The fact that fingerprints are unique and permanent is the foundation of the
science of fingerprints, which didn’t seriously begin until the mid-1800’s.
The knowledge gleaned from this study of fingerprints has carried us from
the realization that the tips of the fingers bear ridges, to the use of those
ridges as a means of personal identification. For over 100 years,
fingerprints have been used as a means of identification in criminal
investigations throughout the world. Even with this historical record, the
science of fingerprints is continuously improving. Furthermore,
advancements in chemical processing techniques, comparison
methodologies, and computer databasing are transforming a well-
established discipline into an even more powerful tool for the law
enforcement community.
We are dedicated to continuing this journey of learning and providing the
best service possible.
Items of evidence are often found at crime scenes that may have been
touched or handled by those involved with the crime. These items are
collected and submitted to the laboratory for processing in hopes of
detecting fingerprints. The Fingerprint Section employs a wide variety of
processing techniques in order to obtain the best results on various types of
surfaces. Although it is more difficult to develop latent prints on certain
surfaces, no surface is impossible: latex gloves, wood, textured plastic and
even rocks.
Once a print has been developed, either at the laboratory or at a crime
scene, it is compared to known prints of victims and suspects to establish
its origin. This process is performed by comparing the pattern class,
minutiae and ridgeology of the known and unknown prints. The Fingerprint
Section offers almost 100 years of combined experience of well-trained,
internationally certified fingerprint examiners enhancing the exemplary
credibility already afforded to NIRCL.
NIRCL uses the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), a
computer database maintained by the Illinois State Police, that has over 4.1
million fingerprint cards available to search. Work is already underway to
develop a computer system to compare palm prints. In the next few years,
Automated Palmprint Identification Systems (APIS) will be added to the
identification resources available to law enforcement.
In order to continue to maintain a high level of service to member agencies,
the section is constantly looking for new ways to improve fingerprint
science and its methodologies. By forging ahead into the future with
technologies such as digital photography and RUVIS, along with chemical
research, the Fingerprint Section will ensure that it maintains its high quality
service for years to come.
science of fingerprints, which didn’t seriously begin until the mid-1800’s.
The knowledge gleaned from this study of fingerprints has carried us from
the realization that the tips of the fingers bear ridges, to the use of those
ridges as a means of personal identification. For over 100 years,
fingerprints have been used as a means of identification in criminal
investigations throughout the world. Even with this historical record, the
science of fingerprints is continuously improving. Furthermore,
advancements in chemical processing techniques, comparison
methodologies, and computer databasing are transforming a well-
established discipline into an even more powerful tool for the law
enforcement community.
We are dedicated to continuing this journey of learning and providing the
best service possible.
Items of evidence are often found at crime scenes that may have been
touched or handled by those involved with the crime. These items are
collected and submitted to the laboratory for processing in hopes of
detecting fingerprints. The Fingerprint Section employs a wide variety of
processing techniques in order to obtain the best results on various types of
surfaces. Although it is more difficult to develop latent prints on certain
surfaces, no surface is impossible: latex gloves, wood, textured plastic and
even rocks.
Once a print has been developed, either at the laboratory or at a crime
scene, it is compared to known prints of victims and suspects to establish
its origin. This process is performed by comparing the pattern class,
minutiae and ridgeology of the known and unknown prints. The Fingerprint
Section offers almost 100 years of combined experience of well-trained,
internationally certified fingerprint examiners enhancing the exemplary
credibility already afforded to NIRCL.
NIRCL uses the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), a
computer database maintained by the Illinois State Police, that has over 4.1
million fingerprint cards available to search. Work is already underway to
develop a computer system to compare palm prints. In the next few years,
Automated Palmprint Identification Systems (APIS) will be added to the
identification resources available to law enforcement.
In order to continue to maintain a high level of service to member agencies,
the section is constantly looking for new ways to improve fingerprint
science and its methodologies. By forging ahead into the future with
technologies such as digital photography and RUVIS, along with chemical
research, the Fingerprint Section will ensure that it maintains its high quality
service for years to come.
Fingerprints
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |