Latent Print Examiner Study Materials
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Describe early discoveries and uses of friction ridges - CORRECT ANSWER - Before BC
200, picture writing of hands with ridge patterns were discovered and fingerprints were used for
business transactions in Babylon. In the Qin Dynasty, handprints were used as evidence in
burglary investigations and clay seals with friction ridge impressions were also used. In 1400 AD
Persia, comments were made about identification using fingerprints.
Johannes Purkinje - CORRECT ANSWER - An anatomy professor at the University of
Breslau who published his thesis discussing nine fingerprint patterns. He made no mention of the
value of fingerprints for personal identification.
Henry Faulds - CORRECT ANSWER - Studied "skin-furrows" and recognized the
importance of fingerprints as a means of identification. Devised a method of classification and
published an article in "Nature" discussing fingerprints as a means of identification and the use
of ink as a method for obtaining the prints. Credited with the first fingerprint identification of a
greasy fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle.
Alphonse Bertillon - CORRECT ANSWER - Devised a system of classification known as
anthropometry (the Bertillon system) using measurements of parts of the body. He also
established a system of photographing faces (Mugshots). Given credit for the solving the first
murder in Europe with the use of only fingerprint evidence.
Francis Galton - CORRECT ANSWER - Began observations of fingerprints as a means of
identification in the 1880s. Published "Finger Prints" in 1892, establishing individuality and
permanence of fingerprints and was the first published classification system for fingerprints.
Scientifically proved that fingerprints do not change over an individual's lifetime and that no two
prints are exactly the same (unique and persistent). Identified characteristics (minutia) used to
identify prints, referred to as Galton Details - bifurcations, ending ridges, short ridges, and
enclosures.
, Juan Vucetich - CORRECT ANSWER - Began the first fingerprint files based on Galton
pattern types. Initially included the Bertillon System with the files. Developed his own
classification system and individualization of prisoners through their fingerprints, which were the
first practical uses of fingerprint science by law enforcement personnel.
Edward Richard Henry - CORRECT ANSWER - In 1894, worked in collaboration with
Galton to create a method of classification for fingerprints, known as the Henry classification
system.
Henry Classification System - CORRECT ANSWER - A fingerprint identification system
that assigns numerical value to each finger depending on if a type of print is found on that finger.
This is based on Galton's fingerprint pattern types.
NCIC Classification System - CORRECT ANSWER - A classification system based on
the Henry System that uses twenty characters on a line. Each finger is represented by two
characters that are representative of patterns and subgroup symbols. There are four categories
considered for inclusion - arches, whorls, loops, and others.
Nehemiah Grew - CORRECT ANSWER - The first European to publish friction ridge
skin observations in his paper published in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of
London."
Thomas Bewick - CORRECT ANSWER - An English wood engraver and ornithologist
who published many books with wood engravings of birds and other animals. Three woodcuts
including a fingermark had the legend "Thomas Bewick, his mark". It is unknown whether
Bewick understood the value of friction ridge skin for individualization.
Marcello Malpighi - CORRECT ANSWER - An anatomy professor at the University of
Bologna who noted fingerprint ridges, spirals, and loops. The Malpighi layer of skin (1.8mm
thick) is named after him.
J.C.A. Mayer - CORRECT ANSWER - A German anatomist and doctor who wrote
"Anatomical Copper-plates with Appropriate Explanations" containing drawings of friction ridge
skin patterns. The first person to declare that friction ridge skin is unique.
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
Describe early discoveries and uses of friction ridges - CORRECT ANSWER - Before BC
200, picture writing of hands with ridge patterns were discovered and fingerprints were used for
business transactions in Babylon. In the Qin Dynasty, handprints were used as evidence in
burglary investigations and clay seals with friction ridge impressions were also used. In 1400 AD
Persia, comments were made about identification using fingerprints.
Johannes Purkinje - CORRECT ANSWER - An anatomy professor at the University of
Breslau who published his thesis discussing nine fingerprint patterns. He made no mention of the
value of fingerprints for personal identification.
Henry Faulds - CORRECT ANSWER - Studied "skin-furrows" and recognized the
importance of fingerprints as a means of identification. Devised a method of classification and
published an article in "Nature" discussing fingerprints as a means of identification and the use
of ink as a method for obtaining the prints. Credited with the first fingerprint identification of a
greasy fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle.
Alphonse Bertillon - CORRECT ANSWER - Devised a system of classification known as
anthropometry (the Bertillon system) using measurements of parts of the body. He also
established a system of photographing faces (Mugshots). Given credit for the solving the first
murder in Europe with the use of only fingerprint evidence.
Francis Galton - CORRECT ANSWER - Began observations of fingerprints as a means of
identification in the 1880s. Published "Finger Prints" in 1892, establishing individuality and
permanence of fingerprints and was the first published classification system for fingerprints.
Scientifically proved that fingerprints do not change over an individual's lifetime and that no two
prints are exactly the same (unique and persistent). Identified characteristics (minutia) used to
identify prints, referred to as Galton Details - bifurcations, ending ridges, short ridges, and
enclosures.
, Juan Vucetich - CORRECT ANSWER - Began the first fingerprint files based on Galton
pattern types. Initially included the Bertillon System with the files. Developed his own
classification system and individualization of prisoners through their fingerprints, which were the
first practical uses of fingerprint science by law enforcement personnel.
Edward Richard Henry - CORRECT ANSWER - In 1894, worked in collaboration with
Galton to create a method of classification for fingerprints, known as the Henry classification
system.
Henry Classification System - CORRECT ANSWER - A fingerprint identification system
that assigns numerical value to each finger depending on if a type of print is found on that finger.
This is based on Galton's fingerprint pattern types.
NCIC Classification System - CORRECT ANSWER - A classification system based on
the Henry System that uses twenty characters on a line. Each finger is represented by two
characters that are representative of patterns and subgroup symbols. There are four categories
considered for inclusion - arches, whorls, loops, and others.
Nehemiah Grew - CORRECT ANSWER - The first European to publish friction ridge
skin observations in his paper published in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of
London."
Thomas Bewick - CORRECT ANSWER - An English wood engraver and ornithologist
who published many books with wood engravings of birds and other animals. Three woodcuts
including a fingermark had the legend "Thomas Bewick, his mark". It is unknown whether
Bewick understood the value of friction ridge skin for individualization.
Marcello Malpighi - CORRECT ANSWER - An anatomy professor at the University of
Bologna who noted fingerprint ridges, spirals, and loops. The Malpighi layer of skin (1.8mm
thick) is named after him.
J.C.A. Mayer - CORRECT ANSWER - A German anatomist and doctor who wrote
"Anatomical Copper-plates with Appropriate Explanations" containing drawings of friction ridge
skin patterns. The first person to declare that friction ridge skin is unique.
