What Is a Forensic Fingerprint Expert?

Forensic fingerprint experts also study palm and foot prints.

Unless a person's hands and fingers become ravaged from disease or injury, his fingerprints will remain distinctive and identifiable throughout his life. A forensic fingerprint expert's testimony in court is an important tool in determining a person's guilt or innocence.

Educational Background

Forensic fingerprint experts need a Bachelor of Science degree or higher and must meet certification standards as a Latent Print Examiner. These experts must also be proficient in computer programs, software and databases associated with fingerprint analysis.

Counting Ridges

Fingerprints consist of ridges and valleys that form unique patterns on the fingers of every human. A forensic fingerprint expert not only counts these ridges but categorizes their patterns as looped, arched or whorled.

Absent at Crime Scenes

The role of a forensic fingerprint expert is to study the prints and make a determination as to the identity of the person who left the prints behind. It is not generally this expert's job to recover the fingerprints at a crime scene.

Not Just a Fingerprint Expert

A person can be identified by a forensic fingerprint expert not only from latent fingerprints, but also by impressions left behind from the soles of his feet or the palms of his hands. Palm prints can yield a wealth of information--even more so than fingerprints--about someone's identity.

Good Communicator

A forensic fingerprint expert has to be able to communicate his findings in a clear, logical and understandable manner in a court of law or to any other agencies that may be involved.

References

• Crime Scene Investigator: Forensic Fingerprint Expert
• Scottish Police: Fingerprints Experts and Evidence
• FBI: Taking Legible Fingerprints

Resources

• SPSA Forensics Services: Fingerprint Expert