Fingerprints

* Reviews *

Law enforcement has long sought a reliable way of identifying individuals, a method that would provide absolute proof that someone is who they say they are (or reveals they are not who they say they are). Chana Stiefel uses true stories to illustrate the history of such attempts from Bertillons system of body measurement (developed in the early 1800s), through the emergence of fingerprinting in the 1870s, to its routine use by law enforcement in the early twentieth century. Stiefel guides the reader through the first investigation of the crime scene, proceeding through fingerprint analysis and presenting expert testimony at trials. Her account of cases of mistaken identity from incorrect analysis illustrates the weaknesses in the fingerprinting system. Modern technology offers solutions for the future: the Next Generation Identification system will use biometrics, a combination of fingerprinting, DNA information, patterns in the iris, facial recognition and psychological profiles to identify individuals. The thorny subject of privacy versus security is presented in a series of questions that can stimulate discussion and debate. Colorful photographs and graphics, as well as extensive sidebars set in contrasting type, add detailed information that support the text. Stiefel writes clearly and compellingly on a complex topic, using imagined conversations and eye-witness perspectives to bring the stories to life. This book is one in the True Forensic Crime Stories series and concludes with chapter notes/bibliography, a glossary, a list of resources titled Further Reading, and an index. Steifels book would be a good addition to a middle school or high school library or class about forensics and criminology., Children's Literature