forms latent print documentation

[juroc]

Aside from the horse-shoe shaped marking, are there any forms or designs of markings for latent print documentation?

Could somebody give the historical background of this horse shoe-shaped marking? Is there any scientific basis of this marking?

[Ray Garrison]

Other than Item numbers and the date, we don't deface the latent lift/card in any way.

[Ann Horsman]

For me it was learned via the training I received to become an examiner. I have found marking helpful on lifts that held multiple latents to show not only what was identified but in some cases there was more than one persons prints on the same latent. On evidence items I find it very helpful when the occasion occurs where one needs to go back and have a look at the item after a long period of time. Also helpful for court.

I don't mark around a latent on all lifts such as those that have only one latent on them in particular.

[Charles Parker]

Juroc,

When the case is assigned the first thing is to number each lift card or photograph and the examiners initials and if the unique case identifier is not present to add it. This is usually done on the reverse side. The next step is to examine each latent image and those that are sufficient (suitable) a letter (ie a, b, c, d) is placed close to the latent print. This is usually done in green or blue ink (Sharpies-Permanent). If any latent print is determined to be of sufficient quality for an AFIS Inquiry then a number is placed close to the latent print (ie 01, 02, 03). If the latent print was searched in AFIS and then registered in the unsolved latent print data base the number would have an "R" after it. Any AFIS indication is done in red ink (Sharpies-Permanent) If the entire card or photograph has no friction ridge detail of sufficient quality then the letters "NS" would be placed in the corner. If an Identification is made and it is a finger then the half-moon would be draw over the finger. If it is a palm print then two lines at right angle with the longer of the two lines to be on the side that would represent the Hypothenar. If it is a phalange then two parallel lines would be drawn. If a tip then a very shallow half moon. This is done in blue or black ink (Sharpies of course). The subject identified would be indicated with their unique identifier number and the designation of what it was identified to (ie RT, LI, LP, etc.). When it goes to verification then verfier will mark a "ID with a check mark" and their initials.

We consider the lift card and the tape holding the latent to the card as a package and writing on it is no different than writing on a paper sack holding a pair of shoes or a plastic bag holding a check. The lift card is the package holding the latent image.

I have in my career not had the question that I was defacing the evidence and if I was to be asked that question my response would be "Sir, the lift card is just the package holding the latent print and preserving it from loss or deliterious change. My analysis is with the latent image not the lift card that holds it."

Some may say that our lift cards seem a little busy. Not really. Every once and a while you will have one with multiple (scads) of latent images but that is not very often.

When I pick up a case from another LPE I can tell who received it, who worked it, what they considered sufficient, what was run in AFIS and what was registered in AFIS , who was identifed and who checked it.

I do not know how or when the half moon started. I have been using it for over 30 years. There is a soft book titled "Management and Operation of a Latent Print Unit" that was put out by the FBI and in that booklet they have the half moon, parallel and right angle marks listed in that document.

Sorry I cannot say when it got started.