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 Personal Identification Techniques Review Questions 1


1. In the classification of a loop pattern, the examiner draws an imaginary line between the core and the delta and counts every ridge crossing this line. If the line touches a ridge precisely at its point of bifurcation, how many ridges should be counted?

A. One ridge

B. Two ridges

C. No ridge

D. Three ridges


Correct Answer: B. Two ridges

Explanation: Under standard fingerprint rules for ridge counting, if the imaginary line crosses or touches a bifurcation, both branches of the fork are counted, resulting in a count of two.


In fingerprint classification, when the imaginary line touches a bifurcation, both branches are counted. That’s why the ridge count is two, not one.



2. An examiner is analyzing a Plain Whorl pattern. While tracing the ridge originating from the left delta toward the right delta, the ridge suddenly terminates. What is the correct procedure for the examiner to follow?

A. Stop the tracing and classify it as a Meeting Whorl

B. Drop to the next ridge immediately below it and continue tracing

C. Move to the ridge immediately above it and continue tracing

D. Abort the tracing and perform ridge counting instead


Correct Answer: B. Drop to the next ridge immediately below it and continue tracing.

Explanation: In ridge tracing, when a ridge being traced ends or terminates, the examiner must drop down to the next continuous ridge directly below it and continue tracing toward the right delta.



3. When taking fingerprint samples from a suspect, the booking officer spreads a small amount of fingerprint ink across a glass slab. What is the main objective of using a roller to perform "slab rolling"?

A. To dry the ink quickly before application

B. To remove dirt and skin debris from the slab

C. To create a thin, uniform, and even film of ink

D. To permanently stain the glass for measurement consistency


Correct Answer: C. To create a thin, uniform, and even film of ink.

Explanation: Slab rolling ensures that the ink is evenly distributed across the surface. If the ink is too thick, it will blot the ridges; if it is too thin, the print will be faint.


4. In completing a fingerprint card, what is the primary purpose of recording the "plain impressions" or "plain impressing" at the bottom of the card?

A. To provide a backup in case the rolled impressions are destroyed by fire

B. To serve as a check to verify that the rolled prints were taken in their proper sequence

C. To measure the exact width of the suspect's palm

D. To capture the ridge details of the second phalanges


Correct Answer: B. To serve as a check to verify that the rolled prints were taken in their proper sequence.

Explanation: Plain impressions are taken simultaneously without rolling. They serve as a control mechanism to ensure that the individual rolled fingers were not accidentally placed in the wrong boxes on the card.



5. During the examination of a whorl pattern, a criminologist performs ridge tracing. The ridge traced from the left delta passes inside or above the right delta, and there are 4 intervening ridges counted between the tracing ridge and the right delta. What is the correct sub-classification of this whorl?

A. Outer Whorl (O)

B. Meeting Whorl (M)

C. Inner Whorl (I)

D. Central Pocket Loop Whorl


Correct Answer: C. Inner Whorl (I)

Explanation: If the ridge being traced passes inside (above) the right delta and there are three (3) or more intervening ridges, it is classified as an Inner Whorl (I). If it passed outside (below) with 3 or more ridges, it would be Outer (O). If there are 0, 1, or 2 intervening ridges, it is Meeting (M).



6. In the study of fingerprint identification, what is the technical term for the science of fingerprinting?

A. Poroscopy

B. Podoscopy

C. Chiroscopy

D. Dactyloscopy


Answer: D, Derived from the Greek words 'dactyl' (finger) and 'skopein' (to examine), this is the standard term for fingerprint identification. Dactyloscopy is the technical term for fingerprint identification. 


Poroscopy refers to the study of pores, podoscopy to feet, and chiroscopy to hands.


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