MBD
7-(P-Methoxybenzlamino-4Notrobenz-2-Oxa-1,3-Diazile). Yellow dye
which produces a fluorescent product when exposed to selected
wavelengths of light; used to visualize cyanoacrylate fumed friction
ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
A fluorescent dye stain used with an alternate light source to visualize cyanoacrylate
ester fumed friction ridge detail. Optimum viewing is done with an alternate light
source (435nm-535nm) and orange or red goggles.
MCP’s
Major Case Prints.
MMD
Multimetal Deposition. Two step process using a colloidal gold and
a modified Physical Developer solution to visualize friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
MRM-10
Combination of Basic Yellow 40, Rhodamine 6G and MBD dyes which
produce fluorescence when exposed to selected wavelengths of light;
used to visualize cyanoacrylate fumed friction ridge detail.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet. Manufacturers' information concerning the
handling and use of a chemical.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
5-MTN
Methylthioninhydrin. A reagent that reacts with amino acids to develop
friction ridge detail on porous items.
MXRF
Micro-X-ray Fluorescence. A new fingerprint visualization technique developed
by University of California scientists working at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
MXRF is a noninvasive method that uses X-rays to detect elements like sodium,
potassium and chlorine. This technique was described at the 229th national
meeting of the American Chemical Society in March 2005.
Maceo, Alice V.
Alice Maceo is currently the Forensic Laboratory Manager for the Latent Print
Detail of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory. She
has worked in the latent print discipline since 1997 and achieved latent print
certification by the International Association for Identification in 2001. Alice is an
active speaker at forensic conferences in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
She has published articles in the Journal of Forensic Identification and Fingerprint
Whorld. Alice also serves on the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge
Analysis, Study, and Technology and the General Forensic Technical Working
Group, both sponsored by the National Institute of Justice. In 2004, Alice was
awarded Distinguished Membership with the International Association for Identification.
Macrodactyly
Congenitally abnormal largeness of fingers or toes.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Magnetic Powder (aka Magna Powder)
Available since the early 1960's, magnetic powder is used to process an
object with the purpose of visualizing friction ridge detail. Magnetic
powder looks similar to regular black powder but contains iron to establish
a magnetic affect. It is commonly black but is available in a wide range
of colors. Magnetic powder is best used on paper, plastic, glass, and vinyl
objects (any nonmagnetic surface) and is applied by using a magnetic powder
applicator. The advantage of using a magnetic powder instead of a regular
latent print powder is that with magnetic powder the brush never touches the
latent print, avoiding possible damage to the latent print. Also, magnetic
powder doesn't become airborne as easily as regular latent print powders,
resulting in less powder being inhaled by the user.
http://www.crimeandclues.com/magneticpowder.htm 07-11-2004
See Fingerprint Powders.
Major
A value derived from the pattern types of the thumbs.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Major Case Prints
A systematic recording of the entire 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 - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
See Complete Friction Ridge Exemplars.
Maleic Acid
Weak acid used in an aqueous solution as a pre-wash step for the
Physical Developer Process.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Malpighi, Marcello (1628-1694)
Pronounced Mal-pee-gee.
An Italian anatomist who worked as a Professor of Anatomy at the University
of Bologna. He described the patterns on the fingers while doing an overall
study of the skin. He never mentioned their value for identification.
He is credited as being the first person to study fingerprints under a
microscope. A layer of skin is named after him, known as the "Malpighian
Layer".
See Stratum Germativum.
Mark
Term commonly used in some Commonwealth countries to designate a latent
impression.
Matrix
A substance that is deposited by the finger.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
The formative part of a fingerprint; the substance that is actually
deposited by the finger and eventually developed, i.e., sweat, foreign
material, sebaceous oils, blood, etc.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Maxilon Flavone 10GFF
See Basic Yellow 40. See Panacryl Brilliant Flavone 10GFF.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Mayer, J.C.A. (1788)
During the 1700's, Mayer was the first to recognize that although
specific friction ridge arrangements may be similar, they are never
duplicated.
http://www.ridgesandfurrows.homestead.com/scientific_researchers.html 03-08-2003
Mayfield, Brandon
Brandon Mayfield is a U.S. citizen who in May of 2004 was wrongfully arrested as a material
witness with regard to a terrorism attack in Spain. His arrest was due to an erroneous
fingerprint identification made by 3 FBI Examiners and 1 private fingerprint expert. The
fingerprint was later identified to Algerian national Ouhnane Daoud. In November 2006
Mayfield was awarded a $2 million dollar settlement by the U.S. Justice Department. The
settlement also included an apology and an agreement to destroy communications
intercepts conducted by the FBI against Mayfield's home and office during the
investigation. The Justice Department added that Mayfield was not targeted because of
his Muslim faith.
McClaughry, Major Robert Wilson (1839-1920)
McClaughry is acknowledged as the person responsible for implementing the
Bertillon system in the United States. In 1887, he implemented this system
while working as the Warden of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet.
In 1899, McClaughry became the Warden of Leavenworth Prison. After hearing
a lecture from Ferrier in 1904, McClaughry implemented a fingerprint system
at Leavenworth. In 1923-1924 this collection of fingerprint cards along with
those from the International Association of Chiefs of Police's were merged
together to form the Identification Unit of the FBI in Washington DC.
McClaughry, Matthew Wilson (6/19/1871-3/14/1922)
The son of R. W. McClaughry and the records clerk at Leavenworth Prison during
the implementation of its fingerprint system.
McKie Case
Pronounced McKee.
See Erroneous Identifications.
McMorris, John
John McMorris developed the fuming pipe used in conjunction with iodine to develop
friction ridge detail on porous items. For a short time it was known as the McMorris
Fuming Pipe. He also developed the iodine-silver plate transfer method used for
recovering latent prints. He presented this process at the IAI California Division
Conference in 1936.
http://www.scafo.org/About_SCAFO/scafo_history.html 10-12-2004
McRoberts, Alan
Alan McRoberts is recognized as one of the most prominent and well-respected latent
print experts working in the United States. In 1971, he began his career with the
Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and remained there until his retirement in 2002.
His duties included every aspect of latent print work including investigating,
comparing, instructing, creating training and procedural manuals, and supervising.
During his career, he has been extremely active in educational organizations. He
has been a member of the IAI for more than 17 years, spending 10 years on the IAI
Editorial Review Board and the last 3 years as the editor of the Journal of Forensic
Identification (2002-2004). In 1991, he was the president of SCAFO, and in 1999/2000,
he was the president of the California division of the IAI. He's a Fellow of the
Fingerprint Society and a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. He
was also one of the organizers of the Southern California Laser Study Group. He has
written and presented more than 25 educational papers and articles. Mr. McRoberts
has been extremely active in setting industry standards, including being a member of
SWGFAST since 1995. He is currently the SWGFAST Chairperson (2000-2004).
In recognition of his commitment, dedication, and contributions to our industry, Alan
McRoberts has been presented with many prestigious awards including the SCAFO
Distinguished Member Award, SCAFO's Charles Wolford Award, the Los Angeles Sheriff's
Department's Distinguished Service Award, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department's
Exemplary Service Award. This is a brief summary of the contributions he has made to
the fingerprint community. Currently, he manages "McRobert's Forensic Investigations",
which he founded in 2001, a company that specializes in fingerprint services.
Medial
At or near the center.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Medial Interphalangeal Flexion Crease
The middle crease on a finger.
Melanocyte
Skin cell that is able to produce melanin and can be found in the basal
layer of the epidermis.
http://skincancer.dermis.net/glossary/index_html?query_start=51
Merbromin
Reagent used to detect / enhance bloody friction ridge detail; produces a
fluorescent product when exposed to excitation at selected wavelengths.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Mercuric Nitrate
Chemical used as a clearing agent for silver staining.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Merkel Cells
Sensory receptor cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis.
Mesenchyme
The part of the embryonic mesoderm, consisting of loosely packed,
unspecialized cells set in a gelatinous ground substance, from which
connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and the circulatory and lymphatic
systems develop.
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=mesenchyme
The bone and the dermis are formed from mesenchyme, which is derived
from the mesoderm in an embryo.
Mesoderm
The middle embryonic germ layer, lying between the ectoderm and the endoderm,
from which connective tissue, muscle, bone, and the urogenital and circulatory
systems develop.
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=mesoderm 05-30-2003
Metacarpo-phalangeal Crease
Creases that divide the fingers from the palm.
Metal Etching
Technique utilizing acidic solutions or vapors in the development of
friction ridge detail on select metal surfaces.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Metal Salt
Secondary treatment of ninhydrin developed friction ridge detail for
visualization (e.g., /zinc Chloride, Zinc Nitrate, or Cadmuum Chloride);
produces a fluorescent product when exposed to selected wavelengths
of light.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)
Solvent used as a carrier in reagents, dyes, stains, and rinses; also
used as a cleaning agent.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Methodology
A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a
discipline or engage in an inquiry; a set of working methods
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=methodology 02-27-03
A system of methods or procedures used in any field.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Methylene Chloride
Solvent used in the preparation of liquid iodine. See Dichloromethane.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Methylthioninhydrin
See 5-MTN.
Microburst Method
A specialized form of the Cyanoacrylate method for developing latent prints
on nonporous items. This method was developed by the FBI and is currently
unpublished (Jan. 2004). This method is designed to expose a nonporous item
to a large amount of fumes for a small amount of time. It involves adding glue
to a heat source of over 300 degrees. Once the chamber is filled with fumes,
the nonporous item is placed in the chamber for 30-45 seconds.
Micro-X-ray Fluorescence
See MXRF.
Midlo, Dr. Charles
A professor of microscopic anatomy at Tulane University. Known for his
research with Harold Cummins on dermatoglyphics associated with Down's
Syndrome. He, along with Harold Cummins, coined the term dermatoglyphics
and wrote the book "Fingerprints, Palms and Soles" in 1943.
Mikrosil ™
A silicone-casting agent developed by Kjell Carlsson of Sweden. This product
is useful for lifting latent prints from textured or curved surfaces. It also
works well in recovering prints from the deceased.
Minimum Number of Characteristics
In 1973, The IAI Standardization Committee released the results
of a three-year study. They recommended and adopted that "no valid basis
exists at this time for requiring that a pre-determined minimum number of
friction ridge characteristics must be present in two impressions in order
to establish positive identification." This was based on the fact that
each print has a unique set of circumstances.
http://www.latent-prints.com/iai_standardization_committee.htm 03-21-2003
In 1995, the Ne'urim Declartion was adopted. It stated, "No scientific basis
exists for requiring that a pre-determined minimum number of friction ridge
features must be present in two impressions in order to establish a positive
identification." This was a slight change from the 1973 IAI Resolution on the
minimum number of characteristics needed to make an identification.
Minshall, Lewis Q.P.M. (19??-1980)
In the 1970’s, Detective Superintendent Lewis Minshall was in charge of the
Essex Police Fingerprint Bureau. He was a working fingerprint technician,
not merely a department figurehead, and was awarded The Queens Police Medal
for his meritorious services to fingerprints. The National Society of
Fingerprint Officers (later re-named The Fingerprint Society) was initiated
in Hertfordshire by the so-called Four Founders in 1974. They were civilian
technicians, and expected fingerprint staff from all British police forces
to join the society. During the seventies, many British fingerprint employees
were police officers, and there appeared to be “unofficial” suggestions from
certain sources that they should not join what was alleged to be a civilian
organization, perhaps campaigning for wage equality and conditions of service,
with the potential for strike action. The Hertfordshire ‘founders’ wished
the society to solely concerned with fingerprint matters and the circulation
of new techniques in the journal, and the facility for members all over the
world to be able to communicate with fellow technicians to everyone’s advantage.
Mr. Minshall, being a senior police officer, joined the society, realizing the
potential of a worldwide exchange of information, and he successfully encouraged
many police officers to join the society. After his death it was revealed that
he had allocated monies to be used annually for the presentation of The Lewis
Minshall Award for outstanding contributions to the discipline.
Minutiae
Small details.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
See Characteristics.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Missed Identification
The failure to make an identification (individualization) when, in fact,
both friction ridge impressions are from the same source.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Mitchell, Byron
See United States vs. Byron Mitchell.
Mitosis
Cell segmentation during which chromosomes are split longitudinally
and duplicated.
http://skincancer.dermis.net/glossary/index_html?query_start=51
Moenssens, Andre A. J.D., LL.M.
Andre Moenssens is a forensic consultant and retired law professor. He started his
training and study in fingerprints in 1950 in Belgium under the tutelage of the late
Major Georges E. Defawe. He joined the International Association for Identification
(IAI) in 1953, emigrated to the U.S. in 1956 and became a lawyer in this country in
1966 after receiving the Juris Doctor (JD) degree with Honors in 1966 at Illinois
Institute of Technology-Chicago Kent College of Law. The following year he
earned the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at Northwestern University.
He was head instructor in fingerprint identification (1960-1967) at the Institute of
Applied Science in Chicago when T. Dickerson Cooke was its director, and
associate editor of the Finger Print and Identification Magazine (1960 to 1968).
In 1967, he began his service as a law professor, has been tenured since 1968
successively at: Chicago-Kent College of Law (1967-1973), the University of
Richmond, Virginia (1973-1995), and the University of Missouri at Kansas City
(UMKC) (1996-2002) where he held the Douglas Stripp Professorship in Law and
was also a member of the doctoral faculty. After retiring from UMKC and being
elected an emeritus professor, West Virginia University College of Law invited
him to be a visiting professor in 2004, 2005, and again in 2006. He had served on
that factury as visiting professor during 1993-1995 in the William J. Maier Jr. Chair.
After retiring from UMKC at the end of 2002, he became a resident of Indiana,
where he lives at Shriner Lake, near Fort Wayne. In 2004, he was elected to
membership in SWGFAST.
He has testified as an expert in several states for the prosecution and the defense
and has been consulted by lawyers, governmental agencies, and news media on
forensic issues in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of Fingerprint Techniques
(1971) and Fingerprints and the Law (1969), and the senior co-author of Scientific
Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases, of which the 5th edition is due to be published
in 2006. He has written dozens of other books, book chapters and articles on topics
in the forensic evidence and criminal justice fields. His Criminal Law casebook is in
its seventh edition and is used in law schools throughout the country. He is one of
the two Editors'-in-Chief of the Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science, to be
published in 2007. He has been the editor of the Illinois Law Enforcement Officers
Law Bulletin since 1972-and retired from that position in 2006. In addition to
membership in the IAI, and a member of the editorial board of its Journal of Forensic
Identification, he has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences
since 1966, and served two terms as the Academy's secretary-treasurer as well as in
a number of other leadership functions. In 2005 he was named a Distinguished Fellow
of the AAFS. He is also a member of the Canadian Identification Society, The Forensic
Science Society (U.K.), and a number of legal organizations. He is a member of the
Indiana Division of the IAI and was previously a member of the Chesapeake Bay
Division of the IAI when he lived in Virginia.
His website is www.forensic-evidence.com
Molded Print
See Plastic Print.
Molybdenum Disulfide
Chemical used in the preparation of Small Particle Reagent (SPR).
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Monozygotic
Derived from a single fertilized egg. Used to describe identical twins and
distinguish them from fraternal twins (dizygotic).
Morfopoulos, Dr. Vassilis C.
See People v. Kent.
Mottled Skin
Ridge detail is present, but is dissociated due to trauma or genetic
causes. It lacks any continuous pattern flow.
SWGFAST, Glossary - Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
http://www.swgfast.org/Glossary_Consolidated_ver_1.pdf
Mulvihill, John J. MD
Wrote "The Genesis of Dermatoglyphics" with David W. Smith MD for the
Journal of Pediatrics, Oct. 1969 issue. It is said to be one of the
most thorough discussions of fingerprint formation. Their findings were:
6-8 weeks after conception volar pads form
10-12 weeks volar pads begin to recede
13th week skin ridges begin to appear
21st week after conception fingerprint patters are complete
http://www.handanalysis.net/library/derm_history.htm 02-27-03
Muriatic Acid
A chemical used to process thermal paper to develop friction ridge
detail. Also known as Hydrochloric Acid.
Mutilation
See Perez, George, Dillinger, Pitts, and Roquerre.
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