Forensic science

Forensic Science

The use of scientific methods

to solve crimes
Types of Evidence
How are fingerprints formed?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZL7OpFq0fw
 Fingerprints 101
• Fingerprints are unique to individuals, even identical twins have
different fingerprints!
• There are 3 classes of fingerprints split up into a variety of subgroups.

Loop Whorl Arch

Approximately 60% of people have loops, 35% have whorls and 5% have arches
Arches
The simplest form of fingerprint. The ridges enter on one side of the
print and exit on the other
Loops
• Have one or more ridges that enter and exit
on the same side of the print
• Have one ‘delta’
• Named for the positions of the opening
compared to the radius and ulnar bone.
 Whorls - Part 1
• At least one ridge will make a full circuit.
• Have at least two deltas.

Plain Whorl Central Pocket Whorl

Draw a line between the two deltas. If the curved ridges touch the line it is a plain
whorl, if not it’s a central pocket whorl
Whorls - Part 2
Practical
We are going to look at your own fingerprint.
You will need:
- Pencil
- Cellotape
- White paper

1) Rub a pencil across the paper until you have a build up of graphite
2) Rub your thumb across this graphite until it coats it
3) Place your thumb on the cellotape
4) Stick this cellotape onto the white paper
Research Questions
1) When did fingerprints start to be used to solve crimes?
2) How often are fingerprints used?
3) How do crime scene investigators collect fingerprints?
4) How easy is it/how do we prevent fingerprints being destroyed
when collecting them?
5) Can fingerprints be wrong?
6) Can we find fingerprints on any material?