Portfolio Assignment Fingerprints Assignment Documents You ✓ Solved

Portfolio Assignment Fingerprintsassignmentdocumentsyou Will Use The

Respond to the following scenario: A burglary occurred in a neighborhood home while the homeowners were at work. You have been called as a fingerprint expert to identify all latent, patent, and plastic fingerprints found at the crime scene, analyze them, and prepare your testimony as an expert witness in fingerprint evidence. Complete the fingerprint report as part of the case file and court presentation, using the attached fingerprint portfolio document and fingerprint techniques manual. Fill in all responses thoroughly on the provided worksheet, and then upload the completed document in the required format. The assignment should be submitted as a .DOCX or .PDF file by 11:59 pm on April 20. This assignment is worth 100 points.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Fingerprint Analysis and Expert Testimony in a Burglary Case

Fingerprint evidence plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, providing a reliable means of identifying individuals involved in unlawful activities. When a burglary occurs, forensic experts meticulously analyze fingerprint prints to establish connections between suspects and the crime scene. This paper discusses the process of fingerprint collection, analysis, and the preparation of expert testimony within the context of a burglary case, illustrating the significance of fingerprint evidence in criminal justice.

Introduction

The utilization of fingerprint evidence in criminal investigations dates back over a century, owing to its uniqueness and permanence. In this scenario, a burglary in a residential area prompted law enforcement to call upon a fingerprint expert to analyze evidence found at the scene. The primary objectives included locating all latent, patent, and plastic fingerprints, analyzing their features, and assessing their evidentiary value. Successfully accomplishing these tasks not only aids in identifying the perpetrator but also enhances the integrity of the investigation and court proceedings.

Collection of Fingerprint Evidence

In the described case, various types of fingerprint evidence were likely encountered. Latent fingerprints, which are invisible to the naked eye, could be developed using powders or chemical techniques such as ninhydrin or superglue fuming. Patent prints are visible impressions typically made with blood, grease, or other substances, requiring documentation through photography. Plastic prints are three-dimensional impressions left in soft materials like wax or paint, needing to be collected carefully and preserved for analysis. The meticulous collection process, following proper fingerprinting protocols, ensures the preservation of evidence integrity.

Analysis of Fingerprints

Once collected, the fingerprints undergo detailed analysis using the fingerprint techniques manual. Features such as ridge endings, bifurcations, and ridge dots are examined and compared to known fingerprint databases or suspect samples. This ridge detail, called minutiae, serves as the basis for matching prints. The examiner must evaluate the quality and clarity of each print, considering factors like alignment, distortion, and partial prints, to determine whether they are suitable for comparison.

Preparation of Expert Testimony

As an expert witness, the forensic examiner prepares a comprehensive report documenting the methodology, findings, and conclusions. The report includes detailed descriptions of the fingerprint evidence and a statement on the likelihood of a match. When testifying in court, the examiner explains the procedures, the significance of the identified prints, and answers questions to establish credibility and assist the jury in understanding the importance of fingerprint evidence in solving the case.

Conclusion

Fingerprint analysis remains an indispensable component of modern criminal investigations. Proper collection, careful analysis, and expert testimony can significantly impact case outcomes. In this burglary scenario, the forensic expert’s diligent work in analyzing fingerprint evidence contributes to identifying the perpetrator, thereby advancing justice and ensuring due process.

References

• Harris, R., & Schwartz, M. (2012). Fingerprint analysis: An introductory guide. Forensic Science Journal, 8(3), 45-60.
• Bailey, L. (2018). Techniques in fingerprint collection and analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 24(4), 112-120.
• National Institute of Justice. (2020). Fingerprints and Biometrics: Techniques and applications. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics/biometrics
• Lee, H., & Gaensslen, R. (2001). Advances in fingerprint analysis. Forensic Science Review, 13(2), 67–89.
• Pollan, M. (2015). The science and art of fingerprint detection. Criminalistics and Laboratory Science, 41(2), 61-78.
• Smith, J. (2017). Crime scene fingerprint collection methods. Forensic Detectors Magazine, 12(5), 29-34.
• Criminal Investigation Department. (2019). Fingerprint evidence evaluation manual. Law Enforcement Publishing.
• United States Department of Justice. (2016). Best practices in fingerprint comparison. https://www.justice.gov/criminal-division/evidence-biometrics
• Simpson, J., & Brooks, D. (2020). Courtroom procedures for forensic fingerprint testimony. Journal of Forensic Evidence, 15(1), 99-115.
• Wilson, P., & Martinez, R. (2014). Preservation and documentation of fingerprint evidence. International Journal of Criminal Justice, 32(4), 245–262.