A2LA
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. A2LA is an independent, not-for-profit
organization that offers accreditation programs for laboratories and other testing companies and
industries.
A-Naphaflavone
Chemical used in fixing Iodine processed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
AAFS
American Academy of Forensic Science.
ACE-V
Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, Verification. The acronym for the process of analyzing
information, performing a visual comparison, arriving at a conclusion and having the conclusion
verified.
ACE-V was first formulated and suggested for use for physical evidence in 1959 by Inspector Roy
A. Huber, RCMP. Inspector Huber referred to the process as ACE with Verification. It was then
brought to the friction ridge discipline in the 1980’s by RCMP Staff Sergeant David Ashbaugh,
who popularized the process and termed it ACE-V.
A- Analysis: The unknown item must be reduced to a matter of properties or characteristics.
These properties may be directly observable, measurable, or otherwise perceptible qualities.
C- Comparison: The properties or characteristics of the unknown are now compared with the
familiar or recorded properties of known items.
E- Evaluation: It is not sufficient that the comparison disclose similarities or dissimilarities in
properties or characteristics. Each characteristic will have a certain value for identification
purposes, determined by its frequency of occurrence. The weight or significance of each must
therefore be considered.
Verification- It (scientific method) insists upon verification as the most reliable form of proof.
Insp. Roy Huber, Identification News Nov. 1962
A- analyze – The first step, analysis, requires the expert to examine and analyze all variables
influencing the friction ridge impression in question. This begins with an understanding of friction
ridged skin and the transition of the three dimensional skin structure to a two dimensional image.
When examining latent fingerprints, several factors must be accounted for and understood. Some
of these factors are the material upon which the latent print has been deposited, the development
process(es), pressure distortion, and external elements (blood, grease, etc.). The quantity and
quality of the latent print ridges influences the examiners ability to perform the next phase. The
conclusion of the analysis process is a determination as to whether sufficient information exists to
proceed to the next phase.
C- compare – The comparison process introduces the known exemplar with which the latent print
is to be compared. At this point, there is also another analysis phase taking place. This analysis is
of the known exemplar in an effort to determine the suitability for achieving the conclusion stated
above. It is possible that the known exemplar may contain fingerprint images that are too heavily
inked or smudged, and thereby unreliable, thus preventing a conclusive comparison. The
comparison process begins with determining the general ridge flow and shape (Level 1 Detail) in
an effort to properly orient the latent print with a corresponding area of the known exemplar
fingerprints. This is generally followed by selecting key focal characteristics (Level 2 Detail),
understanding their position, direction and relationship and then comparing this formation with the
formations in the known exemplar. The quality and quantity of this information directly affects the
ease or difficulty of this process.
E- evaluate – The result of the comparison is the evaluation process or making a conclusion. The
general fingerprint community refers to the conclusions drawn as being one of three choices.
First, the two impressions (latent fingerprint and the known fingerprint) were made by the same
finger of the same person. Second, the latent impression was not made by any of the fingers of
the exemplar fingerprints. And third, a conclusive comparison could not be achieved, generally
due to the lack of adequate clarity or the absence of comparable area in the known exemplar. In
order to establish an identification decision, this process must ensure that all of the fingerprint
details are the same and maintain the same relationship, with no existing unexplainable
differences.
V- verify – The final process is verification. The general rule is that all identifications must be
verified by a second qualified expert. This verification process by a second examiner is an
independent examination of the two fingerprint impressions (latent fingerprint and known
exemplar fingerprint) applying the scientific methodology of analysis, comparison and evaluation
described above.
United States vs. Byron Mitchell
Government’s Combined report to the Court and Motions in Limine Concerning Fingerprint
evidence.
ACLASS
Assured Calibration and Laboratory Accreditation Select Services.
ACPO
Association of Chief Police Officers. The ACPO leads and coordinates the direction and
development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
ADA
The American Dermatoglyphics Association (ADA) is a non-profit scientific and educational
organization with membership worldwide. The mission of the ADA is to encourage and advance
the science and applications of dermatoglyphics, and to facilitate cooperation among the
membership and others with similar aims. Applications of dermatoglyphics encompasses the
fields of anthropology, medicine, primatology, law, identification, embryology, and genetics.
http://www.physanth.org/annmeet/prizes/dermato.html 08-13-2003
ADAMS
Authenticated Digital Asset Management System.
A computer program designed to authenticate and track digital evidence. Produced by Foray
Technologies.
AFIS
Automated Fingerprint Identification System. A general term for a computerized friction
ridge storage and retrieval system. AFIS computers were initially specific for fingerprints but
later added palmprint storage and search capabilities.
The acronym for Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a generic term for a fingerprint
matching, storage, and retrieval system.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
ALPS
Automated Latent Print System.
ALS
See Alternate Light Source.
ANAB
ANSI National Accreditation Board. ANAB is a non-governmental organization that provides
accreditation services to public- and private-sector organizations. ANAB is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
ANSI-ASQ
American National Standards Institute-American Society of Quality.
ANSI/NIST-ITL
American National Standards Institute/ National Institute of Standards and Technology Information
Technology Laboratory.
ANSI/NIST-ITL Standard
The ANSI/NIST-ITL standard provides an exchange specification for biometric data and other
data used to identify individuals or verify their claimed identity. It is primarily oriented toward law
enforcement and related criminal justice applications.
The standard was first published in 1986 and focused on the exchange of fingerprint information.
It has been updated several times, with the latest being the 2011 version.
http://www.nist.gov/itl/iad/ig/ansi_standard.cfm 3-18-2011
APIS
Automated Palmprint Identification System. This term was used when computer matching
systems began comparing minutia on palmprints. After it became standard practice for AFIS
computers to include palm print search capabilities then the term AFIS was expanded to refer to
any friction ridge minutia matching system, making the term APIS unnecessary.
The acronym for Automated Palmprint Identification System, a generic term for a palmprint (or
complete friction ridge exemplar) matching, storage, and retrieval system.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
ASB
Academy Standards Board. A group approved in 2015 and accredited as an SDO by ANSI in
early 2016. An ASB Consensus Body has the option to accept or decline to review a proposed
standard, technical report and best practice recommendation. While reviewing documents, a
Consensus Body may choose to modify documents. Approved documents are considered
consensus documents, as opposed to scientifically valid, and are forwarded to ANSI for
publication.
ASCLD
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.
ASCLD/LAB
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board.
Accuracy
A measurement of how precise a conclusion or a set of conclusions is to the real value. The
accuracy of fingerprint conclusions cannot be established since the ground truth is unknown. The
strength of a conclusion can be measured by assessing the support behind a conclusion.
Acetone
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents; also used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Acetonitrile
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents; also used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Acid Fuchsin
Reddish protein stain used to enhance bloody friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Also known as Hungarian Red.
Acid Yellow 7
A fluorescent dye stain used to visualize latent prints left in blood on nonporous surfaces.
Optimum viewing is at 400-490nm, using a clear, yellow, or light orange filter (depending on the
wavelength used).
Acidified Hydrogen Peroxide
A solution used to develop friction ridge detail on cartridge casings by etching the surface of the
casing not covered with sebaceous material.
Adactylia
Congenital absence of fingers and/or toes.
Synonyms: adactyly, adactylism
Source: WordNet ® 1.7, © 2001 Princeton University
Adermatoglyphia
An extremely rare inherited congenital absence of fingerprints.
Administrative Review
A review to ensure the organizational procedures of an agency are adhered to, such as
arrangement and punctuation.
Aggregate
Combining parts to arrive at the whole. This usually refers to making an identification based on
the combined information from characteristics in a simultaneous impression.
Alanine
Alanine is the second simplest amino acid and the most common amino acid found in proteins,
occurring at a rate of approximately 9%. Since amino acids are one of the organic components of
eccrine sweat, alanine is often used to test latent print chemicals for an amino acid reaction.
Albinus, Weiss Bernhardus Siegfried (February 24, 1697-September 9, 1770)
One of the most well known anatomists of the eighteenth century. Albinus studied in Leyden with
Govard Bidloo, among other great medical scientists. He is most noted for his attempts at
increasing the scientific accuracy of anatomical illustrations.
Alias (AKA)
A false name. Another name an individual has used. (Also Known As)
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Altered Fingerprints
See Mutilation.
Alternate Black Powder
Developed by the FBI in the 1990’s as an inexpensive and effective means of developing friction
ridge detail on adhesive surfaces and/or tapes. This method is basically mixing normal black
powder together with a 50:50 solution of liquid detergent (or liqui-Nox) and water. Mix the
ingredient until it looks like shaving cream and paint it on to the adhesive side of tape. Let it sit
for 30-60 seconds and then rinse with tap water. Repeat for better contrast as needed.
Source: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Alternate Light Source (ALS)
Any light source, other than a laser, used to excite luminescence of latent prints, body fluids, etc.,
now commonly referred to as a forensic light source. SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Aluminum Chloride
A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed latent prints. SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Ambient Lighting
A lighting technique where the light is surrounding an object from all sides.
The American System of Fingerprint Classification
A fingerprint classification system developed by Capt. James H. Parke in 1903.
Amido Black
Blue-black protein stain used to enhance bloody friction ridge detail. See Naphthalene Black.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
A dye used to stain the protein present in blood. Synonyms: Naphthalene Black; Naphthol Blue
Black.
The Water Based Amido Black was developed by John F. Fischer of the Forensic Research and
Supply Company in Gatha, Florida in 1998.
Source: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Amicus Brief/Amicus Curiae Brief (pronounced uh-mike-us)
A legal document filed by someone not associated with a case but may have knowledge on the
subject matter that may be of interest to the courts. The person submitting the brief is known as
amici curiae. Amicus briefs are typically filed in appeal cases.
Amici Curiae
Latin for ‘friend of the court’.
Amino Acids
One of the organic components in eccrine sweat. Amino acids are the basic structure of protein,
protein is a chain of amino acids. The human body uses 20 amino acids to build the various
proteins for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
The 20 amino acids the human body uses are: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic acid,
Cysteine, Glutamine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine,
Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, and Valine. Alanine and
glycine seem to be the most common amino acids used to test latent print chemicals for an amino
acid reaction.
Ammonium Chloride
A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed latent prints.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Amygdaloid (AMYG) (pronounced Ay-mig-da-loid or Ay-mig)
A group of ridges in the hypothenar of palm prints that flows in the ulnar direction and forms an
almond shaped pattern. Amygdaloids present themselves at or below the proximal transverse
crease, do not contain recurving ridges, tend to have one or two continuous ridges at or near the
point of convergence and are not associated with the carpal delta. This term was suggested by
Corey Schroeder in 2023.
Analog
Chemistry. A structural derivative of a parent compound that often differs from it by a single
element.
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=analog 12-26-2005
Analysis
The first step of the ACE-V method. The assessment of an impression to determine suitability for
comparison.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Separate anything into its parts; to find out what a thing is made of.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Anastomosis (Anastomoses)
The connection of separate parts of a branching system to form a network, as of leaf veins, blood
vessels, or a river and its branches.
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=anastomoses
Refers to the epidermal connective tissue that grows from a primary ridge to a secondary ridge,
known as a shunt. The growth of anastomoses creates dermal papillae in the secondary dermal
ridges.
Anhidrosis
A medical condition that reduces or eliminates the ability of the body to sweat. Anhidrosis can be
caused by a genetic disorder, damage to the skin, or the use of certain medications. Additional
medical conditions affecting the ability of the body to sweat include hypohidrosis and
hyperhidrosis.
Anthropometry
Dealing with measurement of the human body.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Apical
At the apex; situated at the tip of a conical figure; at the tip of a finger.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Apocrine Gland
1. A large sweat gland that produces both a fluid and an apocrine secretion; in human beings
located in hairy regions of the body
WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=apocrine%20gland 02-27-03
2. Sweat gland opening into the hair follicle.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
3. A type of skin gland that is associated with the hair follicles.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
4. Large sweat glands with little secretory function and their exact role in humans is unclear.
Professor Julian Verbov 12-31-11
Appendage
An attachment or connection within friction ridges.
SWGFAST, Glossary 07-28-2009 ver. 2.0
Any one of various external attached parts, i.e., arms, legs, tails, fins.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Applied Science
Using a pure science in practical application by scientific method or having a goal.
Examples:
physics (pure science), engineering (applied science)
mathematics (pure science), statistics (applied science)
dactylography (pure science), fingerprint identification (applied science)
Aqueous
Water based.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Arch – plain
A pattern type in which the friction ridges enter on one side of the impression and flow, or tend to
flow, out the other side with a rise or wave in the center.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Arch – tented
A pattern type that possesses either an angle, an upthrust, or two of the three basic
characteristics of the loop.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Ardrox
Fluorescent yellow dye used with UV light to visualize cyanoacrylate ester fumed friction ridge
detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Art
Art
1. A kind of knowledge that is typically considered nonscientific, the Liberal Arts. Traditionally this
kind of knowledge has been considered nonscientific because it lacks one or more of the
requirements of a science, such as having testable observations or being about a natural
phenomenon. Examples: Accounting, Economics, and Religion. Educational institutions have
begun offering liberal art degrees in areas of study that are typically considered scientific
(Biology, Mathematics, Psychology). The BA degree is usually general knowledge, and the BS
degree is more specialized.
2. A skill, talent, or ability that one can possess innately or by study or practice. This definition of
art can apply to an individual involved in the liberal arts, the sciences, or any craft, trade or
activity. This is not an essential requirement for any occupation or activity but is certainly a
benefit.
Artifact
1. Any distortion or alteration not in the original friction ridge impression, produced by an external
agent or action.
2. Any information not present in the original object or image, inadvertently introduced by image
capture, processing, compressions, transmission, display, and printing.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
3. A structure or feature not normally present but visible as a result of an external agent or action.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 05-25-2004
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=artifact
Asbury, David
David Asbury was convicted of murder in a 1997 SCRO murder investigation based on fingerprint
evidence. The conviction was later overturned but the SCRO refused to admit to an erroneous
identification.
See Errors.
Ashbaugh, Staff Sergeant David R. (Mar. 11, 1946-present)
Staff Sergeant David Ashbaugh worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, retiring in May of
2004, in addition to being the Director of Ridgeology Consulting Services. He spent over 27
years doing extensive research on the scientific basis and identification process of friction ridge
identifications. Among his long list of accomplishments he is credited with coining the term
Ridgeology in 1982 and creating the terms level 1, level 2, and level 3 detail. He introduced the
ACE-V methodology to the fingerprint field around 1980 and was a key witness for the Daubert
Hearings. He sat on several committee boards and as well as serving on the Scientific Working
Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology. In addition to publishing many papers
on the identification process, in 1999 he authored the book “Quantitative-Qualitative Friction
Ridge Analysis: An Introduction to Basic and Advanced Ridgeology”, which has become a
fundamental and essential resource for all latent print examiners. Staff Sergeant Ashbaugh has
received numerous awards and honors for his significant contributions to the science of friction
ridge identification and is recognized as one of the leading experts in his field.
Authority
An accepted source of definitive information.
An expert in a specific field.
Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary, Office Edition. Houghton Mifflin Publishing Co. Copyright
1984, Berkley Addition.
Axiom
In logic: a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self evident.
WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University. 02-09-2004
A self-evident principle or one that is accepted as true without proof as the basis for argument; a
postulate.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.02-09-2004