IAI Tenprint case studies
IAI Tenprint · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Tenprint Fingerprint Certification is one of the certification programs listed by the International Association for Identification (IAI), appearing alongside Bloodstain Pattern, Crime Scene, Footwear, Forensic Art, Forensic Photography & Imaging, Forensic Video, and Latent Print certification on the association's certification pages. Within the IAI's Science and Practice Committee structure, tenprint matters fall under a dedicated Tenprint Identification Subcommittee, which signals that the discipline is treated as a distinct area of forensic practice rather than a subset of latent print work. The IAI Tenprint case studies are 5 cases and about 2,837 words.
1Twelve Minutiæ, a Scar, and a 48-Hour Deadline
A latent lift from the exterior glass of a sliding window is submitted for comparison to a single suspect. The lift is 8 mm by 11 mm, developed with black powder on clear tape, and shows 12 apparent minutiæ: 8 ridge endings, 3 bifurcations, and 1 short ridge.
642 words, about 3 min2Six Problem Cards from a Weekend Booking Cycle
A county jail submits 38 tenprint cards from a weekend booking cycle. Six are flagged by the quality reviewer: Card 12: the right ring finger block contains a print labelled 'AMP' with no amputation code and no date; the other nine prints are clear.
666 words, about 3 min3A Whorl, a Crease, and a Contributor Who Wants the Old Classification
An examiner must assign a Henry classification to a tenprint card before filing. The recorded patterns are: right thumb whorl; right index whorl; right middle ulnar loop, ridge count 15; right ring plain arch; right little ulnar loop, count 12; left thumb ulnar loop, count 17; left index whorl; left middle ulnar loop, count 9; left ring whorl; left little ulnar loop, count 14.
535 words, about 3 min4A Glove Turned Inside Out
A latex glove recovered from a vehicle is submitted for latent comparison. A latent on the outer surface was developed with cyanoacrylate and rhodamine, then lifted.
512 words, about 3 min5When Verification Says Inconclusive
Examiner A, a 12-year examiner, concludes that a latent palm print from a windowsill identifies a suspect. The latent is from the thenar area, has 17 minutiæ, and lacks a clear delta.
482 words, about 2 min