Latent Print Orientation

[NYSLPE]

Hi,

I am hoping to get some good ideas from other latent print examiners. I am teaching a session on latent print orientation and I am hoping you will tell me what you look for when determining the orientation. Also, any ideas on how to present the information is appreciated. I have a powerpoint presentation right now but would really like to have more hands on stuff.

Thanks,
Becky
New York State Division of Criminal Justice

[afisman]

I have always put myself in the crooks frame of mind and tried to think like them and where and what would I have touched.Then I try to vision the placement of the subject's hands on object(s) that maybe mentioned on the lift cards from the processed object. This gives me a starting point. Have your students touch a light bulb like they are unscrewing to turn it off. Then powder the bulb and let them determine if they see a finger position and which hand was used..Just a simple example. Hope your class goes well. Handshake, stan

[NYSLPE]

Thanks!!

Thank you Stan. I may not be able to do the actual demonstration and dusting but I am going to use the example. Thanks!

Thanks to the others who emailed me and sent me information. Everything I received so far was informative and useful.

Thanks again!

Becky
NYS Division of Criminal Justice

[David Fairhurst]

Cowger has a good section on this topic.

Cowger, James S., Friction Ridge Skin: Comparison and Identification of Fingerprints, CRC Press, 1983.