Fingerprinting Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Give a short history of fingerprinting. Tell the difference between civil and criminal identification.
   Resources:

   • The Origins of Fingerprinting and How They Became a Staple in Modern Forensic Science (video)
   • How Did Detectives Solve the Case of the Bloody Fingerprints? (video)
   • History of Fingerprinting (video)
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Explain the difference between the automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) now used by law enforcement agencies and the biometric fingerprint systems used to control access to computers and places like buildings and airports. Resource: AFIS - Automated Fingerprint Identification System (video)
      Resources:

      • AFIS - Automated Fingerprint Identification System (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Discuss how our society uses identification systems based on tokens, passwords, and biometrics.
      Resources:

      • What Is Multifactor Authentication (video)
      • Token Authentication (video)
      • Biometric Authentication Technology (video)
      • Science of Innovation -- Biometrics (video)
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Name the surfaces of the body where friction or papillary ridges are found. Resource: Fingerprint Ridge Patterns (video)
      Resources:

      • Fingerprint Ridge Patterns (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Name the two basic principles supporting the science of fingerprints and give a brief explanation of each principle.
      Resources:

      • Principles of Fingerprint Science (video)
      • Why Are Your Fingerprints Unique? (video)
   3. # Copy link to requirement 3.c
      Explain what it takes to positively identify a person using fingerprints.
      Resources:

      • How Reliable is Fingerprint Analysis? (video)
      • Fingerprint Evidence (video)
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Take a clear set of prints using ONE of the following methods:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Make both rolled and plain impressions. Make these on an 8-by-8-inch fingerprint identification card, available from your local police department or your counselor. Resource: How to Roll Fingerprints (video)
      Resources:

      • How to Roll Fingerprints (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Using clear adhesive tape, a pencil, and plain paper, record your own fingerprints or those of another person. Resource: Developing Latent Fingerprints With Black Powder (video)
      Resources:

      • Developing Latent Fingerprints With Black Powder (video)
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Show your counselor you can identify the three basic types of fingerprint patterns and their subcategories. Using your own hand, identify the types of patterns you see. Resource: Fingerprint Patterns: Arch, Loop, and Whorl (video)
   Resources:

   • Fingerprint Patterns: Arch, Loop, and Whorl (video)
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in the areas of biometrics and/or fingerprinting. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities, and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
   Resources:

   • Ten Types of Jobs Using Fingerprinting (website)
   • Fingerprint Technician (video)
   • Latent Fingerprinting Examiner (video)