CA or CAE Cyanoacrylate Ester (superglue). An adhesive used in a fuming method to develop friction ridge detail. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
See Cyanoacrylate Ester.
CARDPACT An acronym that stands for "Combined Advanced Ridgeology, Demystifying Palm Prints, and Comparison Techniques". This was an advanced class taught by the most prominent experts in the latent print community; Pat Wertheim, David Ashbaugh, David Grieve, and Ron Smith.
CAS Competency Assessment Services Ltd.
CFRE Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars.
CFSO The Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations. The consortium is composed of the IAI, the AAFS, ASCLD, NAME (the National Association of Medical Examiners), ASCLD-LAB, and FQS.
CIS Canadian Identification Society.
CJIS Criminal Justice Information Services Division. The CJIS Division was established in Feb. 1992 to serve as the focal point and central repository for criminal justice information services in the FBI. It is the largest Division within the FBI. Programs that were initially consolidated under the CJIS Division include the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), and Fingerprint Identification. In addition, responsibilities for several ongoing technological initiatives were also transferred to the CJIS Division, including the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), NCIC 2000, and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/about.htm
C.R. Crown to Rump. This abbreviation is used to illustrate the length of a fetus during friction ridge development.
CRFP Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners. A United Kingdom organization that started in 2001 and closed March 31, 2009 due to financial issues.
CSI Effect The effect on jurors of watching the forensic science shows offered on television. After watching these television shows, the ‘CSI effect’ claims that jurors expectations of what evidence should be produced at trial are now higher. Jurors may now feel that if forensic evidence isn’t produced in a trial, the police and prosecutors didn’t do their jobs adequately. Due to these shows, jurors also have unrealistic ideas of what scientific techniques are available and how likely it is to find forensic evidence.
CSS Crime Scene Search. A filter for an alternate light source. This wavelength works well for an overall crime scene search to visualize different types of trace evidence.
CTS Collaborative Testing Services.
CV See Curriculum Vitae.
Cadmium Chloride A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed latent prints. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Calcar Area Area located at the heel of the foot. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Wentworth and Wilder refer to the Calcar pattern as extremely rare. It occurs on the heel of the foot usually in the form of a single loop opening inwards.
Caldwell, Harry H. (1872-1957) An inspector for the Oakland Police Department who founded the IAI in 1915 and was elected president of the organization for the first six years.
Canadian Identification Society An organization founded in 1978 with the goal as having a place where experts could discuss mutual problems and exchange scientific & technical information that would enhance identification work in Canada. http://www.cis-sci.ca/HistoryCIS.asp
The charter members of the CIS were Lloyd Dunham, Christopher Tiller, Howard Hall, Clayton Bigras, Roger Remillard, Richard Jordon, Allen Wrenshall, Donald Braithwaite, Harold Tuthill, Donald Guttman, and Ronald Duck. Honorary Members were Judge Rene J. Marin, Deputy Commissioner A.C. Potter and David C. Day Q.C. The Canadian Identification Society publishes a quarterly journal called “Identification Canada”.
Carpal Delta Area Area of the palm containing a delta formation nearest the wrist. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Carlsson, Kjell Pronounced Shell Carlsson. Kjell Carlsson was employed with the Swedish National Forensic Lab for 10 years before working as a Forensic Scientist for the Stockholm Police Crime Laboratory, where he's been since 1975. Additionally he founded a research and development company, Kjell Carlsson Innovation, aimed at improving forensic tools. Among his most valuable inventions are Mikrosil, Wetwop, the Electrostatic Dust Lifter, the Electrostatic Vacuum Box, the Versa Light Box, and Snow Print Wax.
Catalyst A substance, usually used in small amounts relative to the reactants, that modifies and increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process. The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=catalyst 03-08-2004
Cella, Cesare J. See People v. Crispi.
Certainty A measurement of ones state of mind with reference to truth. An amount of confidence.
See Accuracy.
Certified An endorsement by an influential organization stating you've met certain requirements and are officially recognized as being qualified in a particular field.
Chacko, L.W. Wrote "The Dermal Papillae and Ridge Patterns in Human Volar Skin" in 1968 with M.C.Vaidya.
Chamberlain, Paul Paul Chamberlain is a forensic scientist and scientific advisor for fingerprints with the Forensic Science Service (FSS), a major UK provider of forensic services. Paul has over 22 years experience in fingerprint detection and comparison. He started his career with the London Metropolitan Police before taking senior roles in two provincial police forces. He joined the FSS in 2000 initially working on the expansion of fingerprint services. He continues to undertake case work but is also involved in a number of projects. In addition to being involved with the probabilistic approach to fingerprint comparisons these include proficiency trials and case interpretation strategies. Paul is the Chair of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) European Fingerprint Working Group and leads on the production of their Fingerprint Best Practices Manual.
Champod, Dr. Christophe Christophe Champod is Professor of forensic science at the school of criminal sciences / Institut de Police Scientifique, University of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has strong interest in statistical and inferential issues in identification evidence and has written articles on the frequency distribution of friction skin characteristics. In 2004, Christophe Champod co-wrote "Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions" with Chris Lennard, Pierre Margot and Milutin Stoilovic. He is also an invited member of the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology.
Characteristics Features of the friction ridges. Commonly referred to as minutiae, points, or ridge formation morphologies. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Distinctive aspects within friction ridges.
Aka Features.
Characteristics, types of (not a complete list) Ending ridge Fork or bifurcation Island Dot Bridge Spur Double bifurcation Trifurcation Short ridge Warts
Charlton, David Ashley James (April 18, 1963-present) Dave Charlton is an internationally recognized latent print expert from the United Kingdom. He began his career in 1987 and has since been involved in many aspects of latent print work including promoting worldwide communication within our industry, developing and implementing updated practices and procedures, as well as research.
Dave Charlton is an active member in several professional organizations. Since 2001, he has been the editor of Fingerprint Whorld, the educational and peer review journal of The Fingerprint Society and has been one of the principle organizers of several Fingerprint Society sponsored national conferences. He’s a member of “the Third Level Detail Sub-Group”, formed by the Association of Chief Police Officers to investigate the potential use of third level detail within the identification process. He is also an active member of the IAI, and sits on the editorial review board and the latent print subcommittee. He has authored several papers and given many presentations at educational conferences. From 1995 to 1999, Dave Charlton was instrumental in the development and implementation of the United Kingdoms National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, known as NAFIS.
Currently, Mr. Charlton is working for the Sussex Fingerprint Bureau. He spends much of his time collaborating with others in researching the cognitive aspects and psychological influences on the latent print decision making process. His most recent findings have been presented in the following publication, Dror, I.E., Peron, A. E., Hind, S.L., & Charlton, D. When emotions get the better of us: The effect of contextual top-down processing on matching fingerprints. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 2005.
In April 2006, Dave Charlton resigned as Chair of the Fingerprint Society as well as from the committee.
Chatterjee, Sri Salil Kumar(1903 or 1904-Sept. 12, 1988) Salil K. Chatterjee, of India, is recognized for developing edgeoscopy in 1962. He is also recognized as developing the only practical soleprint classification system.
Cheiloscopy The study of lip prints.
Chemical Hazard Chemical agent or condition that constitutes a hazard. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Chiridia Hands and feet. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Chiridium Hand or foot. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Chiroscopy Examination of the hand (i.e. palms).
Circular Reasoning Circular reasoning is the term for the error in logic of using the conclusion that you’re trying to prove as part of the proof itself. Basically this is using the hypothesis as a proven principle to support itself.
Citric Acid Chemical used in the preparation of Physical Developer and other friction ridge development reagents. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Clandestine Kept or done in secret, often in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=clandestine 09-17-2004
Clarity Visual quality of a friction ridge impression. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Clearness, i.e., how well friction skin ridge detail is recorded in a print. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Class Characteristics Characteristics used to put things into groups or classes, e.g., arches, loops, whorls. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Class characteristics are features that will be the same for every member of a group, i.e. all whorls have at least 2 delta formations, as opposed to individual characteristics.
Classical Probability A finite number of outcomes.
See Empirical Probability and Subjective Probability.
Classification The act of categorizing items into groups. This could include labeling fingerprints as an arch, a loop, or a whorl; could include labeling parts of a palm print as interdigital, thenar, or hypothenar; or could be the process of using an alpha-numeric system to categorize prints.
Alpha numeric formula of finger and palmprint patterns used as a guide for filing and searching. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Classification Systems The Henry Classification System - developed by Henry in the late 1800's. Icnofalangometric System - the original name of the system developed by Vucetich in 1891. Dactiloscopy - the new name of the system developed by Vucetich. The Oloriz System of Classification - developed by Oloriz. Identakey - developed in the 1930's by G. Tyler Mairs. The American System of Fingerprint Classification - developed by Parke in 1903. The Conley System. The Flak-Conley System - developed in 1906 in New Jersey, an improved Conley System. NCIC Fingerprint Classification System. Collins System – a classification system for single fingerprints used in Scotland Yard in the early 1900’s. Jorgensen System – a classification system for single fingerprints used in the early 1900’s. Battley System - a classification system for single fingerprints used in the 1930’s.
Clean Delta A term popularized by Ron Smith to describe the delta in the interdigital area that is below the index finger. The angles of this delta are usually evenly spaced. This is referred to as the 'clean delta' because it is usually the clearest and most legible.
Clear Layer of Epidermis See Stratum Lucidum.
Clerical Error The failure to transcribe the intended information correctly on a document.
Cluster Prints More than one print grouped together. These may or may not have been deposited simultaneously.
See Simultaneous Impressions.
Cognition The mental process of knowing, including aspects such as awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cognition 06-08-2005
Cognitive Bias Influences that may affect the reliability and validity of one’s observations and conclusions. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Cognitive Influences Influences that direct decision-making. The two cognitive influences are bottom-up and top-down influences.
Cognitive Researchers Dr. Itiel Dror David Charlton
Ralph Haber Lyn Haber
Dr. Thomas A. Busey John R. Vanderkolk
Dean Bertram Jon S. Byrd
Cole, Dr. Simon A. (1967-present) Dr. Simon A. Cole is an Assistant Professor in the School of Ecology at the University of California, Irvine, Department of Criminology, Law and Society. Some people refer to Dr. Simon Cole as a fingerprint critic. In 2001, Dr. Cole wrote the article, ‘The Myth of Fingerprints’ and the book, ‘Suspect Identities’. Dr. Cole questions the accuracy of fingerprint identifications.
Colloidal Gold A reagent that reacts with amino acids to develop friction ridge detail. Colloidal Gold produces a weak colored print and usually needs additional enhancement. Colloidal Gold is the initial suspension in the multimetal deposition process.
Color Reversal See Tonal Reversal.
Colored Superglue In 2006, Avery L. Smith, a 7th grader at Raney Intermediate Middle School in Corona, California did a science fair project to test different ways of coloring superglue for easier visualization. She found that coloring the superglue with a pink highlighter prior to heating the superglue made the latent images glow under a black light. In addition to the science fair project, she presented this information at the 2007 IAI Conference in San Diego, published it in “The Print” and in “Forensic Magazine”.
In 2006, Mountain State University received an NIJ grant that, under the guidance of David Weaver, will research dyed superglue for better visualization.
Commonwealth v. Terry L. Patterson See State of Massachusetts v. Patterson. ‘Commonwealth v. Terry L. Patterson’ is the official name of this court case.
Comparator A split image projection screen used to view fingerprint images. Invented by William Russell-Turner.
Comparison The second step of the ACE-V method. The observation of two or more impressions to determine the existence of discrepancies, dissimilarities, or similarities. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
The act of comparing or finding likenesses or differences. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
More definitions listed under ACE-V.
Competency Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform a specific task. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Complex Examinations The encountering of uncommon circumstances during an examination; for example, the existence of high distortion, low quality or quantity, the possibility of simultaneity, or conflicts among examiners. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars The new name for major case prints (proposed in 2006). This name change is designed to describe what’s actually being recorded and eliminate misunderstandings associated with the term major case prints.
A systematic recording of all friction ridge detail appearing on the palmar sides of the hands. This includes the extreme sides of the palms; and joints, tips, and sides of the fingers. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Conclusion A result stemming from examining and assessing the totality of objective data, removing and/or limiting as much human interpretation as possible.
See Opinion and Determination.
Conclusions for Comparisons The formal observations seen or recorded during a comparison may indicate one of the following conclusions:
Individualization (has consistency and sufficiency to establish individualization) Match (could be consistent but not sufficient for establishing individualization) Inconclusive-No identification or exclusion has been established. -Incomplete. Exemplars don’t include the area the latent print was left from (tips, palms, etc), different exemplars may change conclusion. -Incomplete. Exemplars don’t include the detail in the latent print (level 3 detail), different exemplars may change conclusion. -No identification effected. This may be due to time constraints, abilities, etc. -Consistent but not sufficient. Features are consistent but not sufficient for individualization. The latent print can not be individualized to the exemplars and the exemplars cannot be excluded as the donor. Exclusionary value only. -Generally consistent but not sufficient. The majority of the characteristics are consistent or similar but an unexplained dissimilarity exists and the characteristics that are consistent aren’t sufficient to establish an individualization. No identification effected (may not indicate an exclusion) Exclusion (not left by a subject) No value for identification (may have exclusionary value) No value for comparison (no value for identification or exclusion) No value for determining simultaneity
Some reasons for ‘no value’ may be that a print lacks quality, quantity, clarity, or reliability.
Conclusive Serving to end doubt or uncertainty. Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary, Office Edition. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co. Copyright 1984, Berkley Addition.
Expressing finality with no implication of possible change; "an absolute (or unequivocal) quarantee to respect the nation's authority"; "inability to make a conclusive (or unequivocal) refusal". WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=conclusive 03-09-2003
Confirmation Bias A form of selective thinking that involves focusing on data that confirms preconceived expectations while ignoring data that doesn’t confirm ones beliefs.
To compensate for this natural human tendency the scientific method is constructed so that we must try to disprove our hypotheses. http://www.fact-index.com/c/co/confirmation_bias.html 07-14-2004
The tendency to search for data or interpret information in a manner that supports one’s preconceptions. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Conflict A difference of conclusion that becomes apparent during the application of an examination methodology. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Conflicting Conclusions Failure of the verification process to result in confirmation of a prior conclusion constitutes a conflicting conclusion. Three types of conflict can occur: 1) individualization versus exclusion, 2) individualization versus inconclusive or 3) exclusion versus inconclusive. SWGFAST - Quality Assurance Guidelines for Latent Print Examiners, (9/28/06 ver 3.0)
Congenital Of or relating to a condition that is present at birth, as a result of either heredity or environmental influences. The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=congenital 06-11-03
Connective Ambiguity A phrase first used by David Stoney to refer to minutia that cannot be specifically determined due to distortion (as with a bifurcation or a ridge ending). Although a characteristic itself may be ambiguous, its existence can be determined by the features of the surrounding ridges. Minutia with connective ambiguity will be given less weight than clearly visible minutia.
Constellation Method See Pincushion Method.
Consultation A significant interaction between examiners regarding one or more impressions in question. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Contemporaneous Documentation To document the steps done as you are doing them. The value in doing this is to know what was done in situations that can’t be redone (such as physical tasks).
Contextual Bias The tendency to allow information or outside influences to interfere with the evaluation and interpretation of data. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Convergence Two or more ridges running parallel and then moving towards each other.
Cooke, Donald Donald Cooke was the son of T.G. Cooke. He worked along side his father at the Institute of Applied Science and helped operate the IAS after his fathers death in 1952 until his own retirement in 1975.
Cooke, T. Dickerson (1911-1980) T. Dickerson Cooke was the son of T.G. Cooke. After graduating from college Cooke worked with his father at the Institute of Applied Science. In 1952, he took over as director of the IAS and retired in 1975.
Cooke, Thomas Grant (1885-1952) T. G. Cooke was a civil engineer who founded a correspondence school for railway signal engineers. In 1916, along with Captain William K. Evans, he established "Evan's University", later known as the Institute of Applied Science. He served as director of the IAS until his death in 1952. The IAS became instrumental in training experts in the identification field.
Coomassie Blue Blue protein stain used to enhance bloody friction ridge detail. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Core The approximate center of a pattern. SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Corium Dermis; often referred to as the true skin. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Correspond To be in agreement, harmony, or conformity. To be similar or equivalent in character, quantity, origin, structure, or function The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=correspond 02-27-03
Crease A line or linear depression; grooves at the joints of the phalanges, at the junction of the digits and across the palmar and plantar surfaces that accommodate flexion. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Two types of creases: Flexion creases disrupt the basal layer of the epidermis and have no ridge detail within the crease. White lines (or tension creases) disrupt the stratum corneum or horny layer of the epidermis and do have ridge detail within the crease.
See Bracelet Creases, Distal Transverse Crease, Metacarpo-Phalangeal Crease, Proximal Transverse Crease, Radial Longitudinal Crease, Occasional Features.
See Flexion Creases, Tension Creases and White Lines.
Crispi, Charles See People v. Crispi.
Cross-Hatching Cross-hatching is a term popularized by Ron Smith that describes the crease pattern in the thenar area of the palm. These creases intersect other creases running in a perpendicular direction.
Crowle's Double Stain Blue protein stain used to enhance bloody friction ridge detail. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Crows Feet A term popularized by Ron Smith to describe the ulnar side of the distal transverse crease. On the ulnar side of the palm, the distal transverse crease is a series of bifurcating creases resembling crow's feet.
Crystal Violet See Gentian Violet. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Cummins, Dr. Harold (1893-1976) Doctor Cummins is universally acknowledged as the Father of Dermatoglyphics. Harold studied all aspects of fingerprint analysis, from anthropology to genetics, from embryology to the study of malformed hands with from two to seven fingers.(13) He pulled together the diverse work of his predecessors, added original research and set the standards of the field still in force to the present. His famous Down Syndrome(14) studies predicted a genetic link to the disease based upon the presence of the Simian Crease. http://www.handanalysis.net/library/derm_cummins.htm 2-27-03
Cummins is also known for inventing the term dermatoglyphics in 1926 and writing the book "Fingerprints, Palms and Soles" with Charles Midlo in 1943.
Curriculum Vitae A summary of one's education, professional history, and job qualifications, as for a prospective employer. The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=curriculum%20vitae 07-08-2003
Cuspal When the ridges on a finger run vertically from the crease to the tip of the finger. Moenssens states that these patterns cannot be grouped into any of the Henry pattern types. Cummins states that they should be grouped into the accidental whorl category. Others have stated that cuspal patterns should be classified as a tented arch.
Cyanoacrylate Ester A fuming technique used to develop friction ridge detail on nonporous items, but does not interfere with the processing of porous items. The cyanoacrylate ester polymerizes on the components of the latent residue creating a white impression. The value of using cyanoacrylate ester as a latent processing technique was first realized by Fuseo Matsumura in 1977, a trace evidence examiner with the Japanese National Police Agency. Heating cyanoacrylate ester decreases the development time, but heating it above 400 degrees Fahrenheit generates hydrogen cyanide (Identification News, Sept. 1985, "A word of caution"). Humidity and vinegar are both known catalysts to this technique.
Also referred to as superglue, CA, or CAE.
See Colored Superglue and SuperGlue Girl.
Cyclohexane Solvent used in the preparation of liquid Iodine reagent. SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0 http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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