Maricopa Community Colleges  AJS213   19966-20015 
Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  06/25/96
AJS213      19966-20015 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Evidence Technology I
Fingerprint identification, interpretation, and classification. The fundamentals of fingerprinting and the problems in developing latent prints, preservation of evidence and the chain of evidence. Prerequisites: None.
 
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
AJS213   19966-20015 Evidence Technology I
1. Identify major characteristics of fingerprints, including typelines, deltas, and cores.(I)
2. Identify, describe and classify loops , arches, and whorls.(III-V)
3. Identify, describe and classify questionable fingerprint patterns.(VI)
4. Classify prints according to the Henry system.(VII)
5. Classify fingerprints according to National Crime Information Center(NCIC) policy.(VIII)
6. Take fingerprints using appropriate equipment and mechanical operations.(IX)
7. Use a variety of chemical methods to develop latents and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method used.(X)
8. Use appropriate equipment and techniques to photograph latent prints.(XI)
9. Compare latent prints to a set of suspect's prints.(XI)
10. Prepare a fingerprint identification chart for court.(XI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
AJS213   19966-20015 Evidence Technology I
    I. Identification of Major Fingerprint Characteristics
        A. Typelines
        B. Deltas
        C. Cores
      II. Classification of Loops
          A. Major Characteristics
            1. Delta
            2. Sufficient Recurve
            3. Ridge Count
          B. Radial/ulnar Loops
        III. Classification of Arches
            A. Plain Arches
            B. Tented Arches
              1. Angular
              2. Upthrust
              3. Loop-type
          IV. Classification Procedures
              A. Loops
              B. Whorls
              C. Arches
            V. Referencing Patterns
                A. Tented Arches
                B. Whorls
              VI. Examination of Questionable Patterns
                  A. Loops
                  B. Whorls
                  C. Arches
                VII. Henry System of Classification
                    A. Primary
                    B. Secondary
                    C. Sub-secondary
                    D. Major
                    E. Final
                    F. Key
                  VIII. National Crime Information Center System(NCIC) of Classification
                      A. Arches
                      B. Loops
                      C. Whorls
                      D. Missing/Amputated Fingers
                      E. Scarred/Mutilated Fingers
                    IX. Taking Fingerprints
                        A. Equipment
                        B. Mechanical Operations
                        C. Problems in Linking and Rolling
                        D. Fingers of Deceased Persons
                      X. Development of Latents
                          A. Powders
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                          B. Magna Brush
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                          C. Iodine Fuming
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                          D. Silver Nitrate
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                          E. Ninhydrin
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                          F. Miscellaneous Methods of Development
                            1. Procedures
                            2. Advantages
                            3. Disadvantages
                        XI. Identification and Presentation Procedures
                            A. Photography of Latents
                              1. Type of Camera
                              2. Lighting
                              3. Exposure
                              4. Filters
                              5. Background
                            B. Process of Comparison
                              1. Class Characteristics
                              2. Individual Characteristics
                            C. Preparation of Fingerprint Charts
                              1. Enlargement Process
                              2. Making exhibits
                            D. Presentation of Evidence in Court
                              1. Admissibility
                              2. Chain of Custody
                              3. Competency to Testify
                              4. Courtroom Demeanor
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