NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS REGIONAL CRIME LABORATORY


To Provide Accurate, Objective and Timely Forensic Services



FINGERPRINTS/FOOTWEAR



Latent fingerprints can be deposited when residues on the fingers are transferred to surfaces being touched. Fingerprints are unique and unless disturbed by scarring, are also permanent. The patterns, minutiae and ridge morphology within fingerprints, palm prints and footprints provide details which allow forensic scientists to make identifications by comparing latent prints to known impressions of individuals. Fingerprints have been used for identification since the mid 1800's and in criminal matters since 1904. With today's technology, fingerprints and palm prints are routinely used in biometric systems for security purposes.


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analysis:



A variety of processing techniques are available in order to obtain the best results based on different surface types and various fingerprint residues. Although some surface types take delivery of fingerprint residues more readily than others, no surface type is impossible to process.


The Fingerprint Section at NIRCL routinely:


  • Chemically processes evidentiary items for latent print development


  • Analyzes agency submitted and laboratory developed latent prints to determine whether they are suitable for comparison


  • Compares suitable latent prints to known impressions of individuals to establish the origin of the latent prints


  • Searches latent prints through AFIS


AFIS/IAFIS



AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is a computer database maintained by the Illinois State Police. The database consists of known impressions from both criminal and civilian sources. AFIS is used as a searching tool to find possible identifications for unidentified latent fingerprints and palm prints. Not every latent fingerprint suitable for comparison has sufficient qualities for an AFIS search. In order for a latent to be searched, it must be reasonably clear and contain an evident pattern type. The NIRCL not only has the ability to search at the state level, but can also search the FBI database, IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System).


The quality of known impressions in the database does not necessarily meet the quality standards for a thorough comparison to latent fingerprints. It is highly advised to submit elimination and suspect fingerprints, palm prints or Major Case Prints to the laboratory whenever possible. 



footwear and tire impression evidence



Footwear and tire impression evidence can be found at almost every crime scene. This evidence has the ability to support an important link between a suspect and the crime scene footwear/tire evidence. The detection, collection and preservation techniques of questioned footwear/tire impression evidence has significantly improved which has allowed the examination of such evidence to determine whether or not a particular shoe or tire made the questioned impression.



northeastern illinois regional crime laboratory



Mundelein, il 60060

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