FI1I :

The Official Publication of the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers An Association for SCientific Investigation and Identification Since 1937

OFFICERS 1994

PRESIDENT Clark Fogg Beverly Hills Police Dept. (310)285-2116

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Doug Duckson Torrance Police Dept. (310) 328-3456

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT JirnLawson NClS-San Diego (619) 556-1389

SECRETARY/TREASURER Bill Leo Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. (213) 974-4605

SERGEANT AT ARMS Louis Herbert Riverside District Attorney's Office (909) 275-5810

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Mary Nolte Omnichrome Inc. (909) 627-1594

DIRECTOR Tom Jones Kern County Sheriff's Dept. (805)391-7712

DIRECTOR Pat Nolte Anaheim Police Dept. (714) 254-1831

DIRECTOR Clint Fullen San Diego Police Dept. (619) 531-2569

DIRECTOR Diana Castro Los Angeles Police Dept. (213) 485-5364

HISTORIAN Bill Corson NelS-San Diego (619) 556-1389

PARLIAMENTARIAN Gerald Snyder Torrance Police Dept./Retired (213) 540-9591

EDITOR Alan McRoberts Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. (213) 974-4605

March 1994 Volume 10 Issue # 3

FRICTION SKIN IDENTIFICATION A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH

(The following paper is presented as a rebuttal to recent suggestions in Identification literature and training which tend or attempt to promote a set minimum number of characte ristics.) By WILLIAM F. LEO C.L.P.E. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Scientific Services Bureau -- Identification Section

~f~i.~';E=iUI~~t~ ~;~a2S2'irai!i1~~til:VI=~~f As Y:~ty ~¢lI:~t~t~4 PY~h~~gh!mth~t~*! m9i~61~~~~ tijyt«~(e three stages

~§I~IIIl.5Itfi?:~ rrl~~i!~a!~!i.}I.i'.!rr!:ceOf $11'!it.t(itlfu~~1e~~ Just ~.~ 6veey iffea'pf fri9~i6n ~ijn ~titii~M~;s6 i§yy~cy pri~t):6fnparison.

During the examtnatiof processthe laterif.pririfexariiirier should avoid any artificial parameters which do not have scientific basis, such as an examiner having a predetermined number of characteristics needed to establish an identification. Once again, every area of friction skin is unique and so is every comparison.

The vast majority of observations made during the identification process do not have numeric value. Placement of ridge characteristics, their relationships, clarity, uniqueness, ridge flow, overall pattern type and groupings of characteristics all are analyzed and compared during the identification process. Areas void of ridge characteristics are observed and the ridges between the major characteristics are counted and observed. All of this information is evaluated, but it is not given an accumulative numeric value, yet all is equally important. The flaw in the use of any numeric standard for friction ridge identification is its inability to account for all the observations made and the examiner's ability to evaluate this information. The concept that

minimum number standards prevent errors in identification is also flawed. The competent examiner is able to identify with minimal information, while the incompetent or inexperienced examiner has mis-identified with an abundance of characteristics.

Listed below are references made by respected members of the identification community as to why we do not or should not use any predetermined number standard as a basis for friction skin identification:

"The demand for twelve similar details is the result of the opinion of bygone days founded on the belief of scientists such as Galton, Remus, Balthazard, and others. All recent scientists working in the field of dactyloscopy, as for instance, Locard, DeRichter, and others, share the opinion that the number of characteristic points which can be noted at the edge of an enlargement is a matter of little importance."!

"There is no valid scientific basis for requiring a minimum number of ridge characteristics which must be present in two fingerprints in order to establish positive identification.tf

"The clearer the friction ridges available for comparison, the greater the opportunity there may be to compare and evaluate minute detail. The more minute detail found in agreement, the greater the individualizing power of that area of friction ridge. The more obscure and undetai led the ridge structures the less individualizing

power it has. It is therefore possible for an opinion to be formed on differing areas of friction ridges due to the quality of the friction ridge structures and the quantity of the ridge details present."

"Different levels of knowledge and experienc coupled with available quality and quantity of ridge detail dictates that a preset number or size of ridge detail cannot be established as a basis for identification. Examiners of equal experience and training should arrive at an identical conclusion when comparing the same

area of friction ridges."3 "With experience, the

examiner will utilize the qualities of the entire image, including ridge contour and pores, to augment or diminish the assessed quantitative aspects. A latent with fewer characteristics of

quality may be identified with confidence in preference to a latent with a higher number of common, but ambiguous points. Qualitative and quantitative analyses may shift in relative importance according to the latent evaluated, but must serve the examiner in harmony. Artificial standards dismiss the qualitative factor by establishing inflated quantitative requirements to compensate for a worst case scenario of characteristic quality. Whether artificial standards are imposed from outside or within the examiner, the primary rationale offered is the prevention of identification error. In the guise of quality control, standards based solely upon the quantity of characteristics reduce an examiner to a technician more adept at ciphering than exercising scientific judgement." 4

"Despite the multiplicity of standards and methods of calculation, there exists no universally acceptable number of ridge characteristics which can be required in every identification in every case.:"

"No valid basis exist at this time for requiring that a pre-determined minimum number of friction ridge characteristics must be present in two impressions in order to establish a positive identification. "6

"It has been suggested by some laypeople that latent print identification may not be scientific because there is no minimum standard regarding the total number of ridge characteristics required

for a positive identification. This belief reflects a simplistic view that the identification process is merely the totaling of clearly defined ridge characteristics to obtain an arbitrary number, a task that may be easily performed by marginally trained technicians.

Latent print identification is more than simply counting ridge characteristics: it involves many factors, including the skill gained only through experience. Latent print identification is a visual information-processing system employing scientific methodologies and human problem-solving techniques and requiring considerable experience for their proper employment. Experienced examiners, consciously or unconsciously, will consider, in addition to the number of characteristics, the overall quality and clarity of the impression, the rarity of the pattern type or ridge flow, and the uniqueness of the ridge characteristics.

Above all, the experienced examiner knows that the validity of the identification can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of other qualified examiners."?

"There is no magic number that determines a positive "make" or identification."

"A specific, absolute number of points of comparison, or matching characteristics, should not be paramount. Is the acknowledged expert in his field totally satisfied he has made an identification, irrespective of the number of matching characteristics in the two prints?"

"The final decision as to identification should rest with the experienced latent print expert, subject to verification by equally qualified latent print experts.:"

"Where an examiner is, by mandate or preference, limited to reporting results by minimum numerical standard or concurrence rules, certain ethical and legal problems may arise. In the courts of the United States, and in many other countries, the final task of the examiner is to testify as an expert to his or her own opinion."?

"The notorious "12 point rule" in fingerprint identification is not based on scientific studies of friction skin characteristics, their type (shape) and their frequency of occurrence."

"The effect of "number" rules in fingerprint identification is to make the identification process a rote function. Such rules discourage use of other valuable identifying information. "number" rules also discourage (prohibit) the expert from exercising expert abilities.v'P

Endnotes 1 Soderman & O'Connell, MODERN CRIMINAL

INVESTIGATION, P. 146, FWlk & Wagnells, 1952!!.

2 Olsen, Robert D. SR., SCOTT'S FINGERPRINT MECHANICS, P.28, Thomas, 1978.

3 Ashbaugh, David, RIDGEOLOGY, MODERN EV ALUA TIVE FRICTION RIDGE IDENTIFICATION, P. 29-30, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

4 Grieve, David, THE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS: ATTITUDE AND APPROACH, P.216-217, Journal of Forensic Identification, 39(5),1988.

5 Federal Bureau of Investigation, AN ANALYSIS OF STANDARDS IN FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, June, 1972.

6 International Association for Identification, REPORT OF THE STANDARDIZATION COMMITTEE, P. 11-16, Fingerprint and Identification Magazine 55(4),1973.

7 Lee & Gaensslen, ADVANCES IN FINGERPRINT TECHNOLOGY, P. 55-56, Elsevier, New York, 1991.

8 Clements, Wendell, THE STUDY OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS - A SCIENCE, P. 109-122, Thomas, Springfield, m., 1987.

9 Cowger, James, FRICTION RIDGE SKIN, COMPARISON AND IDENTIFICATION OF FINGERPRINTS, P. 146, Elsevier, New York, 1983.

10 Phillips, Clarence, THE FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION PROCESS, Speakers Abstract, International Association for Identification, California State Division, 77th Annual Educational Conference, May 1993.

(Editor -- Many debates over the years have stemmed from the issue of a set minimum number of characteristics. And the debates will probably continue long after we are gone.

I would offer that discussions of this subject are healthy exercises -- as they prepare an examiner to offer explanations in court.

However, the issue isfar from settled (as some have suggested) -­ unless they accept the Identification Community Standard as offerred in the references above. The "settled" discussion can only be claimed by the authorative reference ofa recognized body, such as endnote 6 above.

When one stands 011 a particular side of an issue, one should also look at the company in which they stand or in the words of Miguel De Cervantes "Tell me thy company, and I'll tell thee what thou art. " And I would ask with whom do you stand?)

Vacuum Metal Deposition "Its Value In Developing Archival Prints" (The following paper is an abridgement of the text presented at the March 5,1994 SCAFO meeting) Speaker LISA DIMEO Deputy Sheriff San Diego County Sheriff's Department Scientific Investigations Division

About a year ago my homicide division asked about vacuum metal deposition. I explained the teclmique to them, and its value in homicide investigations which in­ volve polyethylene bags.

"Vacuum metal deposition utilises vacuum-coating technology for the evaporation of metals and the deposition of thin metal films. Thin layers of gold and zinc are deposited onto the surface of articles being examined. Disturbances in the physical and chemical nature of the surface are revealed by dif­ ferent rates of growth of the zinc metal film. Fingerprints appear either as positive or negative images in a grey film of metallic zinc. The process is very sensitive and can detect monolayers offats on smooth surfaces. It is most commonly used on plastic packaging films, particularly polythene, but is also effective on many other smooth surfaces. III

1 decided to go back to our archival cases which in­ volved plastic bags. 1 needed to find cases where, if prints were able to be developed, we would have suspects in mind and would be able to go forward with the case. 1 weaned it down to eight cases. The oldest was from 1977 and the newest was one of my cases which was only a year old. My information as to the processing of these bags was sketchy. The reports might just say that it was processed and no latents were found. That was a real trick in itself, trying to bring up the past and figuring out what had been previously done to the exhibit. Most of them had blood products and contaminants on them. Some of the bags appeared to have been processed with black powder, CA, and even silver powder. (It is uncertain whether the teclmi­ que is useful as a sequence after CA processing.)

Taking my evidence with me, 1 went to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ottawa, Canada, to use their vacuum metal deposition chamber, which is an Ed­ wards E-600 chamber. This type of chamber was actually being used a few decades ago to metal coat or anodize electronic components. At some point it was discovered that fingerprints could be developed with the use of these chambers. Much red tape was involved to enable us to take our evidence to Canada (mostly on our part). 1 had to hand walk it in to them and work alongside the investigator so that the chain of evidence would not be broken and the investigator would not have to come to the States to testify. I arrived and met with Sgt. Pat Laturnus, (I don't want to say he is the

sole operator of this piece of equipment, but when he gets moved to Saskatchewan in about a year, it's going with him.) We were able to develop latent prints on 3 of the 8 cases, including the 1977 case. (Prior to my trip, the oldest print developed by the RCMP was 6 years old--a case investigated by Diane Donnelly, then of the San Diego Police Dept.)

Through my experience with this teclmique, 1 have found it works well on evidence which is multi­ colored, such as orange juice or milk cartons. It works on fine weave fabric (i.e. synethic panties, windbreaker fabric), paper, and many other surfaces, even if they have been wet. TIle RCMP's chamber was custom made for their building at an approximate cost of $100,000. Smaller chambers are available for ap­ proximately $30,000.

The Home Office recommends photographing the prints immediately after development because zinc will eventually oxidize, possibly as quickly as within one hour. However, 1 have been back since November and the prints are still beautiful. Endnote:

[ Chapter 3, Manual of Fingerprint Developement Techniques published by the Home Office, United Kingdom Additional Reading: (copies distributed at the meeting)

LATENT FINGERPRINT DETECTION ON LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMP ARING V ACUUM METAL DEPOSITION TO CYANOACRYLATE FUMING AND FLUORESCENCE" by Sgt. A.H. Misner, R.C.M.P., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada;

LATENT FINGERPRINT DETECTION ON NON-POROUS SURFACES: A COMPARISON BETWEEN METAL DEPOSITION AND CYANOACRYLATE FUMING by F. Taroni, C.J. Lennard and P. Margot,lnstitut de Police Scientifique et de Criminologic, Lausanne, Switzerland;

Chapter 3, VACUUM METAL DEPOSITION, Manual of Fingerprint Developement Techniques published by the Home Office, United Kingdom

(Editor=In addition to this informative lecture, and the handout literature, Lisa showed slides of cases and some prints which are truly beautiful. Lisa is also planning to write a paper on this subject in the future.)

DICK ROGERS Sales Manager

R " P ENTERPRISES, INC. 1-800-377-0450

602-641-5363 • Fax: 602-396-8444 P.O. Box 6004 • Mesa, Arizona 85216-6004

SEPARATING FINGERPRINT FACT FROM FICTION

(The following paper appeared in the January 1992 issue of Law Enforcement Technology) by SHARON ALLEN

The detective moved keenly through the crime scene directing his forensic people to perform various tests. The fingerprint evidence determined that the prints were made by two unidentified men and a woman. But, while "FX" may have been a great movie, it was incorrect in respect to fingerprint evidence:

• THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE SEX, AGE, OR RACE OF A SUBJECT BASED ON FINGERPRINTS ALONE.

Myths and Fallacies: • NO LATENT PRINTS WERE FOUND AT THE SCENE, SO HE MUST HA VE WORN GLOVES OR HE WIPED THEM OFF!

There are many factors that caus an item to lack sufficient ridge detail. Surfaces, pressure, or the condition that existed before or after the finger or hand touched the surface, are some of these. If the background where the latent print is found is rough, grooved, or textured, it may impede the continuity of the ridge detail in the latent print. For example, take a plastic baggie in your hand and make a fist. Releasing the bag in your hand you will notice the baggie unraveling. The ridge detail originally connecting in its compressed state will lack this continuity in the unraveled state. The amount of pressure applied to the surface has varying effects. The results differ drastically when the items, say, papers, were "grasped or rifled" through.

Again, the examiner does not always know the conditions that existed before or after the latent print touched the surface, but understanding the factors affecting latents aids the technician in explaining the fragile nature of these prints.

Weather conditions may be a contributing factor in the lack of prints. In cold weather, the pores that exude perspiration tend to close. In hot weather, the opposite is true--too much perspiration causes the recordings of the prints to be spotty and distorted. The ridges must contain some sweat, grease, oil,

or other foreign matter or no latent print will be left on the item that was touched .

A large percentage of latent prints are "lost" before they are received at the lab for analysis because of poor handling or packaging of items to be examined. Most crime labs readily dispense information and assistance to police who may be having difficulty or problems with evidence retrieval.

• THERE WERE NO FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATIONS OF THE SUSPECT--THERE FORE HE DIDN'T DO IT!

The assumption is that if no fingerprints of the suspect were found, he is innocent. For the reasons mentioned earlier, he may not have left behind any identifiable prints linking him to the crime, but it would not necessarily eliminate him as a suspect. There may have been fragmentary ridge detail indicating the item was handled but not enough to make a comparison. In some instances, an object can be so heavily handled that the ridges overlap, preventing the examiner from determining which ridges belong to which latent print.

You may also be in a position to see the item being touched in, for example, a drug investigation where there is a"hand to hand" buy. You, as the agent making the "buy," know the subject touched the bag when it was handed to you. Yet, when the bag is processed, the results may be negative. Lack of fingerprint evidence does not assume

A survey of prospective jurors done by Sgt. Charles Illsley of the West Utah Police Department included questions dealing with fingerprint testimony. When asked where these jurors acquired most of their knowledge about fingerprints, 58 percent listed television as their primary source, followed by newspapers, radio, books, and other sources. Frequently, crime scene teclmicians and lab personnel feel compelled to compete with the "Quincy's" of TV and the teclmology of "James Bond," all within the time frame of "Sixty Minutes."

Although most police personnel and prosecutors are aware of the factors relating to fingerprint identifications, some myths and fallacies=many perpetrated by the media=still Iinger,

• THE EX-FRIEND OR SPOUSE'S PRINTS WERE FOUND AT THE CRIME SCENE, SO ONE OF THEM DID IT!

The value of the latent print may dwindle if the person had access at one time to the crime scene. Prints can last, if they are protected, indefinitely. Because Party A stopped dating Party B, does not mean the Party B's prints will disappear from Party's A's home. Teclmically, the age of a latent print cannot be determined, although the age of a print may be gauged if you knew approximately when an item was cleaned. For example, if a mirror on the wall at the crime scene had been recently cleaned and latent prints of the subject were developed on the mirror, you could then ascertain that the prints were placed there sometime after the mirror was cleaned.

The location where the latent print or prints were found may be significant. If a family member or friend has access to the home but that individual did not have access to a particular area or item in that home, the value of that print would be greatly enhanced.

• DNA" FINGERPRINTING" AND THE SCIENCE OF FINGERPRINTS ARE SIMILAR.

The term "fingerprinting" used in conjunction with DNA is misleading--DNA "typing" would be more correct. DNA is the genetic material present in every living cell, and, in theory, is unique to every individual (DNA is a new tool that can be used in conjunction with fingerprints. For more on this subject see LET, Sept. 1991, "DNA On Trial," page 30).

We have what you need: • crime scene investigation equipment • latent print development supplies • supplies for rolling fingerprints • Forensic Light Sources and lasers • fluorescent powders and dyes • textbooks and video training tapes • protective clothing • cans, bags and boxes for physical evidence • magnifying glasses • casting materials and frames • narcotics test ki ts • photographic scales and rulers • and much, much more ...

Call, FAX or write for our free l30-page catalog.

• HERE ARE THE LA TENTS FROM MY CASE! HERE ARE THE FINGERPRINT CARDS OF THE SUSPECTS! WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?

In most cases, nothing. But, many times the rolled fingerprint card may be acceptable for classification purposes, yet be of poor quality for latent print evaluation. If the latent print developed is determined to be the tip region of the finger and the rolled fingerprint card does not have the tip region recorded on the card, the examination cannot be completed. Care and effort should be taken to ascertain legible and complete fingerprints of your suspect. Although not always possible, major case prints and palm prints should be taken since a large portion of latents retrieved are from other areas of the hands, such as second joints, fingertips, and palms.

• WERE THE LATENT PRINTS FOUND AT THE SCENE AND THE FINGERPRINTS OF THE SUSPECT A "CLOSE" MATCH?

There is no such thing as "close" in fingerprint identification. Yes, if the pattern area is visible in the latent print, a conclusion could be made to eliminate that suspect as having made that latent print--if the latent print recovered is a loop pattern and the suspect's fingerprints have all whorl patterns. The science of fingerprints is based on no two fingerprints being alike, not even those of identical twins. Although there are three basic fingerprint patterns, it is their systematic arrangement that makes each print unique.

Sharon Allen is a latent fingerprint examiner with the Ohio State Bureau 0/ Criminal Investigation, and Identification. Formerly with the FBI, she has been in the field of fingerprint investigation/or 25 years.

Lightning Powder Company, Inc. ®

LIGHTNING 1230 Hoyt Street SE Salem. OR 97302-2121

POWDER CD .. INC. Tel. 800/852-0300 FAX

VOLUNTEER LATENT PRINT EXAMINER and CRIME SCENE ANALYST

"JACK FIVES" STRICKENBY·HEARTFAILURE, LIES IN DEEP COMA

by 1. TIMOTHY FIVES . Son and Reserve Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff

Congestive heart failure finally caught up with long­ time LASD volunteer latent finger print examiner Jack Fives on Friday February 4,1994. While on an outing with his daughter, Michele, and her infant son, Daniel, to pet horses at a ranch in Canyon Country, Fives col­ lapsed of cardiopulmonary arrest. Michele initiated CPR, and was later aided by several bystanders and firemen. Fives was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia with a weak pulse but unconscious. At the time of this writing he remains in a deep coma and his prognosis is grim.

At the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's station, where he had worked as a volunteer since 1988, Fives was well known for his skill at forensic science and his dedica­ tion to putting criminals in jail. He had his own desk in the detective bureau and his own radio call sign, 60- John so the desk personnel could keep track of which print job he was on. Fives had equipped his own van as a mini mobile crime lab with thousands of dollars worth of cameras, fingerprint powders, alternative light sources, and Sherlock Holmes tricks of the trade.

The desk would page him or call him out in the middle of the night to respond (at no cost to the department) to a variety of high profile crimes such as homicides, 211s, kidnappings, and child abuse cases so that evidence would not be lost. The typical auto or residence burglary got his attention the next day, weekends included, before prints could deteriorate in the heat or dust. Fives would sometimes arrive while patrol deputies were still interviewing crime victims. He felt strongly for crime victims, particularly the defenseless victims of child abuse, whom he often photographed in the intensive care unit of the hospital to document their injuries for court purposes.

A Navy veteran of World War II, Korea, and the Berlin crisis, Fives began his latent fingerprint work as an in­ vestigator for the Navy's Criminal Investigation Division while he was stationed in Japan in 1949-1952. He kept up with the professional literature and associa­ tions during the next 30 years even though he had a full-time job as an aerospace engineer and contracts manager at the Lockheed California Company. When he was medically retired after a heart attack in 1981, Fives returned to school, first to College of the Canyons. Then he graduated in an Asian studies and Japanese language program from UCLA in 1988, the oldest member of his graduating class. He paid his own way to an FBI fingerprint examiner's course and numerous other teclmical seminars and training ses- sions so he could work as a volunteer for the Sheriff's Crime Lab.

Probably his greatest professional satisfaction was the stipulation by a federal Judge that his experience and training allowed him to testify as an expert witness in federal court. Despite death threats made against him, Fives positively identified two suspects in a bank rob­ bery/kidnapping case, who were ultimately convicted. A regular fixture in Newhall Municipal Court from his testimony in preliminary hearings, FIves had testified so often that the judges, prosecutors, and public defenders accepted his testimony without the usual voir dire questioning and challenge. Sometimes, to the delight of the public defender's office, his testimony cleared defendants mistakenly arrested.

Convinced that the wheels of justice needed all the lubrication they could get, Fives frequently delivered or picked up evidence personally at the crime lab, an 80- mile roundtrip, so that testimony in court would not be delayed. Acting on similar mottves, Fives set up a glass fish tank in the evidence locker at SCV so that firearms and questioned documents could be examined expeditiously. Station persomel never really under­ stood the process of shining fluorescent lights and lasers at firearms in a tank full of Superglue fumes, but Fives knew it could reveal latent prints.

He was an elected officer of the California Division of the International Association for Identification, served as an International Representative and Japanese Inter­ preter at I. A. I. Conferences, was active with "SCAFO" , the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers and the Southern California Laser Study Group.

Despite increasing exhaustion from worsening conges­ tive heart failure, Fives continued to work in the detective bureau at SCV. Toward the end, though, he cut back from his previous schedule of seven days a week. He would admit that he thrived on the profes­ sional challenge of criminal investigation and chose not to be a cardiac cripple.

But Fives discovered a new love in life with the birth of his first grandson in December 1992. For the first time he would rather change diapers than dust for prints. While his daughter was in Israel on a fellowship from UCLA in public health, Fives was holding out to see his grandson again. He was granted that WIsh and was able to spend two weeks with Daniel before his col­ lapse.

In lieu of tlowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Citizens Protection Alliance, 2210 Wilshire Blvd. Suite #174, Santa Monica, California, 90403. The group is an all-volunteer, anti-crime watchdog as­ sociation that puts on a cable television program with many experts from the law enforcement community.

The Fives family is donating Jack's extensive library of forensic science books to the Sheriff's Crime Lab.

(Editor -- Jack's presence at our meetings is trulv missed and we wish to extend our thoughts of concern and prayers for him and his family's comfort in this difficult time.)

Richard Sherman said the federal statue in place in 1980 called for a maximum term of 30 years, with a parole date in one-third that time. But Tevrizian refused to revise

his sentence, telling Manning and Sherman that they could appeal the conviction and the sentence if they believed it was wrongly imposed. Also accused of complicity in the

murder and scheduled for trial in July are Manning's wife, Rochelle, 53, and former real estate agent William Ross. Rochelle Manning is fighting extradition from Israel. Ross was recently returned to Los Angeles after fleeing to Canada.

"We're elated with the sentencing, and we feel it closes a chapter in this horrendous case," said Michael Ahern, acting chief postal inspector in charge of the Los Angeles division, whose agents investigated the bombing. "We're looking to the trials of the remaining two defendants." Ahern and his agents doggedly

pursued Manning and his wife and fought for their extradition from Israel. Prosecutors have said that Ross

was embroiled in a real .estate dispute and lawsuit with Wilkerson's employer, Brenda Crouthamel-Adams, who ran the computer firm ProWest with her husband. Ross enlisted the Mannings to build and mail the bomb, prosecutors said.

Crouthamel-Adams was too busy to open the cardboard box when it arrived, so she left it on Wilkerson's chair, prosecutors said. When Wilkerson

EX-JDL ACTIVIST GETS LIFE TERM IN BOMB DEATH

unwrapped the package later in the day, she found a metal device, prosecutors said. Accompanying it were instructions to plug it into an electrical outlet to hear a recorded message. Wilkerson plugged in the device, triggering a blast that killed her and destroyed the Pro West offices. Robert manning also has been

named by federal authorities as the prime suspect in the 1985 bombing death in Santa Ana of Alex Odeh, head of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's western office. Manning has not been charged in that case. And he is a suspect in several other bombings linked to the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, a militant Jewish leader assassinated in New York in 1990, officials said. After Odeh' s death, the

Mannings moved to Israel. Meanwhile, investigators in this country found the couple's fingerprints on the carton in which the bomb that killed Wilkerson had been sent. In June, 1988, Rochelle Manning

returned to the United States, where she and Ross were tried in the Wilkerson killing. Both were released after a jury was unable to reach a verdict. Rochelle Manning then returned to Israel.

(Editor=This article describes the recent case in which a SCAFO member offered the testimony "It is not the left thumb of Mr. Manning" in an opposing opinion to the Postal Authorities' testimony that the print was that of Mr. Manning. An allegation of misconduct against the member was made at the February S.C.A.F.D. meeting.]

(The following is a story which appeared in the Los Angeles Times Oil

Tuesday, February 8,1994) From STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

A former Jewish Defense League activist was sentenced to life in prison Monday for his role in the 1980 mail bomb death of a secretary at a Manhattan Beach computer company.

Robert Manning, 42, fought extradition from Israel for nearly two years before he was returned to Los Angeles and convicted Oct. 14 of mailing the explosive package that killed 32-year-old Patricia Wilkerson. U.S. District Judge Dickran

Tevrizian cited the "callous" and "hideousnature of Manning's crime in sentencing him to the maximum term. Manning will be eligible for parole in 30 years.

"Mr. Manning, in this court' s opinion, is clearly a danger to society," Tevrizian said, adding that the life sentence is commensurate with Manning's "utter disregard for the public." Before he was sentenced,

Manning denied involvement in what he called a "horrible crime" and asked the judge to recommend that he be imprisoned in Israel.

"This whole thing is sickening to me," Manning said. "I wouldn't have anything to do with this sort of thing." Manning's attorney, who had

asked at the start of the court session to be removed from the case, told Tevrizian after the sentence was pronounced that his client should be eligible for parole after 10 years. Attorney

Report of Special Investigation by Executive Board

(This report presents the findings of the Executive Board of the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers regarding the allegations made at the February 1994 meeting.)

A review was made of the prints in question and the transcripts of Mr. Ebner Lee Smith's testimony in the following four cases: United States of America vs. Manning CR-88-563-DT; California vs. Reyes A590802; California vs. Vargas A887216; and California vs. Fowler CR 56979. In all of the above cases latent print examiners testified to positive identifications, and in all four cases Mr. Smith testified that the prints were not that of the defendant. One of the basic tenets of

friction skin identification is that every area of friction skin is unique. In other words, every single identifiable print found at a crime scene could have only

THE PRINT will publish material relating to the science of . mction{ikin identification. crime scene investigation. photography or

:: related rQitterial contributing to the promotion of our association's ' \pUlposes·>lt will also serve as minutes for the association's meetings. T9. this ~~d;tpe editor requests any person with original material or pteyiously published material of interest to submit it for publication consideration, Tpe editor would also appreciate any helpful criticism. which'could benefit the publication and/or organization.

\\\.; ..... ::: ·~~~~~~~~ir;IkPL .. >, .{. Los Angeles, CA 90057-2404 . i .. ·····Wotk (213r974~4665·

FAX (213) 413-4285

been made by one person. This fact has been well established through much scientific research. When there is a differing of

conclusions between two latent print examiners as to the source or origin of a latent print, one of the examiners must be in error. It is impossible for one latent print examiner to state that a print was made by one person and another examiner to establish that the print was made by someone else, without one of the examiners being wrong. This is an absolute! Since it is physically

impossible for more than one person to have the same fingerprints, opposing conclusions by latent print examiners are factually impossible and therefore unacceptable. The providing of a false conclusion by a latent print examiner in a court of law

is a major problem, and if left unchecked, will discredit friction skin evidence within the criminal justice system. When problems of this nature

occur, particularly involving a member of this Association, it is our obligation as a professional organization to establish which conclusion is correct and address the problem. The Association's review of

the prints in question show all four identifications to be valid and correct. In light of this review it is clear that Mr. Smith has provided erroneous or false testimony on the stated occasions in both state and federal courts. When questioned on the witness stand during vc ir dire examination, he has used his status as a Past-President and member of this organization to provide credibility to his false testimony. Conduct of providing false or erroneous conclusions as testimony is unacceptable. Mr. Smith's conduct directly

violates Article 8 of our By-Laws and the purposes and objectives of this organization. The charges made against him have been found to be true. These findings of the investigation by the Executive Board were presented to the general membership at the March 5, 1994 meeting of this organization. It is the decision of the Executive Board that the membership of Mr. Elmer Lee Smith in the

. Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers be revoked.

Letter from the President

Welcome to another great issue of the Print. Alan McRoberts has been doing a great job publishing very interesting articles concerning latent print cases. Within this issue is an article by Bill Leo which discusses a very important topic to which all within our field should give particular attention. This type of debate is one that really challenges a latent print expert, especially in court when explanations are necessary in order to substantiate one's testimony. I encourage all to review the resources which are listed at the end of the article, so that one's knowledge can be strengthened in our science.

As our Annual Seminar approaches, co-chairmen Doug Duckson and Jim Lawson invite suggested topics and speakers to aid them in preparing the program. Please contact them with your suggestions. In addition, Diana Castro is seeking volunteers to assist her with the SCAFO table at the CSDIAI training seminar. This table will supply information and promotion material regarding our fine Association. As of this writing, Jack Fives' medical condition

remains the same and our warm thoughts are with him and Ius family during this trying time. Well wishes can be sent to the LASD Latent Print Unit and they will forward them to Jack's family.

My congratulations to our member, Lisa DiMeo, for speaking on a very interesting topic at the March meeting in Del Mar. The Vacuum Metal Deposition process is of much interest. To actually hear about the techniques and her experience regarding several case prints was enlightening. In closing, I would like to remind everyone that Mary

Nolte will be hosting the April meeting which is Past-Presidents' Night. The date has been moved to Saturday, April 9th. Please try to attend to honor those individuals who have given so much to this Organization and made it what it is today. I hope to see you all at the Royal Cut in Ontario. Warm Regards,

Clark Fogg

March Meeting Minutes March 5, 1994 Del Mar Hilton Clint Fullen

Amounts Dispersed 35 Dinners $793.60 Door Prizes 0

Date: Location: Host:

Amounts Received 34 Dinners @ $23.00 Door Prizes Fines Totals

$782.00 35.00 6.50

$823.50 $793.60 Net Gain $29.90

Attendance Drawing 0 The meeting was called to order at 2015 hours by President

Clark Fogg. Flag salute was led by Past President Alan McRoberts. Past Presidents in attendance were: Joe Mann, Alan McRoberts, and Tim Golt. Program:

Vacuum Metal Depostion "Its value in developing archival prints" Lisa DiMeo, Deputy, Scientific Investigations Division San Diego Sheriff's Department

Old Business: Swear in of new member Georgina Holmes--San Diego P.D.

by Past President Alan McRoberts. Second Reading: (and motion to accept)

Mike Yandell--San Bernardino P.D. Dennis Uyeda=California D.O.J. Motion by Kathleen Gonzales-Buena Park P.D. 2nd by Diana Castro--L.A.P.D

President Fogg reported to the membership the results of the investigation by the executive board relating to charges alleged at the February meeting. The findings were that Past President Elmer Lee Smith had violated the Bylaws of this organization and is now expelled from the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers. (see Report of Investigation by the Executive Board on page 9 of this issue.) New Business:

First Reading: Kathleen Gonzales, a Forensic Science Student for Associate Membership recommended by Robert Goss

Announcements: The condition of Jack Fives has not improved from what was

reported last month. (See the information his son provided elsewhere in this issue.) He is currently in Room 432 of the "Transitional Care Unit" at Henry Mayo Hospital in Newhall Ca.

Doug & Adrianne Duckson announced that they are expecting their third child--Congratulatiolls. Attendance Drawing:

Not won by Tom Mathisen, Deborah Coats, or Trish Sharkey '$35.00 next month

Door Prizes: The door prizes were donated by the FuHens-- Thank you. Door prizes were won by everyone present.

The meeting was adjourned at 2120 hours.

THE PRINT is the official publication of Southern California Association of Fingerprint 0ffice,.s (SCAFO). The information in this publication is offered to the membership without guarantees, nor endorsements. Statements, opinions or views expressed in THE PRINT are not necessarily those of the association or its officers. Some articles may contain descriptions of processes utilizing chemicals or combinations of chemicals which may be hazardous to the user's health. It is recommended that proper precautions be taken when using any chemicals. Reproduction of THE PRINT, in whole or in part, for educational or scientific purposes is permitted -- provided proper citation of the source is noted.

"Every man owes a pan of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No mall has a moral right to withhold his support from all organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere. "

- President Theodore Roosevelt -1908

Employment Opportunities

Latent Print Examiner Printrak Intemational Inc. is currently looking for an

experienced latent print examiner, preferably certified, to join the Sales and Marketing team. The position will be based at the Southern Califomia Headquarters office in Anaheim. Extensive travel is required.

Salary to be negotiated

Please send resume to:

Mr. David McNeff Vice President of Sales Printrak International Inc. 1250 N. Tustin Ave. Anaheim, CA 92807

Latent Print Examiner The San Diego Police Dept is currently recruiting to fill one

Latent Fingerprint Examiner vacancy in the Forensic Science Section.

Salary:

Contact:

$3,141 -$3,797 monthly

City of San Diego Employment Information Center (619) 236-6467

S.C.A.F.D. will be hosting an information table at the

California State Division International Association for Identification's

78th Annual Training Conference

Any S.C.A.F.O. member attending the conference who can assist in this effort

please contact:

Diana Castro at (213) 485-5364

Bill Leo Secretary-Treasurer 2020 West Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles. CA 90057-2404 (213) 974-4605 (213) 413-4285 FAX $20.00 yearly subscription (attendance requiredfor initial membership) Marty A. Langley Secretary P.O. Box 19836 Sacramento. CA 95819-0836 (916) 227-3294 (916) 456-5852 FAX $25.00 yearly membership

Forensic Specialist/Lead Forensic Specialist The Orange County (Califomia) Sheriff's Dept. is seeking

applicants for the position of Forensic Specialist/Lead Forensic Specialist.

Salary: Forensic Specialist $2156-$2886 Lead Forensic Specialist $2733-3687

Maggie Black Supervising Forensic Specialist Orange County Sheriff Forensic Science Services 320 N. Flower Santa Ana, CA. 92703 (714) 834-4525

Contact:

For subscription or membership information contact:

S.C.A.F.O.

C.S.D.I.A.I.

I.A.I. Ashley R. Crooker. Jr. Secretary-Treasurer P.O. Box 2423 Alameda. CA 94501-2423 (510) 865-2174 (510) 865-2167 FAX $50.00 yearly membership

A TIP FOR THE BETTER WAY

TO FINGERPRINT

Don't Keep Your Department

Chained To Messy Ink & Smeared Prints

Take the TIP and ... Send for our complete

products catalog and break that chain.

i_ldenticator CORPORATION

4051 Glencoe Avenue. Marina del Rey. CA 90292 Phone (310) 305-8181 - Fax (310) 578-1910

rati.Utal

ariatian

f02J J)brnti~tlon CALIFORNIA STAT. DIVISION

t0tZ-Ls;006 V:) 'sdpzluy so1'PAIS: AIJdAdS: lSdJ\:\ ozoz

·o·tr

v·:::rs

....................................... �

.................................................................................................. a

in this issue pg. 1 Friction Skin

4

5

7

8

Identification -- A Scientific Approach March Meeting Presentation Vacuum Metal Deposition "Its Value In Developing Archival Prints" Separating Fin$erprint Fact From Fiction "Jack Fives" Stricken by Heart Failure Ex-JDL Activist Gets Life Term in Bomb Death

9 Report of Special Investi�ation by Executive Board

10 President's Letter Mar. Meeting Minutes

11 Announcements

April 9, 1994

April 18- 21, 1994

-- Upcoming Eflents/Schools/Seminars --

S.C.A.F.0. Past President's Night Host Mary Nolte -- Omnichrome

C.S.D.l.A.l. 78th. Annual Training SeminarTenaya Lodge at Y06emite, CA

Apri I 25 - May 6, 1994 Field Evidence Technician Course C.S.U.L.B. - Criminal Justice Center

May 7, 1994

June 6, 1994

June 13- 24, 1994

July

July 24 - 30, 1994

Sept 10, 1994

October 19 - 22, 1994

July 1995

S.C.A.F.O. MeetingHost Jim Lawson -- NCIS-San Diego

S.C.A.F.O. Meeting Host Lynet te Atwood-- Long Beach P.D.

Field Evidence Technician Course C.S.U.L.B. -- Criminal Justice Ce.nter

No S.C.A.F.O. Meeting

I.A.I. 79th Annual Training SeminarPhoenix.AZ

4th Annual S.C.A.F.O. Training Seminar (location to be announced)

Personal Identification Course Pasadena. CA

C.A.C. & Forensic Science Socie'

I.A.I. 80th Annual Training Seminat­Costa Mesa. CA •

�o.&tn CaD[ouzia df ,.waia/;wn. of 9"'9

r,r/ni.nt {) {fkm

dfn. df'-Waia/;wn. fo• .,SaiuJJ.fk JJn.r:rr..J.uJalion. anJ 1fJr.nu/kalion. .,Sin.er. 1937