Investigations (DNA – Fingerprint)

Definition

Fingerprint evidence comprises of the study and comparison of the friction ridge detail that is present on one’s fingers, as well as the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, and toes. During daily activity, we leave behind impressions of these friction ridges either through sweat and other material on our hands or contact with a foreign substance such as blood or grease and then touching a clean surface leaving a tracing of friction ridges. These can be collected by crime scene personnel and compared to the friction ridges of known persons or prints collected at other crime scenes in an attempt to determine who contributed these prints. This then confirms to the investigator that this person had to have been present and/or touched this object. In this practice, genetic material is used to answer questions pertaining to the investigation. Often during the course of our daily activity, we leave behind genetic material. This is as simple as remnants of saliva on coffee...