Forensic Students Investigate Fingerprints

At Penn-Trafford High School, Mr. Jim Rocco’s Forensics students are sharpening their investigative skills by studying fingerprint analysis. 

 

The class is learning how to identify minutiae - unique ridge characteristics within fingerprints - to compare suspect prints with those collected from evidence. This hands-on lesson helps students understand one of the most important techniques used in real-world crime scene investigations.

 

11th-grader Aiden Drotos identifies minutiae with a magnifying glass

11th-grader Aiden Drotos identifies minutiae with a magnifying glass

 

Senior Leah Vislosky records her observations

Senior Leah Vislosky records her observations

 

Senior Josh Boss compares fingerprints in search of matching features

Senior Josh Boss compares fingerprints in search of matching features