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
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
See Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars.
CFSO
The Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations. The consortium was formed in 2000
and was composed of the IAI, the AAFS, ASCLD, NAME (the National Association of Medical
Examiners), ASCLD-LAB, and FQS. FQS’s was eventually replaced by the Society of Forensic
Toxicologists – American Board of Forensic Toxicology.
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 forensic science 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 is not produced in a trial, the police and prosecutors did not do their
jobs adequately. Due to television shows, jurors may 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
Calcar Area
Area located at the heel of the foot.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
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”.
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.
Carpal Delta Area
Area of the palm containing a delta formation nearest the wrist.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
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
Distinctive aspects within friction ridges. Aka Features.
Distinctive details of the friction ridges, including Level 1, 2, and 3 details (also known as
features).
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Characteristics, types of (not a complete list)
Ending Ridge
Bifurcation or Fork
Dot
Short Ridge
Island
Bridge
Spur
Trifurcation
Warts
Scars
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.
In 2001, Charlton became the editor of Fingerprint Whorld, the educational and peer review
journal of The Fingerprint Society. He is 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. 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.
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 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.
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
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 Process
Science promotes and encourages the reoccurring process of collecting and analyzing data until
a well-supported conclusion is established.
Circular Reasoning
The error in logic of starting with the desired conclusion and then reasoning or collecting data to
support that conclusion.
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
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
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
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.
Sharp – a classification system for palm prints used in South Africa from the 1930’s until 2000.
Developed by Vaughan Sharp.
ZIMOX(YS) – a system used in South Africa to further sub-divide single fingerprint classifications.
Stockis – developed a palm print classification prior to 1931.
Wilder/Wentworth – developed a palm print classification prior to 1931.
Beletti – developed a palm print classification in 1934.
Lecha-Marzo – developed a palm print classification in 1934.
Pond – developed a palm print classification in 1936.
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.
Close Non-Match
A non-match indicates that two impressions do not match, which is another way to state an
exclusion (i.e., the two impressions were not made by the same source). A close non-match
indicates that there is consistency between the two impressions even though the impressions
originated from different sources. In casework, there can never be a close non-match since the
ground truth is never known; close non-matches can only be determined in research where the
ground truth is known and can only be labeled as a close non-match after a criteria for a match is
stated. In casework, the best that can be said is that two impressions have consistency but not
enough to infer that the two impressions were made by the same source.
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
See Bias.
The effect of perceptual or mental processes on the reliability and validity of one’s observations
and conclusions.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
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.
Collins Classification System
A classification system for single fingerprints used in Scotland Yard in the early 1900’s.
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 RussellTurner.
Comparison
The act of comparing or finding likenesses or differences.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
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, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Competency
Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully
perform a specific task.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results.
ISO 9001 (2015) 7.2
Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars
The revised term for major case prints (proposed in 2006). The name change was implemented
to describe what was 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, joints, tips, and sides of the fingers (also known as major
case prints).
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Complexity
A measure of intricacy based on the amount and type of components utilized, as opposed to the
measure of difficulty. The complexity of a fingerprint can be measured by assessing four factors:
the self-evidence of the area and orientation, the type of features utilized, the ambiguity of the
features utilized and the quantity of the features available.
Complexity of Examinations
A comparison can be assessed as Basic, Advanced, or Complex. Basic indicates that the
comparison relies on an abundance of very clear primary features (Galton Points) and the area
and orientation are self-evident. Advanced indicates that either the area or direction are
ambiguous, secondary features are utilized (incipient features, scars, creases), or some features
are ambiguous. Complex indicates that either tertiary features are utilized (pores, edges,
simultaneous impressions), that the data is extremely limited, or that the majority of data is
ambiguous. Ambiguous features are those that may be interpreted differently when assessed at
another time or by others. Data is limited when anyone performing a comparison must rely on the
same data.
Conclusion
A resulting inference stemming from examining and assessing the totality of objective data,
removing and/or limiting as much human interpretation as possible.
See Opinion and Determination.
Conclusion-Centric
A term coined by David H. Kaye. Conclusion-centric statements assert a conclusion as opposed to evidence-centric statements that state the strength of the evidence (e.g., weak or strong).
Conclusions of a Comparisons
An examination may produce the following results or inferences. Historically, conclusions have
been reported in a variety of ways.
1) Positive result (Identification):
The features between the images are consistent and sufficient enough to indicate the two images
were deposited by the same source. This conclusion has been reported as an individualization,
identification or a match.
For this conclusion, the quantity and quality of features should be determined and reported to
indicate if the comparison is well supported (easily reproducible), supported (easily
demonstrable), or has less support (not easily demonstrable but has held up to scrutiny and met
the general consensus requirement of a scientific conclusion).
2) Negative result (Exclusion):
The features between the images have sufficient inconsistency to indicate the two images were
not deposited by the same source. This conclusion has been reported as an exclusion, as
negative or as no identification effected.
3) Theoretical Exclusion:
The fingerprint impression has been identified to another source and therefore cannot
theoretically be from this source. This conclusion is only as strong as the identification (i.e., if the
identification is strong then a theoretical exclusion is strong, if the identification is questionable
then a theoretical exclusion is also questionable.
4) Incomplete result (Incomplete):
A comprehensive comparison cannot be completed due to the need for more data (clearer
images of unknown impressions or additional known exemplars) or the need for additional time to
complete a comparison. This conclusion has been reported as incomplete, inconclusive or no
identification effected.
5) Inconclusive result with consistency (Inclusion):
The features between the images are consistent or generally consistent but lack sufficiency to
indicate they were deposited from the same source. Some unexplainable inconsistency may
exist. This conclusion has been reported as inclusion, inconclusive, consistent, match, no
identification effected or no value for individualization.
6) Inconclusive result due to a failure to locate (Inconclusive):
The features in one image cannot be found in the other image although it is possible for the
features to exist in both impressions. The reason is due to the latent print being small and not
containing features to indicate the area or orientation the latent print originated from. This
conclusion has been reported as inconclusive, no identification effected or negative.
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)
guarantee 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
See Bias.
A form of selective thinking that involves focusing on data that confirms preconceived
expectations while ignoring data that does not 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, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Conflict
A difference of opinion where the opposing opinion is considered unreasonable.
A difference of determinations or conclusions that becomes apparent during, or at the end of, an
examination.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
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
The Conley Classification System
A fingerprint classification system.
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.
Consensus
A majority vote based on personal preference of a concept, as opposed to the scientific concept
of general consensus.
Constellation Method
See Pincushion Method.
Consultation
Consultation is seeking an independent view from another expert on any aspect of a case. A
consultation may be seeking guidance (e.g., processing method, orientation, value determination)
or an independent source conclusion (e.g., Identification, Exclusion). Consultations should be
documented if the independent views are being used as support for thorough testing (e.g., value
determinations) or to show reproducibility/irreproducibility of a source conclusion.
The act of consulting may be an indication of complexity; however, a lack of consulting does not
indicate a lack of complexity. Complexity should be determined by conditions, not by actions.
Contemporaneous Documentation
The process of documenting the steps performed and when they were performed.
Contemporaneous documentation is valuable for physical tasks to determine if the correct steps
were performed in an acceptable order. Contemporaneous documentation is not necessarily
valued for analytical tasks where the steps can be performed in a variety of ways and at any time
and still be acceptable.
Contextual Bias
See Bias.
The effect of information or outside influences on the evaluation and interpretation of data.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
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
Core
The approximate center of a fingerprint pattern.
A specific formation within a fingerprint pattern, defined by classification systems such as Henry.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Corium
Dermis; often referred to as the true skin.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Corrective Action
An improvement to a process in order to diminish or eliminate an undesirable occurrence.
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
Crawford v. Washington (2004)
See Supreme Court of the United States, Crawford v. Washington (2004).
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
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.
Criteria of Sufficiency for Conclusions
When a quantifiable criteria cannot be established, the general scientific standard is to have
enough evidence and justification to eliminate doubt in others. Some people refer to this as
general consensus conclusions or conclusions that will stand up to scrutiny or stand the test of
time. General consensus conclusions are achieved by corroboration and not by a democratic
vote.
Aka Standard of Sufficiency for Conclusions.
Critical Reagent
A substance or mixture, used to produce a reaction, that is unstable from batch to batch or may
deteriorate overtime. Therefore, monitoring of critical reagents is necessary to ensure the quality
will produce the desired reaction.
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
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
Cummins, Prof. Harold (1893-May 12, 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 (Commonly known as superglue)
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.