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Detection of Forged and Fabricated Latent Prints

NCJ Number
152652
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 44 Issue: 6 Dated: (November- December 1994) Pages: 652-681
Author(s)
P A Wertheim
Date Published
1994
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This discussion of published cases of fingerprint forgery and fabrication provides historical background, an analysis of documented methods of forgery and fabrication as well as detection methods, and a discussion of the implications of the unethical activity of fabricating latent fingerprints.
Abstract
Methods used to fabricate latent fingerprints include mislabeling lifts, fabricating lifts from inked prints, and photographic fabrication. Erroneous identifications have also sometimes been made intentionally. Hundreds or even thousands of forged print cases have probably occurred in the 20th Century, although millions of honest identifications have also occurred. Ethical examiners should protect their own credibility by reporting only what is personally known. They should also recognize that new restrictions may be placed on examiners and investigators unless the problem is stopped. When a case of fabrication becomes known, all in the field of fingerprint identification must act both individually and collectively. If local prosecution fails, Federal prosecution under civil rights laws should be used. Collectively, all members of the International Association for Identification must act to condemn the actions of a few. Photographs and 32 references (Author abstract modified)