd, Steve, S.C.A.F.O.

The Value of Multiple Lifts  Yount, Susan, S.C.A.F.O.

Latent Print Development On Paper Towels   Schell, Alison, S.C.A.F.O.

Processing Tape with Titanium Dioxide (Tio2)  by Dave Wade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latent Prints on Skin

  Hidden Evidence: Latent Prints on Human Skin  by Ivan Futrell, 1996

Latent Print Examination of Skin, ONIN.com, Ed German

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latent Print Digital Issues: Imaging / Storage / Enhancement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparison and Identification of Prints

Ridgeology, by David Ashbaugh

Poreoscopy.  Ashbaugh, David R.,  S.C.A.F.O.

The Team? - Objectivity in Latent Print Examinations, Wes Sossomon

Fingerprints Do Not Lie.  Anonymous,   S.C.A.F.O.

Poroscopy: An Overview Czarnecki, Eugene, S.C.A.F.O.

The Fingerprint Science and Ridgeology Kuhn, Kurt E., S.C.A.F.O.

Fingerprints: What Can and Can Not Be Done McRoberts, Alan L., S.C.A.F.O.

The Examination of Fingerprints McRoberts, Alan L., S.C.A.F.O.

Finger Prints Identify 13 of 15 Bodies Recovered from Devasting California Flood  Snare, William A., S.C.A.F.O.

Fundamentals of Fingerprint Examination Speaks, Howard A., S.C.A.F.O.

Friction Ridge Identification Process - Proposed Scientific Methodology  Beeton, Mary, The Detail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LiveScan / AFIS

Latent Possibilities, Processing crime scene prints through IAFIS network  
U.S. DOJ, FBI, S.C.A.F.O.

 New standards enable nationwide searches of crime scene prints  
U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, S.C.A.F.O.

  AFIS, It's Future  Bonino, Joseph, S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Footwear and Tire-track Examinations

Footwear, The Missed Evidence Hilderbrand, Dwane S., S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identification Philosophy and Theory, Statistics and Probability

From Galton Points to ACE-V: One Examiners Journey  Sandra Wiese, CO

 Points of Identity in Latent Prints Hoover, John Edgar, S.C.A.F.O.

A Review of the Sixteen Points Fingerprint Standard in England and Wales Evett, I. W. and R. L. Williams, S.C.A.F.O.
Opinion vs. Conclusion Jones, Thomas S.C.A.F.O.

Identification Standards - The Quest for Excellence Leo, William F., S.C.A.F.O.

Is Friction Ridge Identification a Science McRoberts, Alan L., S.C.A.F.O.

What Are You Doing To Help? Saviers, Kathleen, S.C.A.F.O.

Scientific Comparison and Identification of Fingerprint Evidence  Wertheim, Pat, S.C.A.F.O.

Fingerprint Identification: Craft or Science?  The Why Files,  S.C.A.F.O.

Is Fingerprint Identification a "Science"?  Andre Moenssens,  Forensic-Evidence.com

Fingerprint Identification...More On "Is It A Science?"  Forensic-Evidence.com


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scientific Issues (Methodology, Scientific Process)

Scientific Principles of Friction Ridge Analysis, by Tom Ferriola

Friction Ridge Identification, Ridgesandfurrows, Mary Beeton

What is Science? The Dilemman of Fingerprint Science Revisited.   Acree, Mark A.,

The Importance of Standards in Forensic Science.  Almiral, Jose R. and Kenneth G. Furton,  S.C.A.F.O.

Separating Fingerprint Fact From Fiction.   Allen, Sharon,   S.C.A.F.O.

Bad Science, Garrison, Dean H., S.C.A.F.O.

Friction Skin Identification - A Scientific Approach Leo, William F., S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Friction Ridge Skin Print Comparison and Identification

 Ear Print Identification State v. David Wayne Kunze, Legal decision

Palmar Flexion Crease Identification - Precedent Trial Testimony Cron, James G., S.C.A.F.O.

 Footprint Comparison: Newborn Jones, Thomas, S.C.A.F.O.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethical Issues (Forgery, Fabrication, Morality)

Do The `Facts' Tell the Whole Story? Monsoor, Doug, S.C.A.F.O.

There’s Nane Ever fear'd that the Truth Should be Heard But They Whom the Truth Would Indite Iain McKie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standards and Quality Assurance (Certification, SWGFAST)

Technical Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology  
Simons, Allyson A., S.C.A.F.O.

Quality in Australian Forensic Science
Shaheen Bibi Aumeer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QA/QC (Aptitude Testing, Applicant Screening, Proficiency Testing)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Issues (Daubert, Frye)

Defense Challenge to Fingerprints by Lisa Steele, reprinted with permission from the Criminal Law Bulletin, Vol. 40 Number 3
Daubert Page, ONIN.com, Ed German

The Daubert Card, CLPEX.com, Steve Scarborough and Ray York

Daubert Page, LAPDA.org
U.S. v. Mitchell page, CLPEX.com

Daubert and Fingerprints: The United States of America v. Bryan C. Mitchell, Dave Grieve

Daubert and Error Rate in Fingerprint Testimony, Kasey Wertheim

The Importance of the Lack of Fingerprints - A Challenge to the Prosecution.   Anonymous,  S.C.A.F.O.

Defending Against The Critics Curse, an original CLPEX.com article by Glenn Langenburg

MORE CRITICS INFORMATION

Simon Cole
   NY v. Hyatt testimony transcripts, 2002
    Delaware v. Cole, 2002
    Cole Court Decision

    More Than Zero

James Starrs
    Arizona v. Rodriguez testimony transcripts

Robert Epstein
    AFD Newsletter article "Just How Reliable is Fingerprint Evidence"
     So. CA Law Rev. "Fingerprints Meet Daubert: The Myth of Fingerprint "Science" is Revealed"

Risinger, Rosenthal, Saks, and Thompson "The Daubert/Khumo Implications of Observer Effects in Forensic Science: Hidden Problems of expectation and Suggestion"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Courtroom Testimony