Citations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingerprint


http://www.odec.ca/projects/2004/fren4j0/public_html/history_of_fingerprinting.htm


http://www.ehow.com/about_5432327_forensic-fiber-analysis.html


en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Footprint


www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair.../hair-analysis

Create a Profile

In this experiment we were given a set of clues. There were five clues given and from those clues we had to create profile. Forensic scientists do this on daily basis. There were four fingerprints we had to analyze. We analyzed a string of hair which we concluded to be a Caucasian women hair.  We also analyze a hair that we found to be a cat hair. Then we found a red gelatin substance and a note that said “you will never find her”. From those clues we conclude that a women was kidnapped who owned a cat.

Crime Scene

Crime scene was in front of garden no body just evidence. There were eleven clues and we had to analyze those clues.  

Clue 1: a dirty heel

Clue 2: A: “someone help me please”

B: “You’ll never find her”

Clue 3: A: fingerprint- whorl

B: fingerprint- ulnar loop

Clue 4: a thick hoop earring- Tyese Jefferson

Clue 5: fabric- Nylon- green

Clue 6: Iodine- Tyese Jefferson

Clue 7: footprint- male- vans

Clue 8: A+ blood

Clue 9: multiple color hairs (brown, black, blonde) - dog hair

Clue 10: fingerprint on glass- Smokey Johnson

From those clue I have came up with a scenario of what had happen.  Tyese owns a dog and who is a counselor. Tyese was counseling a man who was physically abusive to women. The man was Smokey Johnson who had to have a restraining order put on him because he was that crazy. Smokey Johnson began to fall in love with Tyese. One night after her counseling secession with Smokey Johnson, Smokey had said some bizarre things to her which mad her fear her safety.  She wrote a note that said, “Someone help me please”.  Later on that night when she was the most vulnerable Smokey Johnson came for her while she was on her way in her house. He threw her on the ground which caused her heel to come off.  During the struggle he ripped her earring out of her ear causing her to bleed. He then grabbed her medicine from her bag filled her with enough iodine to make her drowsy. He then kidnapped her, leaving fibers at the crime scene. Also he left a note that said "you'll never find her".

Drug Activty

In this activity there was six drug samples of cocaine, methamphetamine, and LSD. We test substances to see if they had contained any of the drugs by using pH strips and identifying their reagents.

Footprint Analysis

In this activity we analyzed footprints. We first  had to find out temperature, humidity level, when the last time it rained, and the where the wind was blowing. Then we stepped into a pan of dirt, and had to measure the length of the print as well as the depth. Then we had to figure out the direction of the footprint and also look at the design on the bottom of the shoe.

Lip Activity

In this activity we were able to analyze our lips by applying lipstick to our lips and kissing an index card. As you can see my lips are curvy and full and also have have a lot of creases.

Witness Experiment

As a witness to a crime, your cooperation is essential to make the criminal justice system work. Memory is a vital part of being a witness it requires you think, remember what the culprit look like. In this experiment that was conducted me and a few fellow classmates memories were put to test, we were in groups and each group member had to find a similar size face.We each  had to memorize the face we chose. Then we had to cut out the eyes, nose, mouth, and the hair. Then we had to mix the pieces up with the other group members pieces. after about five minutes we then had to piece back the face we chose originally. What I have learned from this experiment that being a witness is somewhat hard because sometimes you tend to forget things and it makes it hard to piece together what you saw.

Lifting fingerprints

These lifted fingerprints were done by the use of powder. There were two types of powder that was used. For the prints done on the black sheet crushed chalk was used. A fingerprint was placed on a dark surface and then the chalk was applied to the fingerprint with a brush. Then the tape was taped to the black sheet. For the print done on the white sheet crushed charcoal was used. A fingerprint was placed on glass and then charcoal was applied with a brush. Then taped was applied to the glass to get the the print then taped down on the white sheet of paper. This process was difficult to complete because the powder sometimes wouldn't stick and it was hard to get the print.

Hair activity

In this activity there were different types of hair and fibers. There were hair from African Americans, Caucasians, Asians, Mexicans, a dog, and a cat.We had to analyze these hairs and fibers under a microscope and observe the texture and color of the hair to see the differences between the types of hair. The same with the fiber we observed them under a microscope to look at texture and color. These activity allowed for me to see the difference between hair of different ethnic groups and I learned they do not look similar.

Poison activity

 

In this activity we tested various liquids to see if they contained any poisons.

Poison- A substance that, when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism, causes death or injury, esp. one that kills by rapid action.

Common poison sources:
Carbon monoxide which is a deadly gas which is odorless. 
Food poisoning which is caused by bacteria in foods. 
Household products are poisonous if eaten or drunk. 
Lead in paint is dangerous
Plants

How do crimes labs handle poison cases? 
They are taken to forensic toxicologists who then analyze biological specimens and then determine what substances were ingested, along with the amount of it.


What are some signs of poisoning?

• enlarge the pupils
  
• excessive drooling or dry in the mouth and skin.
  
• Some speed the heart, while others slow the heart.
  
• Some increase the breathing rate, while others slow it.
  
• Some cause pain, while others are painless.
  
• Some cause hyperactivity, while others cause drowsiness. 

Modus Operandi

Modus Operandi is a Latin phrase, translated as "mode of operation". In this experiment we had to put down our fingerprints from both hands and describe them as ulnar, loop, whorl, or an arch. We then had to make up an alias name and trade our papers with the fingerprints with someone else and describe their finger prints. What I learned from this experiment is that I have a lot of ulnar loops.

Handwriting Analysis

In this experiment we all had to try and forge someones handwriting by tracing and free handing it. Forging someone handwriting by free handing is very difficult and it easy to tell that it was forged. Forging by tracing is more easy to do but when tracing someones else handwriting your copy tends to be more darker then theirs. Also we had to write a check and rip it up and trade with another person to see if they can tell who's handwriting it is. What i learned from this experiment is that i have a very difficult handwriting that no one can free hand or trace.

Handwriting

History of Handwriting Analysis

In 1915, Bunker made his unique discovery. He recognized that each of his students formed shorthand strokes in a unique manner. He suddenly and clearly realized that it was not the letter which had a trait meaning but the strokes – the shape of the formations within the letter. 

After traveling thousands of miles, and interviewing thousands of people and examining more than half a million handwriting specimens in his lifetime, the copyrighted American System of handwriting analysis – Graphoanalysis was born.

Handwriting Characteristics:

§  Line quality.

Ø  Are the pen marks smooth and free flowing or shaky and wavering?

§  Spacing of words and letters.

Ø  What is it the spacing between letters and words? Is it consistent?

§  Ratio of the relative height, width and size of letters.  

Ø  What is the ratio? Is it consistent?

§  Pen lifts and separations.

Ø  Does the person stop to form new letters and begin words?

§  Connecting strokes.

Ø  Are capitals connected to lowercase letters and are there connecting strokes between letters and words?

§  Beginning and ending strokes.

Ø  Are these straight, curled, long or short, an upstroke or a down stroke?

§  Unusual letter formation.

Ø  Are there any unusually formed letters such as backward, letters with a tail, or unusual capitals?

§  Shading or pen pressure.

Ø  Is the pen pressure on the upward or the downward strokes?

§  Slant.

Ø  Is slant left or right or straight up and down? Is there consistency between the slants of  letters

§  Baseline Habits

Ø  Is the writing above or below a line?

§  Flourishes and embellishments.

Ø  Are Their any? If so what are they?

§  Diacritic placement.

Ø  How is the t’s crossed? Look at the dotting of the i’s, j’s. For example are the dots to the right or left of the letter?

The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr., 20-month-old son of the famous aviator and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was kidnapped about 9:00 p.m., on March 1, 1932, from the nursery on the second floor of the Lindbergh home near Hopewell, New Jersey. The child's absence was discovered and reported to his parents, who were then at home, at approximately 10:00 p.m. by the child's nurse, Betty Gow. A search of the premises was immediately made and a ransom note demanding $50,000 was found on the nursery window sill. After the Hopewell police were notified, the report was telephoned to the New Jersey State Police, who assumed charge of the investigation. This case was based on handwriting there were three ransom notes written.http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/the-lindbergh-kidnapping. go to this site and learn more.

Ransom note

Known Signature of Hauptmann

Hair and Fiber Analysis

History of Hair and fiber:
In France in 1857, one of the first scientific reports regarding the scientific study of hair, introduced the world to the idea. The field expanded rapidly after microscopic hair examination became known in the early 20th century. Fibers let scientist know what kind of clothing the suspect was wearing. Fibers are synthetic and must be identified with infrared spectrophotometer. scientists determine fibers by the way it absorbs light.

Hair is composed primarily of proteins, these proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. The cuticle is a translucent outer layer of the hair shaft consisting of scales that cover the shaft. The medulla is a central core of cells that may be present in the hair. The cortex is the main body of the hair composed of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells. Papilla is a small nipple like projection, such as a protuberance on the skin, at the root of a hair or feather. Hair is a protein that grows out of hair follicle in the skin. Normally, a hair grows in the hair follicle for many months, stops growing, and falls out. A new hair then grows in the follicle. It takes weeks for a hair sample to show changes in the body, because hair grows slowly. Hair samples do not show recent changes in the body, such as drug use within the past few days.

Major types of Fibers:

• cotton
• silk
• wool
• nylon
• polyester

The two broadest groupings of fibers are Natural and Man-Made. Natural Fibers –derived in whole from animal or plant sources. Examples are wool,cotton, and silk .Man-Made fibers- fibers made totally from man made materials (synthetic fibers) or chemically altered natural materials. Synthetic: nylon and polyester.

Hair/Fiber collection techniques:
Use the fingers or tweezers to pick up hair, place in paper bindles or coin envelopes which should then be folded and sealed in larger envelopes. Label the outer sealed envelope.If hair is attached, such as in dry blood, or caught in metal or a crack of glass, do not attempt to remove it but rather leave hair intact on the object. If the object is small, mark it, wrap it, and seal it in an envelope. If the object is large, wrap the area containing the hair in paper to prevent loss of hairs during shipment.


If threads or large fibers are found, they can often be picked up with the fingers and placed in a paper bindle, then in a coin envelope, which can be sealed and marked. If the fibers are short or few in number wrap the area or the entire item containing the fibers in paper and send the whole exhibit to the Laboratory. Pick up fibers on tape only if the laboratory in your jurisdiction allows it and gives you its requirements. When fibers or threads are recovered, always send all clothing of persons from which they might have originated to the Laboratory for comparison purposes.

Typical Hair/fiber analysis:

Hair is used to help identify a criminal by evaluating their hair structure and DNA. Hair samples are tested with specific chemicals and looked at under a microscope. Hair analysis can also be used to check for poisoning caused by metals such as lead or mercury. This makes hair very reliable because it containsyour DNA.

Fiber is often the most common type of evidence found at a crime scene. Importance is usually magnified in cases of homicide, assault, or sexual offences. Fibers may be found caught in screens, or on jagged surfaces, around broken glass, on cars involved in pedestrian hit and run or transferred during a struggle.Most of fiber analysis is done through microscopic examinations. When analyzing under a microscope, you try to identify color, texture, shape pattern, cross sectional appearance, and surface characteristics. Micro-chemical tests which are various chemical reagents that are used for determining physical characteristics of the fiber such as melting point, density, ash formation, tensile strength, solubility.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprint: An impression on a surface of the curves formed by the ridges on a fingertip

History of fingerprinting:

In ancient civilizations, a criminal was marked as a criminal through branding or maiming. The thief would lose the hand that was used to commit the thievery.

About 1750 years BC, the people in Babylon used fingerprints to sign their identity on clay tablets. In about the year 220 the Chinese were the first to use ink prints. In 1686 a man called Malpighius  described the ridges on fingerprints, but stopped at that.

Then in 1823 J.E. Purkynie discovered it was possible to classify fingerprints, and that’s when fingerprinting began. Around 1858 Sir William Herschel demanded labourers to sign contracts with fingerprints in India. The first known use of fingerprints in the United States was by Gilbert Thomson of the U.S. geological Survey in New Mexico in 1882. He used his own fingerprints on a document in order to prevent forgery. Between the years 1901 and 1910 many countries began using fingerprints, and soon, in 1924 in America, the Identification Division from the FBI started.

Four types of fingerprints:

Latent- A fingerprint "image" that is left on a surface that was touched by an individual. Left by the surface contact with the friction ridges, usually caused by the oily residues produced by the sweat glands in the finger. Not apparent to the human eye.

Patent- Known as visible prints that is obvious to the human eye. You can notice these with the naked eye because they are left with something else. Such as: Blood, dirt, ink, or grease on the finger come in contact with a surface and leave a friction ridge impression.

Plastic- A friction ridge impression left in a material that retains the shape of the ridge detail. Usually left in soft pliable surfaces, such as clay, wax, paint or another surface that will take the impression. They are visible and can be viewed or photographed without development.

Techniques/ Chemicals used to develop prints:

Black powder

On hard, smooth, and nonabsorbent surfaces such as: mirrors, tile, glass, and painted wood prints are developed with powder. Black powder which is composed of black carbon or charcoal is applied to light colored surfaces. Gray powder which is composed of aluminum dust is used on dark colored surfaces. Fluorescent powders can also be used to develop latent prints, which will fluoresce under ultraviolet light.

 

Silver Nitrate



On soft and porous surfaces such as: cloth, paper, and cardboard are developed by iodine fuming, silver nitrate, and super glue. Iodine fuming is where the contaminated material is placed in an enclosed cabinet. While in the cabinet the vapors will then combine with the components of the latent print and make it visible to the human eye. The silver nitrate is placed with distilled water and applied to the paper. The paper is exposed to light, and any prints will turn black. In the super glue the cyanoacrylate fumes bond to the oils on the surface of the object making the print permanent.

Classification of Fingers:

Arches are found in about 5% of fingerprint patterns. There are two types of arches plain and tented.

Tented arch

Plain arch

Plain arches have an even flow of ridges from one side to the other of the pattern, they contain no up thrusts and the ridges enter on one side of the impression, and flow out the other with a rise or wave in the center.

Tented arches are the opposite of plain arches they do contain up thrusts in the ridges near the middle that arrange themselves on both sides of a spine or axis towards which the adjoining ridges join and appear to form tents.

Loops:



Loops occur in about 60-70 % of fingerprint patterns. The ridges make a backward turn but do not twist depending on how they twist they can be determine as radial or ulnar loop.

Radial loops are named after the radius which is a bone in the forearm that joins the hand on the same side as the thumb. The flow of the pattern in radial loops runs in the direction of the radius toward the thumb.

Ulnar loops are named after the ulna which is a bone in the forearm. The ulna is on the same side as the little finger and the flow of the pattern in a ulnar loop runs in the direction of the ulna toward the little finger.

Whorls:



Double loop whorl





Plain whorl



Accidental whorl

Central pocket loop whorl

 

Plain whorls consist of one or more ridges which tend to make a complete circuit with two deltas.

Central pocket loop consist of at least one re-curving ridge. Central pocket loop whorl ridges make one complete circuit which may be spiral, oval, circular or any variant of a circle.

Double loop whorls there are two separate loop formations. In each of these formations, there are two entirely separate and distinct sets of shoulders and deltas.

Accidental whorl is a pattern which possesses some of the requirements for two or more different types of other patterns.

People of African descent tend to have plenty of arches. People of European background have frequent loops. While Asians/ Orientals have high frequency of whorls.

Lifting techniques:

There are hinge lifters, rubber lifters and cellophane tape.

Hinge lifters- Are placed on the print and pressed down evenly. The lifted print is covered with the hinged cover and is protected from scratches and dirt. Using a roller can sometimes help to smooth the cover to avoid bubbles. An image of the fingerprint is obtained just as it was found.

Rubber lifter- The plastic cover should be carefully removed. The adhesive side of the tape should be applied to the powdered print, and pressed down evenly. Then the tape is peeled from the surface in one smooth, even motion. The plastic cover is replaced on the tape over the lifted print to protect it. A negative image of the fingerprint is obtained.

Cellophane tape- The print area is covered about an inch beyond in the other direction. The tape is gently rubbed over the print. After the tape is firmly in place, the print is lifted by pulling the roll gently and evenly away from the surface.