Contrast: An Investigator's Basic Reference Guide to Fingerprint Identification Concepts

This guidebook illustrates the basic concepts involved in the science of fingerprints and fingerprint identification. It clarifies many of the oversimplified generalities that pervade the science of fingerprint identification and highlights the many possibilities and limitations of fingerprint identification. Chapters are arranged logically to facilitate greater knowledge and skills. Major topics include: fingerprints in context; friction skin, friction skin classification; exemplar fingerprint impressions; latent fingerprint development and recovery; special development processes and conditions; latent fingerprint quality variations; fingerprint identification; fingerprint fabrication, errors, and evidence; photography, image enhancement, and color; and computerized fingerprint databases. The chapters are liberally illustrated to aid the reader. The book is designed to be read in its entirety or to be referenced as a guidebook, as many concepts and information are repeated and cross-referenced. The information helps the reader to understand the relationships, benefits, and limitations of crime scene fingerprint evidence. Contrast is intended for new and experienced crime scene investigators, patrol officers, attorneys, and criminal justice students who seek to add fingerprint identification to their investigative skills.