Paxton Patterson Forensics Practice Test

Friction ridge patterns are what forensic examiners rely on to identify people. Fingerprints are the most reliable source because their ridges are highly unique and well documented. If a fingertip print isn’t available, other skin surfaces that also leave ridge impressions can be used: the palm can be printed, the feet can leave usable ridge patterns as footprints, and even lip patterns have distinct grooves that can aid in identification in some cases. The front of the knee isn’t a standard or well-supported source for identification because the skin there doesn’t provide a reliable, widely accepted ridge pattern for matches or a comparable database to draw from. So a knee print cannot be used with the same confidence as palm prints, footprints, or lip prints.