Criminal identification by means of fingerprints is one of the most potent factors in obtaining the apprehension of fugitives who might otherwise escape arrest and continue their criminal activities indefinitely. This type of identification also makes possible an accurate determination of the number of previous arrests and convictions, which of course results in the imposition of more equitable sentences by the judiciary, in as much as the individual who repeatedly violates the law finds it impossible to pose successfully as a first or minor offender. In addition, this system of identification enables the prosecutor to present his case in light of the offender’s previous record. It also provides the probation officers, parole board and the governor with definite information upon which to base their judgement in dealing with criminals in their jurisdictions.
From earliest times, fingerprinting, because of its peculiar adaptability to the field has been associated in the lay mind with criminal identification to the detriment of the other useful phrases of the science. However, the Civil The file of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File. These civil fingerprints are an invaluable aid in identifying amnesia victims, missing persons, and unknown deceased. In the latter category, the victims of major disasters may be quickly and positively identified if their fingerprints are on file, thus providing a humanitarian benefit is not usually associated with fingerprint records.
The use of fingerprints for identification purposes is based upon distinctive ridge outlines which appear on the bulbs on the inside of the end joints of the fingers and thumbs. These ridges have definite contours and appear in several general pattern types, each with general and specific variations of the pattern, dependent on the shape and relationship of the ridges. The outlines of the ridges appear most clearly when inked impressions are taken upon paper so that the ridges are black against a white background. This result is achieved by the ink adhering to the friction ridges. Impressions may be made with blood, dirt, grease or any other foreign matter present on the ridges, or the saline substance emitted by the glands through the ducts or pores which constitute their outlets. The background or medium may be paper, glass, porcelain, wood, cloth, wax, putty, silverware or any smooth, non-porous material.
1. In the second paragraph, what is the function of the sentence, however, the Civil File of the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation contains three times as many fingerprints as the Criminal File?(A) To explain how fingerprints can have humanitarian uses such as helping to identify victims of natural disasters.
(B) To illustrate the importance of fingerprints in different fields.
(C) To state that the Civil File of the FBI has more fingerprints than does the Criminal File.
(D) To point out that fingerprints have another more important use that is different from the one that is commonly perceived by the people.
(E) To conclude that fingerprints play an important secondary role in civil society as well.
2. From the information in the passage, which of the following can be most properly inferred?(A) Fingerprint impressions obtained with the use of ink are better than those obtained using substances such as dirt or grease.
(B) Fingerprints have many more uses in the criminal investigation than they do in civil cases.
(C) The matching of fingerprints is the most foolproof way of apprehending hardened criminals.
(D) The use of fingerprint records helps the justice system deliver more equitable sentences.
(E) The presence of saline substances on the ridges of fingertips makes it difficult to get a definite fngerprint impression.
3. What is the main purpose of the author in writing the passage?(A) To explain the need for collecting fingerprints.
(B) To advocate the study of civil fingerprints to assist the judiciary.
(C) To analyse the implications of maintaining a database of fingerprints.
(D) To praise the advocates for bringing to justice the repeat offenders.
(E) To discuss the history, usefulness and mode of collecting fingerprints.
4. According to the information in the passage, the impressions of the fingerprints can be obtained from all of the following, EXCEPT:(A) Saline substances
(B) Ink
(C) Grease
(D) Wax
(E) Perspiration