A-Naphaflavone
Chemical used in fixing Iodine processed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
AAFS
American Academy of Forensic Science.
ACE-V
A modified (or specialized) version of the scientific method of hypothesis testing.
ACE-V was first used for physical evidence about 1960 & ridge detail about 1980.
Inspector Roy A. Huber, RCMP, formulated the ACE-V process and Staff Sergeant David
Ashbaugh, RCMP, popularized this process within the friction ridge identification
field.
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 insure 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.
See SWGFAST’s definitions under each different component of ACE-V.
ACPO
Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales, and N. 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.
ALPS
Automated Latent Print System.
ALS
See Alternate Light Source.
APIS
Automated Palmprint Identification System.
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.
Acetone
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents; also used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Acetonitrile
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents; also used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Acid Fuchsin
Reddish 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
Also known as Hungarian Red.
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
Administrative Review
A review to insure the organizational procedures of an agency are adhered to, such
as arrangement and punctuation.
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)
1. A false name. 2. Another name an individual has used. (Also Known As)
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Aluminum 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
Ambient Lighting
A lighting technique where the light is surrounding an object from all sides.
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
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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
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
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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 methodical examination of friction skin impressions; separation into parts so as to
determine the nature of the whole.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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
Analysis is the assessment of a friction ridge impression to determine suitability for
comparison.
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.
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
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
Sweat gland opening into the hair follicle.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
A type of skin gland that is associated with the hair follicles.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
A large sweat gland that produces an apocrine secretion.
Professor Julian Verbov 04-19-08
Appendage
An attachment or connection within friction ridges.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Arch - plain
A fingerprint pattern in which the ridges enter on one side of the impression,
and flow, or tend to flow, out the other with a rise or wave in the center.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Arch - tented
A type of fingerprint pattern that possesses either an angle, an upthrust, or
two of the three basic characteristics of the loop.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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/image, inadvertently
introduced by image capture, processing, compressions, transmission, display
or printing.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
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 Erroneous Identifications.
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
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