Arizona Department of
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist IV (Latent
Prints) Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
One of the following notes confuses the roles of “Systematic side-by-side
comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known
exemplar impressions”, “Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS /
ABIS) and Databases”, “Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations”,
“Comparison”. Which note is inconsistent? Pay particular attention to the role
of “Ten-print capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and
candidate list evaluation”.
A. Comparison — Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent
impressions against known exemplar impressions (fingers, palms, foot impressions)
B. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations — Fingerprint pattern types and
classification systems (Arches, Loops, Whorls, and their sub-classifications)
C. Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against
known exemplar impressions — fingers, palms, foot impressions
D. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases — fingers, palms,
foot impressions
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases: Ten-print
capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list evaluation. Systematic
side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known exemplar
impressions: fingers, palms, foot impressions. A: This association is consistent: Comparison:
Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known
exemplar impressions (fingers, palms, foot impressions). B: This association is consistent: Friction
Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations: Fingerprint pattern types and classification systems
(Arches, Loops, Whorls, and their sub-classifications). C: This association is consistent: Systematic
side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known exemplar
impressions: fingers, palms, foot impressions.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 2
Four notes compare “Verification”, “Chemical processing techniques for porous
surfaces”, “Physiology of sweat glands”, “Crime Scene Processing and Latent
Print Development”. Which note misassigns its focus and needs correction? Pay
particular attention to the role of “eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous”.
A. Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development — Chemical and physical processing
techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces (Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains
such as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40)
B. Physiology of sweat glands — Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind
verification protocols)
C. Verification — Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind verification
protocols)
D. Chemical processing techniques for porous surfaces — Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer,
1,2-Indanedione
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Physiology of sweat glands: eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous. Verification: Independent peer
review and verification procedures (blind verification protocols). A: This association is consistent:
Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development: Chemical and physical processing
techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces (Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains such
as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40). C: This association is consistent: Verification:
Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind verification protocols). D: This
association is consistent: Chemical processing techniques for porous surfaces: Ninhydrin, DFO,
Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione.
Question 3
The label “Physiology of sweat glands (eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous) and
residue composition” is attached to “Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer,
1,2-Indanedione”. Which replacement description better fits the label?
A. Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione
B. eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous
C. water, amino acids, inorganic salts, lipids
D. Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains such as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Physiology of sweat glands (eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous) and residue
composition: water, amino acids, inorganic salts, lipids. Chemical processing techniques for porous
surfaces: Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione. A: This describes “Chemical
processing techniques for porous surfaces”, rather than the requested focus. B: This describes
“Physiology of sweat glands”, rather than the requested focus. D: This describes “Chemical and
physical processing techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces”, rather than the
requested focus.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 4
One of the following notes confuses the roles of “Automated Fingerprint
Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases”, “Friction Ridge Analysis
and Theoretical Foundations”, “Analysis”, “Formulating conclusions”. Which
note is inconsistent? Pay particular attention to the role of “History and
background of friction ridge identification”.
A. Analysis — Evaluating substrate, matrix, development medium, deposition pressure,
distortion, and anatomical source
B. Formulating conclusions — Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive
C. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases — Ten-print
capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list evaluation
D. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations — Individualization/Identification,
Exclusion, Inconclusive
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations: History and background of friction ridge
identification. Formulating conclusions: Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive. A:
This association is consistent: Analysis: Evaluating substrate, matrix, development medium,
deposition pressure, distortion, and anatomical source. B: This association is consistent:
Formulating conclusions: Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive. C: This
association is consistent: Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and
Databases: Ten-print capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list
evaluation.
Question 5
Which topic should replace “Latent Print Comparison and Analysis Methodology
(ACE-V)” for the requirement “Expert witness testimony, rules of evidence,
discovery, courtroom demeanor, and presenting scientific findings”?
A. Physiology of sweat glands
B. Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development
C. Quality Assurance, Laboratory Standards, and Legal Framework
D. Latent Print Comparison and Analysis Methodology (ACE-V)
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Quality Assurance, Laboratory Standards, and Legal Framework: Expert witness
testimony, rules of evidence, discovery, courtroom demeanor, and presenting scientific findings. A:
That focus concerns “eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous”, not the activity being assigned. B: That focus
concerns “Sequencing and prioritizing analytical techniques to preserve multiple evidence types”,
not the activity being assigned. D: That focus concerns “Handling complex casework, distortions,
overlapping prints, matrix variations, and low-quality impressions”, not the activity being assigned.
4
Public Safety Arizona
Forensic Scientist IV (Latent
Prints) Exam Plan
,QUESTIONS
Question 1
One of the following notes confuses the roles of “Systematic side-by-side
comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known
exemplar impressions”, “Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS /
ABIS) and Databases”, “Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations”,
“Comparison”. Which note is inconsistent? Pay particular attention to the role
of “Ten-print capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and
candidate list evaluation”.
A. Comparison — Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent
impressions against known exemplar impressions (fingers, palms, foot impressions)
B. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations — Fingerprint pattern types and
classification systems (Arches, Loops, Whorls, and their sub-classifications)
C. Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against
known exemplar impressions — fingers, palms, foot impressions
D. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases — fingers, palms,
foot impressions
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases: Ten-print
capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list evaluation. Systematic
side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known exemplar
impressions: fingers, palms, foot impressions. A: This association is consistent: Comparison:
Systematic side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known
exemplar impressions (fingers, palms, foot impressions). B: This association is consistent: Friction
Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations: Fingerprint pattern types and classification systems
(Arches, Loops, Whorls, and their sub-classifications). C: This association is consistent: Systematic
side-by-side comparative examination of unknown latent impressions against known exemplar
impressions: fingers, palms, foot impressions.
2
,QUESTIONS
Question 2
Four notes compare “Verification”, “Chemical processing techniques for porous
surfaces”, “Physiology of sweat glands”, “Crime Scene Processing and Latent
Print Development”. Which note misassigns its focus and needs correction? Pay
particular attention to the role of “eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous”.
A. Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development — Chemical and physical processing
techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces (Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains
such as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40)
B. Physiology of sweat glands — Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind
verification protocols)
C. Verification — Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind verification
protocols)
D. Chemical processing techniques for porous surfaces — Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer,
1,2-Indanedione
Correct Answer: B
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Physiology of sweat glands: eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous. Verification: Independent peer
review and verification procedures (blind verification protocols). A: This association is consistent:
Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development: Chemical and physical processing
techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces (Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains such
as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40). C: This association is consistent: Verification:
Independent peer review and verification procedures (blind verification protocols). D: This
association is consistent: Chemical processing techniques for porous surfaces: Ninhydrin, DFO,
Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione.
Question 3
The label “Physiology of sweat glands (eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous) and
residue composition” is attached to “Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer,
1,2-Indanedione”. Which replacement description better fits the label?
A. Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione
B. eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous
C. water, amino acids, inorganic salts, lipids
D. Cyanoacrylate ester fuming, dye stains such as Rhodamine 6G, RAM, Basic Yellow 40
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Physiology of sweat glands (eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous) and residue
composition: water, amino acids, inorganic salts, lipids. Chemical processing techniques for porous
surfaces: Ninhydrin, DFO, Physical Developer, 1,2-Indanedione. A: This describes “Chemical
processing techniques for porous surfaces”, rather than the requested focus. B: This describes
“Physiology of sweat glands”, rather than the requested focus. D: This describes “Chemical and
physical processing techniques for non-porous and semi-porous surfaces”, rather than the
requested focus.
3
, QUESTIONS
Question 4
One of the following notes confuses the roles of “Automated Fingerprint
Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases”, “Friction Ridge Analysis
and Theoretical Foundations”, “Analysis”, “Formulating conclusions”. Which
note is inconsistent? Pay particular attention to the role of “History and
background of friction ridge identification”.
A. Analysis — Evaluating substrate, matrix, development medium, deposition pressure,
distortion, and anatomical source
B. Formulating conclusions — Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive
C. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and Databases — Ten-print
capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list evaluation
D. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations — Individualization/Identification,
Exclusion, Inconclusive
Correct Answer: D
Full Explanation: The note requiring correction assigns the second focus’s activity to the first
focus. Friction Ridge Analysis and Theoretical Foundations: History and background of friction ridge
identification. Formulating conclusions: Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive. A:
This association is consistent: Analysis: Evaluating substrate, matrix, development medium,
deposition pressure, distortion, and anatomical source. B: This association is consistent:
Formulating conclusions: Individualization/Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive. C: This
association is consistent: Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS / ABIS) and
Databases: Ten-print capture, latent search parameters, minutiae encoding, and candidate list
evaluation.
Question 5
Which topic should replace “Latent Print Comparison and Analysis Methodology
(ACE-V)” for the requirement “Expert witness testimony, rules of evidence,
discovery, courtroom demeanor, and presenting scientific findings”?
A. Physiology of sweat glands
B. Crime Scene Processing and Latent Print Development
C. Quality Assurance, Laboratory Standards, and Legal Framework
D. Latent Print Comparison and Analysis Methodology (ACE-V)
Correct Answer: C
Full Explanation: Quality Assurance, Laboratory Standards, and Legal Framework: Expert witness
testimony, rules of evidence, discovery, courtroom demeanor, and presenting scientific findings. A:
That focus concerns “eccrine, apocrine, sebaceous”, not the activity being assigned. B: That focus
concerns “Sequencing and prioritizing analytical techniques to preserve multiple evidence types”,
not the activity being assigned. D: That focus concerns “Handling complex casework, distortions,
overlapping prints, matrix variations, and low-quality impressions”, not the activity being assigned.
4
