IAI CLPE flashcards
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31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- ACE-V
- The documented latent print comparison method: Analysis of the latent and known independently, Comparison of corresponding features, Evaluation to a conclusion, and independent Verification by a second qualified examiner.
- Individualization
- A conclusion that a latent print and a known print share sufficient corresponding ridge features in agreement with no unexplained dissimilarities, establishing they originated from the same source.
- Exclusion
- A conclusion that a latent print and a known print do not share a common source, supported by a clear, undistorted area showing a true discrepancy in ridge path or feature relationship.
- Inconclusive conclusion
- A valid outcome used when the latent lacks sufficient quality or quantity of features to support either individualization or exclusion; it is reported, not treated as a failure.
- Level 2 detail
- Ridge path features such as bifurcations, ridge endings, and their relative spatial relationships; the primary basis for individualization in latent print comparison.
- Level 3 detail
- Fine ridge features including pore shape and position, ridge edge contour, and ridge width; used to support or challenge conclusions when Level 2 detail is limited.
- Independent verification
- A second qualified examiner re-examines the latent and known and reaches a conclusion independently, rather than merely confirming agreement with the first examiner's notes.
- Distortion in latents
- Changes in ridge appearance caused by pressure, movement, substrate curvature, or development technique; assessed during analysis and weighed against apparent discrepancies.
- Ridge flow analysis
- Assessment of pattern type and overall ridge direction (Level 1 detail) to orient the latent, locate the comparison area, and rule out obviously different pattern classes.
- Ninhydrin
- An amino acid reagent for porous surfaces that produces Ruhemann's purple when heated with humidity; it can overdevelop and is typically followed by physical developer for lipids.
- DFO
- A fluorogenic amino acid reagent for porous surfaces, read under laser or alternate light source with filters; it generally produces weaker luminescence than 1,2-indanedione.
- 1,2-indanedione
- A fluorogenic amino acid reagent applied to porous surfaces; it typically yields stronger luminescence than DFO and is read with an alternate light source and appropriate filters.
- Physical developer
- A silver-based reagent detecting lipid and water-insoluble components on porous surfaces; applied after amino acid reagents because aqueous steps can wash away or interfere with later development.
- Cyanoacrylate fuming
- A technique for non-porous surfaces in which cyanoacrylate vapor polymerizes on latent residue; humidity and heat accelerate deposition, and dye staining often follows for contrast.
- Rhodamine 6G
- A fluorescent dye used after cyanoacrylate fuming to stain the polymer and enhance contrast under an alternate light source with barrier filters.
- Basic Yellow 40
- A fluorescent dye applied after cyanoacrylate fuming on non-porous surfaces; viewed under ultraviolet or blue-green light with appropriate filters to improve ridge contrast.
- Iodine fuming
- A reversible, temporary visualization method suited to porous items and thermal paper; the print fades quickly and must be photographed or chemically fixed immediately.
- Silver nitrate
- A reagent reacting with chloride (salt) deposits on porous surfaces such as paper and wood; typically applied after ninhydrin because it is destructive to later amino acid development.
- Powder application
- A development method for dry, non-porous surfaces; powder selection depends on substrate color and texture, and magnetic powders suit smooth or flexible surfaces.
- Development sequencing
- The ordered application of techniques from least to most destructive; using a reagent out of order can destroy or mask later development and must be documented.
- Chain of custody
- A record of every transfer of evidence including who handled it, what was transferred, and when and where; gaps must be documented and explained rather than omitted.
- Porous evidence packaging
- Porous items are packaged in paper or breathable containers so moisture escapes; damp items are never sealed in plastic because moisture promotes mold and degradation.
- Proficiency testing
- A quality assurance activity in which examiners analyze test cases with known answers to demonstrate competency; results feed corrective action and training records.
- Corrective action
- A documented response to a detected error or nonconformity that identifies the cause, the fix, and verification that the problem is resolved.
- Conflict of interest disclosure
- A statement of any prior involvement, relationship, or circumstance that could affect impartiality; it is disclosed in the report and resolved before the examination proceeds.
- Report content
- A latent print report states the conclusion, the features and basis for it, and any limitations; individualization conclusions avoid statistical probability language.
- Testimony scope
- An examiner testifies to their own analysis, the documented method, and its limitations; opinions beyond the scope of the examination are not offered.
- Laboratory accreditation
- Formal recognition that a laboratory meets a standard such as ISO/IEC 17025; it applies to the facility, distinct from individual examiner certification.
- Examiner certification
- Credentialing of an individual examiner, for example through the IAI latent print certification program; it is separate from laboratory accreditation and requires recertification.
- Linear sequential unmasking
- A bias-mitigation procedure in which the examiner analyzes and documents the latent before exposure to the known print, with any exposure recorded.
- Case documentation
- Records of analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification sufficient for an independent examiner to reconstruct the work without the original examiner present.