Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

True or False: Plain impressions verify the sequence or accuracy of fingerprints.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in specific circumstances

4. Depends on the method used

The correct answer is: False

Plain impressions do not verify the sequence or accuracy of fingerprints because they do not contain the necessary detail or structure that can be compared for verification purposes. Plain impressions, typically taken by pressing a finger against a surface, are often used to create a record of the fingerprint pattern, but they lack the intricate details required to confirm the accuracy of individual fingerprint characteristics. In contrast, to verify accuracy or sequence, one would typically rely on more advanced techniques such as latent prints or digital fingerprinting methods that can enhance and analyze the unique ridge patterns found on a fingerprint. These techniques provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the fingerprint's characteristics, allowing for more definitive conclusions regarding its accuracy or sequence. Thus, the answer that reflects the function of plain impressions accurately indicates that they do not serve to verify the sequence or accuracy of fingerprints.