History & Science Crim Identif

Catalog description

The focus of this course is the science and history of fingerprint analysis to aid in the detection and prosecution of criminal offenders. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will understand the biology of our epidermal and dermal skin layers to include the formation of pores and the organic and inorganic materials that are commonly found in fingerprint residues; the proper recording and comparison of prints; the many basic and advanced scientific methods currently being employed to develop fingerprints; the development of the print through chemical reaction, chemical absorption, luminescence, or physical attraction; the physics of light energy and its use as a print development method; and the many chemical reactions that produce the developed print.