The Science of Fingerprints: Classification and UsesUnited States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
Science
The Science of Fingerprints: Classification and Uses
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
Fingerprints
All wanted notices containing fingerprints, including the wanted
notices inserted in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, should be filed
in the fingerprint file by classification formula, and the names
appearing on these wanted notices should be indexed and placed in the
name files. Concerning the small wanted notices inserted in the FBI
Law Enforcement Bulletin, a suggested procedure would be to paste each
individual notice on a blank 8- by 8-inch white card. The wanted
notices are filed by the fingerprint classification and the names
indexed and placed in the name file. When an apprehension notice is
received concerning the wanted notice, a proper notation should be
made on the name card and the wanted notice in the fingerprint file.
If these canceled wanted notices endanger the efficiency of the file,
it is suggested that the name-index card and the fingerprint-wanted
notice be destroyed. Should the bureau adopt this practice it is
suggested that the 8- by 8-inch cards be used again for other wanted
notices. In this manner it would be possible to use the blank card for
eight of these notices.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation will make available to law
enforcement agencies a special "Wanted Notice" form (No. 1-12) in
order that they can place wanted notices against the fingerprints in
the files of the FBI.
_Photographs_
Arrangements should be made to procure a camera for taking photographs
of the persons fingerprinted. This is known as a "mugging" camera and
various types are on the market. It is believed that the photographs
should include a front and side view of the person. In most instances
a scale for indicating height can be made a part of the picture even
though only the upper portion of the individual photographed is taken.
Of course, if the scale is used, the person photographed should be
standing even though only the upper portion of the body appears in the
photograph. The necessary lights should be provided for obtaining
photographs. A standard set of scales should be obtained in order that
the correct weight can be ascertained.
[Illustration: 419]
The negatives and photographs can be filed by fingerprint number in a
separate file. In those cases where the individual has more than one
arrest all the photographs can be placed in the jacket-folder number
file. The negatives, in these instances, can remain in the photograph
file.
_Latent fingerprints_
To adequately develop the latent prints at crime scenes, it is
necessary that the proper equipment be provided. This equipment
includes latent fingerprint powders, brushes, lifting tape,
fingerprint camera, searchlight, and scissors. All of this equipment
can be obtained from commercial fingerprint supply companies. Figure
419 shows some of the equipment used by the FBI. The techniques of
developing latent fingerprints and their uses are more fully explained
in the following chapters.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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